When it comes to optimizing a website for search engines, keyword research and analysis is an essential process. One of the strategies that SEO experts use is targeting long tail keywords. In this article, we will explain what long tail keywords are and why it is important for a company to use them in their SEO optimization strategy.
What are Long Tail Keywords?
Long tail keywords are phrases that consist of three or more words and are specific to a certain topic or niche. Compared to short-tail keywords, which are broad and generic, long tail keywords are more targeted and have less competition. For example, a short-tail keyword would be «shoes,» while a long tail keyword would be «red running shoes for women.»
Why Use Long Tail Keywords in SEO Optimization Strategy?
1. Higher Conversion Rate
One of the main advantages of using long tail keywords is that they result in higher conversion rates. When a user searches for a specific phrase, they are more likely to find exactly what they are looking for, and therefore more likely to make a purchase or convert in some way. This is especially true for e-commerce websites, where users are often looking for a specific product.
For example, let’s say you are an online store selling shoes. If you rank for the keyword «shoes,» you may get a lot of traffic, but most of those visitors may just be browsing. However, if you rank for the long tail keyword «red running shoes for women,» you are more likely to attract visitors who are specifically looking for that product and are closer to making a purchase.
2. Less Competition
Another advantage of targeting long tail keywords is that there is less competition. Short tail keywords are often highly competitive, which means that it can be difficult to rank for them. Long tail keywords, on the other hand, have less competition, and therefore it may be easier to rank for them.
For example, if you are a small business that sells running shoes, it may be tough to rank for the keyword «running shoes.» However, if you target the long tail keyword «best running shoes for flat feet,» you may have a better chance of ranking higher in search results.
3. Improved Content Relevance
Using long tail keywords can also help you improve the relevance of your content. By targeting specific phrases that are related to your niche, you are more likely to create content that is useful and valuable to your target audience. This can lead to higher engagement, more time spent on your website and ultimately, higher search engine rankings.
For example, if you are running a blog on fitness, rather than focusing on short-tail keywords like «fitness,» targeting long tail keywords such as «30-minute home workouts for beginners» or «healthy breakfast ideas under 300 calories» would help you create more specific and valuable content.
4. Voice Search Optimization
In the age of smart speakers and virtual assistants, more users are relying on voice search to find information online. Long tail keywords are particularly important for optimizing voice search queries. Since voice search queries are often longer and more conversational, targeting long tail keywords can help you ensure that your content is optimized for voice search.
In Conclusion
In summary, long tail keywords are a valuable tool for a company’s SEO optimization strategy. They can help improve the relevance of the content, attract more targeted traffic, and improve conversion rates. By targeting less competitive and more specific phrases, companies can build a more effective and successful SEO strategy.