Trying to rank for those big, broad keywords can feel like trying to climb a mountain in heels. You’re up against industry giants with massive budgets and SEO teams.
But here’s the thing—you don’t have to play their game.
There’s a smarter, sassier way to get ahead, and it all starts with long-tail keywords.
What Are Long-Tail Keywords?
Long-tail keywords are specific, multi-word phrases that dig deep into what your audience is searching for. They usually consist of 3+ words and are more detailed compared to short, generic keywords.
Unlike short-tail keywords like "running shoes," long-tail keywords are hyper-focused, such as "best running shoes for flat feet women."
Examples of Long-Tail vs. Short-Tail Keywords:
Let’s break it down with some real-world examples:
Short-tail keyword: “running shoes”
Broad, general, and highly competitive.
Long-tail keyword: “best running shoes for flat feet women”
Targeted, specific, and more likely to convert because it attracts people who know exactly what they want.
If you want a complete breakdown on how to do keyword research, join my FREE masterclass!
Why They’re Called Long-Tail Keywords
The term "long-tail" comes from the concept of the long tail in SEO, where less common, niche keywords (which individually have lower search volume) collectively make up the majority of searches.
These keywords may not bring in huge traffic numbers on their own, but together they cater to a more niche audience—and here’s the kicker—they often convert better because they match precise search intent. That’s the power of tapping into the long tail!
Why Long-Tail Keywords Are Important for SEO
Less Competition:
Long-tail keywords may not have the massive search volumes that broad keywords get, but that’s actually their secret weapon. Because fewer people are competing for these highly specific phrases, you have a much better chance of ranking higher in search results. Instead of battling thousands of websites for a spot on page one, you're playing in a smaller, less competitive field—giving you the upper hand without needing a massive SEO budget.
Higher Conversion Rates:
Here’s where long-tail keywords really shine: they bring in people who already know what they want. If someone is searching for "best yoga mats for hot yoga," they’re far more likely to click through and make a purchase than someone searching for just "yoga mats." Long-tail keywords attract action-ready users, which means higher conversion rates for you. 🤑
Better Search Intent Matching:
Long-tail keywords allow you to tap directly into your audience’s specific needs and desires. Instead of casting a wide net and hoping for the best, you’re serving content that perfectly matches what they’re searching for. That’s why long-tail keywords result in better engagement—they align closely with your audience's intent, making your content more relevant and valuable.
Catering to Voice Search and Mobile:
With the rise of voice search and mobile browsing, long-tail keywords have become even more critical. People tend to ask specific, conversational questions when using voice assistants like Siri or Google, such as “where can I find gluten-free pizza near me?” These are long-tail search queries! By optimizing for these, you’re meeting the needs of mobile and voice search users, tapping into the growing trend of people searching for exactly what they need in the moment.
How to Find Long-Tail Keywords
Step 1: Use Keyword Research Tools
Google Keyword Planner:
Start by inputting a broad, general keyword related to your business. Google Keyword Planner will then show you a list of long-tail variations, often with lower competition. These long-tail keywords are gold for boosting visibility without getting lost in the SEO battle for high-volume terms.
AnswerThePublic:
This tool is like having a direct line to your audience’s curiosities. AnswerThePublic generates a visual map of questions and queries people are asking around your topic. Each question represents a long-tail keyword opportunity—perfect for creating content that answers exactly what your audience is searching for.
SEMrush & Ahrefs:
These all-in-one SEO tools are a treasure trove for keyword research. Use them to find keyword suggestions, check search volume, and analyze keyword difficulty. Long-tail keywords with moderate search volume and low difficulty are your sweet spot. They give you a chance to rank well without fighting the heavyweights in your industry.
Step 2: Analyze Your Competitors
Check What Your Competitors Rank For:
Tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush allow you to see the keywords your competitors are ranking for. Look for long-tail keywords they might be using successfully or areas where they’ve overlooked valuable keywords. By analyzing their keyword strategy, you can find gaps in the market to exploit with your own content, positioning your brand as the go-to authority on those specific topics.
Step 3: Leverage Google’s Search Suggestions
Google Auto-Suggest and Related Searches:
Ever notice how Google finishes your sentence when you start typing in the search bar? Those auto-suggestions are a great source for long-tail keywords. They reflect real searches people are making. Similarly, scroll to the bottom of Google’s search results page to check the "Related Searches" section. These are often long-tail keyword variations that you can target in your content to better match search intent.
How to Use Long-Tail Keywords in Your Content
Step 1: Focus on Search Intent
Before diving into content creation, it’s crucial to understand the why behind the search. What are people really looking for when they type in a long-tail keyword? Are they looking for answers, ready to buy, or seeking advice?
Tailor your content to match this intent. If your long-tail keyword is “how to choose the best yoga mat for beginners,” your audience is likely looking for guidance. So, your content should focus on helping them make an informed decision, adding value every step of the way.
Step 2: Naturally Incorporate Long-Tail Keywords
On-Page SEO Best Practices:
To make the most of long-tail keywords, use them naturally in key areas of your page. Incorporate them into:
Title tags: This is the first thing search engines and users see. Make it count.
Meta descriptions: Summarize your content with an engaging, keyword-rich meta description to improve click-through rates.
Headers (H1, H2, H3): Break your content into digestible chunks and include long-tail keywords in these headers for better SEO and readability.
Body content: Use long-tail keywords organically within your content. Remember, keyword stuffing (cramming keywords awkwardly into your text) not only reads poorly but can also hurt your rankings. Keep it natural!
Long-Tail Keywords in Blogs, FAQs, and Product Pages:
Blogs, FAQ sections, and product pages are prime real estate for long-tail keywords. For example, a product page for “organic face cream for sensitive skin” should highlight the long-tail keyword in the product title, description, and even the reviews to boost visibility while maintaining flow and readability.
Question: Does blogging actually help SEO?
Step 3: Create Content Around Long-Tail Keywords
Answer Specific Questions:
A lot of long-tail keywords come in the form of questions. For example, “how to train for a half marathon in 12 weeks” is a long-tail keyword that signals a need for specific advice. Create content that addresses these questions head-on—blog posts, guides, or FAQ pages that provide detailed, actionable answers.
Target Long-Tail Keywords with Blog Posts & Guides:
Niche topics can be your ticket to outsmarting larger competitors. Create blog posts and guides dedicated to answering highly specific long-tail queries.
For instance, instead of just writing about “social media marketing,” a more targeted post like “how to grow a brand on Instagram without paid ads” will attract a more focused audience who is ready to act on your advice.
These posts may have smaller search volume but will likely convert higher due to their specificity.
Don't want to DIY all this writing? Then you might want to consider hiring an SEO copywriter
Long-Tail Keywords and Local SEO
How Long-Tail Keywords Boost Local SEO:
Long-tail keywords are a game-changer when it comes to boosting your visibility in local searches.
By incorporating location-specific long-tail keywords, you’re not just attracting searchers from anywhere—you’re capturing people right in your area who are actively looking for what you offer.
For example, a keyword like "best coffee shops in Brooklyn" targets users looking for coffee shops specifically in Brooklyn. These are highly motivated customers who are more likely to convert because they’re ready to take action, whether that means visiting your store or booking a service nearby.
Example of Local Long-Tail Keywords:
Let’s say you run a bakery in Austin. Using generic keywords like “bakery” or “cupcakes” won’t necessarily help you rank for searches in your area. But by using long-tail, location-based keywords like "best gluten-free bakery in Austin" or "where to buy cupcakes in South Austin," you’re catering directly to local searchers who are much more likely to come into your shop.
These hyper-targeted phrases help you rank higher in local search results and put your business in front of the people most likely to walk through your doors.
Learn my exact on-page SEO strategies and DIY SEO! use code 50OFF and save 50% 😊
Measuring the Impact of Long-Tail Keywords
Step 1: Track Keyword Rankings
To measure the success of your long-tail keywords, start by monitoring their rankings in search results. Tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Google Search Console are great for tracking how your long-tail keywords are performing.
These platforms show where your content ranks for specific search terms, giving you insight into how well your optimization efforts are paying off. Set up regular tracking to watch for any shifts in your keyword positions, helping you understand if your content is moving up in rankings or if adjustments are needed.
Step 2: Analyze Traffic and Conversions
Ranking well is great, but you also need to know if it’s driving the right traffic. Using Google Analytics, you can track how much qualified traffic your long-tail keywords are bringing in.
Focus on metrics like session duration, bounce rates, and, most importantly, conversion rates. Are visitors engaging with your content and taking action (e.g., signing up for a newsletter, purchasing a product)?
Long-tail keywords often lead to higher-converting traffic because they match specific search intent, so monitor closely to see if you’re attracting the right audience.
Step 3: Adjust Your Strategy
SEO is an ongoing game. Once you’ve gathered data on how your long-tail keywords are performing, refine your strategy.
If certain keywords are driving strong traffic and conversions, consider doubling down with more content targeting similar long-tail terms.
On the flip side, if some keywords aren’t performing as expected, you may need to adjust by targeting different variations or focusing on new, trending long-tail phrases. Continuously optimizing your strategy ensures you’re staying competitive and capturing the most relevant traffic for your business.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Long-Tail Keywords
Over-Optimization:
While it might be tempting to cram long-tail keywords into your content wherever possible, resist the urge! Keyword stuffing is not only unnatural for readers but also a red flag for search engines.
When you over-optimize, your content starts to feel forced and clunky, which can turn off visitors and even result in ranking penalties. Instead, use long-tail keywords in a natural, conversational way. Focus on delivering value first, and let the keywords fit in organically—your audience and Google will appreciate it.
Ignoring Search Intent:
One of the biggest mistakes is ignoring the actual intent behind long-tail keywords. Just because you’re ranking for a specific long-tail keyword doesn’t mean your content will resonate if it doesn’t meet the searcher’s needs.
Always align your content with what users are truly searching for—whether it’s answers to questions, product recommendations, or tutorials. Matching the content to the search intent ensures that users find value in your site and are more likely to engage or convert.
Not Updating Content Regularly:
SEO is not a set-it-and-forget-it game. Search trends evolve, and so should your content. If you’re not regularly updating your long-tail keyword strategy, you risk losing relevance.
Make it a habit to revisit and optimize your content with fresh, trending long-tail keywords that reflect current search behavior. This keeps your content competitive and ensures you stay visible in search results over time.
Ready to Work With an SEO Strategist for Your Coaching Business?
If you're ready to take your coaching business to the next level, a tailored SEO strategy can be the key to unlocking more visibility, more clients, and more growth. Imagine attracting your dream clients consistently without the constant hustle of chasing leads. With a focused SEO plan, you can turn your content into a powerful tool that works for you 24/7.
Let’s collaborate to create a strategy that aligns with your vision and goals, driving the right traffic to your business. Whether you need help with long-tail keywords, on-page optimization, or boosting your online presence, I’ve got you covered.
Ready to get started? Fill out the inquiry form and let’s make your coaching business more visible, scalable, and successful!
留言