What’s a long-tail keyword?

A long-tail keyword is a more specific and often longer search term that typically contains three or more words. These keywords are highly targeted, focusing on a particular niche or user intent, and they usually have lower search volume but also less competition compared to shorter, broader keywords.
For example:
- Broad keyword: “shoes”
- Long-tail keyword: “women’s waterproof hiking shoes size 8”
Why Are Long-Tail Keywords Important?
- Higher Conversion Rates: Long-tail keywords target users who are further along in the buying process and know exactly what they’re looking for. This leads to higher conversion rates.
- Less Competition: Since long-tail keywords are more specific, they have less competition in search engines, making it easier for your website or content to rank higher.
- Better User Intent Match: These keywords allow you to align more closely with the exact needs of your audience, as they often reflect more precise user queries.
- SEO Benefit: While they may not attract as much traffic as broad keywords, long-tail keywords often lead to more qualified traffic, meaning the visitors are more likely to convert or engage with your content.
In summary, long-tail keywords are a vital part of an effective SEO strategy because they can help attract targeted, ready-to-convert users while facing less competition.