Glossary
What is Long-tail keyword?
A long-tail keyword is a longer, more specific search phrase. It has less volume than a broad term but is easier to rank for and clearer in intent.
Updated
A long-tail keyword is a specific phrase, usually three or more words, such as "how to write a meta description for a blog post" rather than "meta description". Each one is searched less often than a broad term, but together they make up most of all searches.
Why they're worth targeting
- Less competition. Fewer strong pages are aimed at them, so a newer site can rank.
- Clearer intent. The searcher has told you exactly what they want. See search intent.
- Better conversion. Someone searching for something specific is often further along.
- They build authority. A set of well-answered specific pages supports your standing on the wider topic. See topical authority.
How to use them
- Start from a broad topic you want to be known for.
- List the specific questions and variations around it.
- Write one page per phrase, answering it fully.
- Link the pages to each other. See internal linking.
Don't chase a phrase just because it's long: make sure people actually search for it and that your page can be the best answer to it.
Related
- Keyword researchKeyword research is finding the search terms your audience uses, and judging which are worth writing a page for.
- Topic clusterA topic cluster is a group of related pages: a broad pillar page on a subject, and detailed pages on its subtopics that all link back to it.
- Search intentSearch intent is the reason behind a search: what the person wants to find, learn or do. Matching it is the biggest factor in whether a page can rank.