

A Guide to Longtail Keywords
We know that keywords are an important component of SEO. However, when people search for items, they often will type it in multiple times as they learn that they need to be more and more specific. This is known as the long tail of search. Although these phrases are not searched as often as simple keywords, they are narrower and more focused, resulting in less competitive searches. You have a much better chance of appearing in the search.
Longtail keywords are not difficult to come up with. You probably do it on a daily basis when you open up your browser. Tired of going to Starbucks everyday? You might type in “small coffee shops near me.” Have an illness that won’t go away? “What are the symptoms of pneumonia?” Longtail keywords can easily be included in your SEO tactics.
A Guide to Longtail Keywords
When trying to think of longtail keywords, draw on all of your previous knowledge on that subject matter. If it is a product that you are promoting, consider the unique qualities of the product and include these in your longtail keywords. Think of how you can connect related topics, or the way that people link them together in their minds. Once you have an idea, which could be a whole list of potential longtails, test them out. Begin typing them into Google. As you type, suggestions will drop down beneath the text box. This gives you an idea of what others have searched frequently. Through this exercise, you will be able to determine which longtail keywords are the most popular. It will guide you to the ones that are best for you.
Trends can also influence which longtail keywords would be the most effective. By staying up to date with the buzz on social media, you can play into that traffic by using those keywords as they apply to your content. Whatever is currently “hot” in your field has the potential to bring more internet users your way if you leverage that interest and direct it your way. Of course, you will still encounter competition even though you have narrowed the scope of the search with longtail keywords. If you choose ones that are too narrow, they will very rarely show up in people’s searches. You must find the right balance of focused, but not so narrow that only a very small number would think of it.
Because longtail keywords are focused, the visitors of your website are much more likely to purchase your product or service. Ideally, it is exactly what they were looking for. Longtails might be used less than simple, short keywords, but the users know what they want at this point and will be happy that they have found you. They have come to the right place.