Long-tail keywords aren’t just longer; they’re also more specific. And using long-tail keywords in search engine optimization (SEO) can have a lot of benefits. Ranking for long-tail keywords can garner more organic traffic to your website, allowing more people to find you. To further emphasize the importance of using long-tail keywords in SEO, we’ve highlighted some key benefits.
Higher Conversion Rates
Long-tail keywords have an average conversion rate of 36%, which is generally higher than short-tail keywords. This high conversion rate is mainly due to the content being more targeted to the user’s needs. There’s also a lower level of risk and difficulty moving up the results page.
Search Intent
Search intent has to do with the purpose of a search query. And by using long-tail keywords, you can have a better understanding of the reasons behind a search. It also helps you sort potential customers from regular browsers.
Let’s take the short-tail keyword “graphic design,” for example. Now, the common assumption for this keyword is that the user is looking to hire graphic design services. However, this is not always the case. By using the long-tail keyword “affordable graphic design classes for beginners,” you can actually see that the user’s search intent isn’t to hire someone but to learn.
Less Competition
Some keywords may have a higher search volume, but that also often means fiercer competition. So, using popular short-tail keywords can often give smaller businesses a lower chance of ranking.
On the other hand, long-tail keywords often yield lower search volumes than short-tail searches. This makes it easier to rank since there would typically be less competition. However, lower search volumes also mean fewer clicks.
So, on one end of the SEO spectrum, we have short-tail keywords with high search volumes but much larger competition. And on the other end, there are long-tail keywords with less competition but fewer clicks. So, the key would be to strike the right balance.
Go for long-tail keywords you know your niche target market would be searching for. This way, you can rank for these keywords and hopefully convert potential customers.
Voice Search Optimization
Voice search has had growing popularity in recent years. It allows users to make hands-free searches and multi-task. For example, when your hands are busy, you can use voice search to input your query. It also improves road safety, as you don’t need to take your hands off the steering wheel to search for something. And perhaps the best part of voice search is that it is inclusive. It allows amputees and people with mobility problems to use search engines with just their voice.
So, with the popularity of voice search, websites are now looking to improve their website for voice search optimization. And one way to do so is with long-tail keywords. You see, when people use voice search, they tend to use longer keywords. These just feel more natural to say out loud than short-tail keywords. So, by using long-tail keywords in your SEO, you can optimize your website for voice search and get ahead of your competitors.
In Summary
While long-tail keywords may yield lower search volumes, there are some benefits to using them in SEO. They generally have a higher conversion rate and less competition. Long-tail keywords also help you understand the user’s search intent and allows you to sort out potential customers from mere browsers. Lastly, long-tail keywords are great for voice search optimization.
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