Most content doesn’t rank not because it’s bad, but because it’s trying to compete for keywords that are way too broad.
Think about who you’re competing with if you were trying to rank for “sneakers” — Nike, Adidas, DSW… Unless you’re as big as them, you have zero chance of beating them in search results.
But what if you changed your keyword to “size 12 women’s sneakers for running long distance”? You weed out everyone looking for kids’, basketball, men’s, or fashion shoes. The longer keyword removes people you don’t want on your website and specifically targets those you do want shopping with you.
That’s the power of long-tail keywords. This strategy focuses on specific phrases or questions your ideal client is already typing into Google.
So how do you find long-tail keywords that will help you rank in search results? Let’s get into it.
Table of contents
What Are Long-Tail Keywords?
You might be asking yourself, “What the heck are long-tail keywords?” They could be the secret weapon you need to level up your SEO game.
Think of long-tail keywords as the opposite of short and sweet. Instead, they’re longer phrases that are more specific and targeted. For example, “sneakers” might be a short-tail keyword, while “size 12 men’s basketball sneakers” would be a long-tail keyword.
You’re being much more specific about the type of traffic you want landing on your website. And the more specific you can be, the fewer website bounces you’ll get. People will find what they need, and Google will love you for providing a positive experience.
How AI is Impacting Search
I want to make this little note before we get into how to find long-tail keywords. AI is obviously impacting how people search and the types of search results that appear on Google.
People are leaning toward more question-based searches, which are, in essence, long-tail keywords. They’re typing full sentences into Google and AI tools to get specific answers.
What does this mean for you?
SEO tools might show no volume for super long keywords like this, but we know this is how people are searching. I wouldn’t lean too heavily on SEO tools to dictate your keyword strategy.
It also means people expect very clear answers to their questions right away. They don’t want to scan through a bunch of blogs to find what they need. They want their question answered clearly and concisely.
Keep that in mind as we go through how to find long-tail keywords! We are looking for question-based keywords.
What are the Benefits of Targeting Long-Tail Keywords?
Longer keywords offer several benefits over short-tail keywords. Here’s why they matter:
Less Competition
When you’re trying to rank for a broad term like “sneakers,” you’re up against every brand on the planet. But when you go after a longer keyword like “size 12 men’s basketball sneakers,” you’re facing less competition and have a better chance of ranking higher and more quickly.
Higher Conversion Rates
Because long-tail keywords are more specific, the people who find your content are more likely to be interested in what you’re offering. That means they’re more likely to stay on your site, engage with your content, and even make a purchase.
Better Targeting
With longer keywords, you can target your content to very specific audiences. This can help you build a loyal following and establish yourself as an authority in your niche.
More Content Opportunities
Instead of trying to rank one broad blog post, long-tail keywords give you dozens of focused content ideas that are easier to write about.
If you want to write about SEO strategy, break it into more specific topics, like:
- What is domain authority?
- The best SEO tools
- An inside look at your SEO strategy
- What to do if your SEO strategy isn’t working
- How to optimize images
Tons of ideas can come from one broad topic.
7 Ways to Find Long-Tail Keywords
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to finding long-tail keywords, but you might try these strategies to get started.
1. Start with a core topic.
Think in themes, not just keywords. This can help you when you have no idea what to write about. What else would someone want to know about the topic you have in mind? Can you get more granular in explaining a concept? Can you answer a specific question?
2. Use Google autocomplete.
Use Google’s auto-suggest feature to see what people are searching for. Type your topic into Google, and before hitting enter, see how it suggests completing your query. These are popular ideas or questions people are searching for.
3. See what keywords your competitors use.
Analyzing the keywords that your competitors are using. You can use an SEO tool to help you find the keywords they’re ranking for. You could also type some keywords into Google and see if they appear in search results. Or stalk their website and see what topics they’re writing about.
4. Look at ‘People Also Ask’ on Google.
I love this little hack. People Also Ask are actual questions people are searching, and you can use these as long-tail keywords in your blogs or make them their own blog posts. I like to use People Also Ask questions as an FAQ section at the bottom of my blogs.
5. Scroll to related searches.
Another hack on Google search results is to look at related searches at the bottom of page 1. These keywords are great for expanding variations and finding new angles on your topic ideas.
6. Think like your ideal client.
Think about what phrases your customers might use when they’re looking for your product or service. How would they search for it? Do they know exactly what solution they need, or are they researching?
7. Use SEO tools.
SEO tools can help you understand the search volume, competition, and search intent around long-tail keywords. Enter the keyword or topic you had in mind and see the analytics not just around those terms, but also other related keywords. Sometimes the suggestions make great keyword ideas!
Long-Tail Keywords Are Where Real Growth Happens
Learning how to find long-tail keywords might not be the sexiest topic in the world, but it’s incredibly powerful. By incorporating more specific keywords in your blog, SEO metadata, and website copy, you can earn more qualified traffic to your website.
Keyword research and analysis is one of the many components offered as part of our Woods MarCom’s strategy service. Reach out and contact us if you want to level up your website and start leveraging a stronger keyword strategy. Your rankings–and your bottom line–will thank you.
FAQs About Finding Long-Tail Keywords
A long-tail keyword is a more specific search phrase, usually 3+ words. This makes it specific enough to weed out some traffic and attract highly qualified people.
They’re usually more specific, and there’s typically less competition. You’re not trying to outrank massive brands for broad terms, which makes it much more realistic to show up in search results.
Search for it yourself. Look at what’s currently ranking—are the results blog posts, product pages, or something else? Make sure your content aligns with what Google already favors. You can also use an SEO tool like SEMrush to help you understand the search intent behind a long-tail keyword.
They should be a big part of your strategy, especially if your site is newer or still growing. Over time, consistently ranking for long-tail keywords can help you build authority and eventually compete for broader terms.
