Long-tail keywords are specific search phrases that usually contain more detail than broad keywords. They often reveal a clearer question, problem, audience, location, product need, or stage of decision-making. For example, “SEO” is broad, while “how to do SEO for a new WordPress website” is a long-tail keyword.
Long-tail keywords matter because they can help newer websites target realistic topics, attract more qualified visitors, understand search intent, build helpful topic clusters, and create content that answers specific questions.
Google’s Keyword Planner is designed to help people discover keyword ideas by searching for words and phrases related to a product, service, or business. [797]
Who Is This Topic For?
This guide is for beginner bloggers, affiliate marketers, WordPress users, small businesses, local service providers, freelancers, consultants, eCommerce sellers, course creators, and anyone trying to grow organic traffic through SEO.
Long-Tail Keywords Can Help If You Want To:
- Find realistic topics for a new website
- Get more organic search traffic
- Compete against larger websites strategically
- Attract visitors with a specific need
- Create useful blog posts and tutorials
- Build product reviews and comparison pages
- Grow a local service business
- Build topic clusters
- Improve an affiliate website
- Find content ideas from customer questions
What Is a Long-Tail Keyword?
A long-tail keyword is a detailed search phrase that describes a specific need. The name does not always mean the phrase is physically long, although long-tail keywords often contain three or more words.
Long-tail keywords are usually more specific than broad “head” keywords. They may include question words, product details, audience descriptions, locations, comparisons, costs, problems, or desired outcomes.
Examples
| Broad Keyword | Long-Tail Keyword |
|---|---|
| SEO | How to do SEO for a new WordPress website |
| WordPress hosting | Best WordPress hosting for beginner bloggers on a budget |
| Email marketing | How to start an email list for a small business website |
| Affiliate marketing | How to add an affiliate disclosure to a WordPress blog post |
| Website design | How much does a small business website cost? |
| Local SEO | How to improve Google visibility for a local plumbing business |
| Project management | Best project management tool for freelance designers |
A long-tail phrase often tells you more about what the searcher wants than a broad phrase does.
Long-Tail Keywords vs. Short-Tail Keywords
| Short-Tail Keywords | Long-Tail Keywords |
|---|---|
| Usually broad and general | Usually specific and detailed |
| Often one or two words | Often three or more words, but not always |
| May have higher estimated search volume | May have lower individual search volume |
| Often has unclear search intent | Often has clearer search intent |
| Can be highly competitive | May be less competitive, though not always |
| Can attract a broad audience | Can attract a more targeted audience |
| Example: “WordPress” | Example: “How to install WordPress on SiteGround” |
Neither type is automatically better. Broad keywords can be useful for pillar pages and established websites, while long-tail keywords can help you build focused supporting articles and meet specific visitor needs.
Why Long-Tail Keywords Matter
They Match Specific Search Intent
Long-tail searches often show what the person wants to accomplish. A person searching “best email marketing platform for beginner bloggers” is likely researching a tool, while a person searching “email marketing” could be looking for almost anything.
They Can Be More Realistic for New Websites
New websites may struggle to compete for broad, competitive terms. Starting with specific questions and needs can help you create useful content in areas where the search results may be less dominated by large brands.
They Can Attract More Qualified Visitors
Specific searches often come from people who are closer to taking an action. They may be ready to learn, compare, buy, request a quote, download a resource, or solve a particular problem.
They Help You Create Better Content
A long-tail keyword gives you a clearer topic. Instead of writing a vague article about “SEO,” you can write a practical guide answering “how to find low-competition keywords for a new blog.”
They Support Topic Clusters
Long-tail keywords can become supporting articles around a broad pillar topic. This helps create a clear content structure, relevant internal links, and a more complete resource for readers.
They Can Improve Conversion Opportunities
When an article closely matches a visitor’s need, the next step can be more relevant. A person reading “how to start an email list for a beginner blog” may be interested in a related email marketing guide or a free signup checklist.
Benefits of Long-Tail Keywords
Clearer Content Planning
Specific phrases make it easier to decide what an article should include. You can create content based on clear questions instead of broad assumptions.
Better Audience Understanding
Long-tail keywords show the language, concerns, comparisons, and problems your audience uses. This can improve your articles, product pages, service pages, customer support, and email campaigns.
More Relevant Traffic
A visitor who searches a detailed phrase may be more likely to find your page relevant because the page can directly match their need.
Stronger Internal Linking
Specific supporting articles can link back to broader pillar guides, and pillar guides can link readers to the exact resource they need next.
Useful for Local SEO
Local businesses can use long-tail phrases that include service types, neighborhoods, cities, customer needs, and specific problems.
Useful for Affiliate Content
Affiliate marketers can target product reviews, alternatives, comparisons, pricing questions, feature questions, and “best for” searches that help readers research before purchasing.
Risks and Limitations
Long-Tail Does Not Always Mean Low Competition
Some specific phrases are still highly competitive, especially around high-value products, finance, health, software, travel, insurance, and eCommerce. Always review the actual search results.
Low Volume Can Still Be Useful
Keyword tools may show low or zero search volume for a phrase, but people may search many close variations. A useful page can rank for multiple related searches, not just one exact phrase.
Too Much Specificity Can Limit the Audience
A phrase can become so narrow that very few people need the answer. Use your audience knowledge and business goals to decide whether the topic is worth creating.
Do Not Create Separate Posts for Every Variation
Several phrases may have the same search intent. Do not publish duplicate articles for small wording variations. Create one strong page that naturally covers related terms and questions.
Keyword Tools Are Estimates
Search volume, difficulty, intent labels, and competitor metrics are useful indicators, but they are not guarantees. Use them alongside real SERP research, customer questions, and Search Console data.
Types of Long-Tail Keywords
Question Keywords
Question keywords begin with words such as “how,” “what,” “why,” “when,” “where,” “can,” or “should.”
Examples
- How do I start a WordPress blog?
- What is technical SEO?
- Why is my website not showing on Google?
- Can I use WordPress for affiliate marketing?
- Should I use shared or managed WordPress hosting?
Comparison Keywords
Comparison keywords help people choose between products, tools, services, or methods.
Examples
- SE Ranking vs Semrush for small business
- Shared hosting vs managed WordPress hosting
- MailerLite vs ConvertKit for bloggers
- WordPress vs Wix for affiliate marketing
“Best For” Keywords
These keywords show that a person is looking for a recommendation tailored to a particular audience, use case, budget, or feature need.
Examples
- Best WordPress hosting for beginner bloggers
- Best keyword research tool for small businesses
- Best email marketing platform for affiliate marketers
- Best project management tool for freelancers
Problem-Solving Keywords
Problem-solving keywords describe a specific issue the searcher wants to fix.
Examples
- How to fix a WordPress website not loading
- How to improve a slow WordPress website
- Why is my page not indexed in Google?
- How to fix broken internal links in WordPress
Local Keywords
Local keywords include a city, neighborhood, region, service area, or location-based need.
Examples
- Web designer for small businesses in Portland
- Emergency plumber in [city]
- SEO consultant for local businesses near me
- Affordable website design for restaurants in [city]
Cost and Pricing Keywords
Cost-related searches often come from visitors who are researching a purchase or service decision.
Examples
- How much does WordPress hosting cost per month?
- How much does a small business website cost?
- SE Ranking pricing for small businesses
- Cost of local SEO services for plumbers
Alternatives Keywords
Alternatives keywords often indicate that a searcher is evaluating options or dissatisfied with an existing product.
Examples
- SE Ranking alternatives for beginners
- Best alternatives to Mailchimp for small businesses
- WordPress alternatives for a simple portfolio website
How to Find Long-Tail Keywords
Step 1: Start With a Broad Topic
Choose a broad subject connected to your website, audience, product, or service.
Broad Topic Examples
- SEO
- WordPress hosting
- Email marketing
- Affiliate marketing
- Website design
- Local SEO
- Online course platforms
Step 2: Use Google Autocomplete
Start typing a broad topic in Google and review the suggested searches. These suggestions can reveal common questions and more specific phrasing.
Try Adding Modifiers
- How to
- Best
- For beginners
- For small business
- For bloggers
- Without
- Cost
- Vs
- Alternatives
- Checklist
- Examples
- Near me
- In [city]
Example
Start typing “WordPress hosting for…” and look for suggestions such as “WordPress hosting for beginners,” “WordPress hosting for ecommerce,” or “WordPress hosting for affiliate marketing.”
Step 3: Review “People Also Ask” Questions
Google’s “People also ask” section can reveal related questions. These questions can become article sections, FAQ entries, supporting posts, videos, or lead magnet topics.
Example
Main topic: “How to start a WordPress blog”
Supporting questions may include: “Do I need hosting for WordPress?” “Can I start a blog without coding?” “How much does it cost to start a blog?” and “What should I write about on my blog?”
Step 4: Look at Related Searches
Related searches at the bottom of a Google results page can show other phrases and angles people use when researching the subject.
Use Related Searches to Find:
- Alternative wording
- Beginner questions
- Comparison opportunities
- Cost and pricing questions
- Problem-solving searches
- Product and tool ideas
- Location-specific phrases
Step 5: Use Keyword Tools
Keyword research tools can help generate related phrases, estimate demand, identify questions, and show difficulty scores or competitor data.
Useful Tools
- Google Keyword Planner
- Google Search Console
- Google Trends
- SE Ranking
- Ahrefs
- Semrush
- AnswerThePublic
- Ubersuggest
- Keywords Everywhere
Google Keyword Planner can help generate keyword ideas based on words and phrases connected to your products, services, or business. [797]
Step 6: Use Google Search Console
If your site already receives impressions, Google Search Console can reveal the exact queries where your pages appear. These queries may expose long-tail topics you already have an opportunity to cover.
How to Find Long-Tail Opportunities
- Open Google Search Console
- Select your website property
- Open the Performance report
- Select a date range, such as the last three months
- Open the Queries tab
- Look for detailed phrases with impressions
- Identify questions your current content does not answer fully
- Update the relevant page or create a supporting article
Google Search Console can show query and page data, including clicks, impressions, click-through rate, and position metrics, to help site owners understand how people find their content. [507]
Step 7: Analyze the Actual Search Results
Before creating content, search the phrase in Google. Look at the current results to understand competition and search intent.
Ask:
- What type of content ranks?
- Are the results guides, reviews, product pages, comparisons, videos, or local listings?
- Are smaller websites ranking?
- Are the ranking pages outdated?
- Are important questions unanswered?
- Can you add original examples, research, or experience?
- Can you create a clearer answer for beginners?
- Does the keyword fit your website’s focus?
Do not target a keyword only because a tool gives it a low difficulty score. Make sure you can provide a genuinely useful result.
Step 8: Group Keywords by Search Intent
Several keyword variations may have the same meaning and should usually be addressed in one page. Grouping them prevents you from creating duplicate articles.
Example Keyword Group
| Keyword Variation | Likely Search Intent | Recommended Page |
|---|---|---|
| How to choose WordPress hosting | Informational | One comprehensive hosting guide |
| Choosing WordPress hosting for beginners | Informational | Same hosting guide |
| What WordPress hosting should I use? | Informational / commercial | Same guide with recommendation criteria |
| Best WordPress hosting for beginner bloggers | Commercial research | Separate review or buying-guide page |
Step 9: Create Helpful Content
Long-tail keyword research gives you a topic. Your content still needs to help the reader more than a basic or generic answer would.
Helpful Content Checklist
- Answer the main question early
- Use clear headings and logical sections
- Explain technical terms
- Include practical steps
- Use examples and checklists
- State important limitations
- Use relevant internal links
- Include honest product information
- Disclose affiliate relationships where relevant
- Give readers a useful next step
People-first content should be created for a real audience and aim to provide a satisfying answer to their question—not just repeat a phrase for search engines. [194]
Step 10: Add Internal Links
Link long-tail content to related pillar pages and supporting resources. This helps visitors move from broad information to specific answers.
Example Internal Linking Structure
Pillar page: How to Start a WordPress Blog
Supporting articles: How to Choose a Domain Name, How Much Does WordPress Hosting Cost?, How to Install WordPress, How to Find Low-Competition Keywords, and How to Start an Email List.
Use descriptive anchor text, such as “read our guide to choosing WordPress hosting for beginners,” rather than “click here.”
Long-Tail Keyword Examples by Business Type
For Affiliate Marketers
- Best WordPress hosting for affiliate marketing beginners
- SE Ranking vs Semrush for small business SEO
- Best email marketing tool for a new blog
- How to write an honest affiliate product review
- Best website builder for a one-page portfolio
- How to disclose affiliate links on WordPress
For Local Businesses
- How much does a website cost for a local restaurant?
- SEO services for plumbers in [city]
- How to choose a web designer for a small business
- Emergency roof repair in [city]
- Best accountant for freelancers in [city]
- Local SEO checklist for service businesses
For Bloggers
- How to start a blog on WordPress with no experience
- How to find blog topics people search for
- How often should a beginner blog post for SEO?
- How to add a table of contents to WordPress posts
- How to create a blog content calendar
- How to update old blog posts for better rankings
For eCommerce Websites
- Best [product type] for small apartments
- How to choose the right [product type] size
- [Product A] vs [Product B] for [specific use case]
- How to clean and maintain [product type]
- Is [product type] worth it for beginners?
- Gift ideas for [specific audience]
Programs That Can Help
Google Search
Google Search itself can provide long-tail ideas through autocomplete suggestions, People Also Ask questions, related searches, and current search results.
Google Search Console
Google Search Console shows actual search queries that generate impressions and clicks for your website. Use it to find existing long-tail opportunities and identify pages that need improvement. [507]
Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner can help you discover keyword ideas from words and phrases connected to your business. It is primarily designed for advertising, so use its competition information carefully when planning organic SEO. [797]
SE Ranking
SE Ranking can help generate long-tail suggestions, show keyword difficulty estimates, analyze current search results, research competitors, group topics, and track rankings.
Google Trends
Google Trends can help you compare search interest, identify seasonal trends, and find related topics that may help expand your long-tail keyword list.
AnswerThePublic
AnswerThePublic can help generate question-based keyword ideas and common search phrases related to a topic.
Google Sheets or Notion
Google Sheets and Notion can help organize keyword lists, group related topics, build editorial calendars, plan internal links, and track content status.
Common Mistakes
Assuming Every Long-Tail Keyword Is Easy
Some long-tail terms are still highly competitive. Check the actual search results and assess whether you can create a better answer.
Choosing Keywords Only by Search Volume
Low-volume keywords can still be valuable when they match a specific audience need or a high-value business action.
Writing Separate Posts for Tiny Variations
Do not create multiple articles for phrases with the same search intent. Group related variations into one strong, comprehensive page.
Ignoring Search Intent
A tutorial may not meet the needs of someone looking for a comparison, and a sales page may not help someone searching for a free how-to guide. Match the format to the intent.
Targeting Unrelated Keywords
Keep your website focused. Do not publish unrelated content simply because it looks low competition or has estimated traffic.
Keyword Stuffing
Use long-tail phrases naturally. Repeating the full phrase throughout an article can make the writing awkward and less useful.
Ignoring Existing Search Console Data
Your website may already receive impressions for valuable detailed queries. Use that data to improve existing pages or create relevant supporting content.
Publishing Content Without Original Value
A keyword is only a topic idea. Add helpful steps, real examples, transparent recommendations, current information, useful internal links, and clear answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a long-tail keyword?
A long-tail keyword is a specific search phrase that describes a detailed question, need, audience, product, location, comparison, or problem. It often has clearer search intent than a broad keyword.
How many words is a long-tail keyword?
Long-tail keywords often have three or more words, but there is no strict word-count rule. The important feature is specificity, not length alone.
Are long-tail keywords easier to rank for?
They can be, but not always. Specific searches may have less competition, but you should still review the actual results, search intent, and quality of existing pages before targeting a phrase.
Do long-tail keywords have low search volume?
Often they have lower individual search volume than broad terms. However, a page can rank for many related long-tail variations, and specific visitors may be more likely to take meaningful actions.
Should I target one long-tail keyword per blog post?
Focus each post on one primary topic or intent, then naturally cover closely related long-tail phrases, questions, and subtopics. Do not force unrelated keywords into one page.
Can long-tail keywords increase sales?
They can attract more qualified visitors because they often indicate a specific need or decision. For example, “best email marketing tool for beginner bloggers” may attract readers closer to choosing a platform than the broad phrase “email marketing.”
How do I find long-tail keywords for free?
Use Google autocomplete, People Also Ask questions, related searches, Google Search Console, Google Keyword Planner, Google Trends, customer questions, and relevant forums or community discussions.
Can I rank for a long-tail keyword with zero search volume?
Yes. Keyword tools do not measure every search variation. A helpful page can receive traffic from related phrases even when the exact target phrase shows little or no estimated volume.
Are long-tail keywords good for affiliate marketing?
Yes. They can be especially useful for product reviews, comparisons, alternatives, pricing questions, feature-specific searches, and “best for” recommendations. Use transparent affiliate disclosures and provide honest, useful information.
Should local businesses use long-tail keywords?
Yes. Local businesses can target specific services, customer needs, locations, neighborhoods, and problem-based searches that match how nearby customers search for help.
