How Many Long Tail Keywords for SEO?

7 min readJul 10, 2023

In the world of SEO, these lesser-known gems can be your secret weapon in driving traffic and boosting your website’s visibility. But how many long tail keywords should you actually use to optimize your content?

In this article, we will delve into the importance of long tail keywords and provide you with valuable insights on finding the right balance for your SEO strategy.

What is a Long-Tail Keyword and Why is it Important for SEO?

In the world of SEO, a long-tail keyword is a specific and highly targeted search query that is typically longer in length.

Unlike broad keywords, which are more general and have higher search volume, long-tail keywords have lower search volume but are easier to rank for due to less competition.

Long-tail keywords are important for SEO because they allow you to narrow down your niche and understand the specific search intent of your target audience.

By focusing on long-tail keywords, you can create content that meets the precise needs of searchers and attract relevant organic traffic to your website.

How to Find Long-Tail Keywords for Your SEO Strategy

Finding long-tail keywords is essential for your SEO strategy. There are several methods you can use to discover these keywords.

One approach is to utilize keyword research tools, which can provide you with keyword ideas based on search volume and competition.

Additionally, analyzing the search queries of your target audience can offer valuable insights into their preferences and interests.

By conducting thorough keyword research, you can uncover long-tail keywords that are relevant to your industry and website.

These keywords will help you create content that aligns with what searchers are looking for and improve the overall quality and relevance of your pages.

How Many Long-Tail Keywords Should You Target?

When it comes to targeting long-tail keywords, it’s important to strike a balance between long-tail and broad keywords.

Broad keywords have higher search volume but also higher competition, making it more challenging to rank for them.

By incorporating a mix of long-tail and broad keywords in your SEO strategy, you can attract a wider range of searchers while still capturing the specific and targeted traffic that long-tail keywords bring.

This approach allows you to maximize your visibility in search results and reach a larger audience.

How to Optimize Your Content Around Long-Tail Keywords

Optimizing your content around long-tail keywords is crucial for SEO success. For starters, it’s essential to understand the searcher intent behind each long-tail keyword.

By knowing what users are looking for when using these keywords, you can tailor your content to match their expectations and provide valuable information.

On-page optimization is another key aspect of targeting long-tail keywords. Make sure to include the long-tail keywords in your page title, headings, meta tags, and throughout the content naturally.

However, don’t overdo it with keyword stuffing, as this can have a negative impact on your search rankings.

Furthermore, creating high-quality, informative, and engaging content around long-tail keywords is essential.

By addressing the specific needs of your target audience, you can attract targeted traffic and increase your chances of converting visitors into customers or leads.

Final Thoughts on Long-Tail Keywords and SEO

In the world of content marketing and SEO, long-tail keywords play a significant role.

Although broad keywords are valuable for attracting high search volume, long-tail keywords provide an opportunity to target a more specific and engaged audience.

When deciding whether to focus on long-tail or broad keywords, it’s important to consider your overall SEO goals and the needs of your target audience.

Both types of keywords have their place in a comprehensive SEO strategy, and finding the right balance is key.

Ultimately, targeting long-tail keywords can lead to higher conversion rates and more qualified leads. By taking the time to research, optimize, and create content around these keywords, you can increase your website’s visibility in search engines and attract the right kind of traffic.

Frequently asked questions

In this FAQ section, we’ll address common questions surrounding How Many Long Tail Keywords for SEO, guiding you through the essential aspects and strategies.

Q: How many long tail keywords should I use for SEO?

A: The number of long tail keywords you use for SEO depends on the size and competitiveness of your market.

Generally, it is recommended to target a mix of long tail and head keywords to maximize your chances of ranking well.

However, there is no specific magic number — it is more about finding the right balance between long tail and head terms.

Q: Why are long tail keywords important for SEO?

A: Long tail keywords are important for SEO because they allow you to target a specific niche or audience. They help you find relevant search traffic with lower search volume, but with higher conversion potential.

By optimizing your content for long tail keywords, you can attract more qualified visitors who are more likely to engage with your website.

Q: How do long tail keywords help in finding the right searcher?

A: Long tail keywords help in finding the right searcher by being more specific and targeting a particular intent.

When someone uses a longer and more specific search term, it indicates that they know what they are looking for and are closer to making a decision.

By optimizing your content for these specific long tail keywords, you increase the chances of attracting the right audience who are ready to take action.

Q: How can I find long tail keywords to use?

A: There are several ways to find long tail keywords. You can start by using a keyword research tool that provides suggestions based on your seed keywords.

Another method is to analyse the search terms people are using to find your website or competitors’ websites.

Additionally, you can leverage tools like Google’s Autocomplete and “Searches related to” to discover long tail keyword opportunities.

Q: Are long tail keywords more valuable than common keywords?

A: Long tail keywords are valuable in their own way. While they may have lower search volume compared to common keywords, they often have higher conversion rates because they attract more targeted and qualified traffic.

Long tail keywords can also be less competitive, making it easier for your website to rank well for those specific terms.

Q: What is the importance of using long tail keywords in a SEO strategy?

A: Incorporating long tail keywords in your SEO strategy helps you target niche audiences and capture highly relevant search traffic.

By utilizing long tail keyword optimization, you can tailor your content to address specific user queries and increase the chances of ranking higher in search engine results pages.

Q: How do long tail keywords differ from head keywords?

A: Long tail keywords differ from head keywords in terms of length and specificity. Head keywords are shorter and more generic, targeting broad search terms with high search volume.

On the other hand, long tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that target narrower search intents.

While head keywords usually have higher competition, long tail keywords are less competitive and can provide more targeted traffic.

Q: Can you provide examples of long tail keywords?

A: Sure! Here are some examples of long tail keywords related to SEO:
- “how to find long tail keywords and use them effectively”
- “benefits of using long tail keywords for better SEO”
- “how long tail keywords can help improve your search visibility”
- “best long tail keyword strategies for website optimization”
- “how to find long tail keywords with low competition”

Q: What are some tips for using long tail keywords effectively?

A: To use long tail keywords effectively, follow these tips:
1. Be specific: Use long tail keywords that accurately describe your content and target audience.
2. Include variations: Use variations of your long tail keywords to capture a wider range of search queries.
3. Use in natural language: Incorporate long tail keywords naturally in your content without overstuffing.
4. Focus on intent: Understand the intent behind the long tail keywords and create content that fulfills that intent.
5. Monitor and refine: Regularly monitor your rankings and website analytics to refine your long tail keyword strategy.
6. Stay relevant: Keep up with the latest trends and search demand to ensure your long tail keywords remain relevant.

Q: Can long tail keywords help with voice search optimization?

A: Yes, long tail keywords can be beneficial for voice search optimization. Voice search queries tend to be longer and more conversational, resembling the structure of long tail keywords.

By incorporating long tail keywords that match the way people speak, you can improve your chances of appearing in voice search results and capturing voice search traffic.