Long-Tail Keywords Guide: Find Low Competition Gems

What Are Long-Tail Keywords?

Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific search phrases that typically have lower search volume but also lower competition. The name comes from the shape of a search demand curve—the "long tail" represents the millions of unique, specific searches that collectively make up the majority of all searches.

Examples of long-tail vs. short-tail keywords:

• Short-tail: "running shoes" (high volume, high competition)
• Long-tail: "best running shoes for flat feet women" (lower volume, lower competition)

Why Long-Tail Keywords Are Powerful

1. Lower Competition

Fewer websites compete for specific phrases. A new blog can't realistically rank for "weight loss" but might easily rank for "weight loss meal plan for busy moms."

2. Higher Conversion Rates

People searching specific phrases know exactly what they want. Someone searching "size 10 red Nike Air Max free shipping" is much closer to buying than someone searching "sneakers."

3. Clearer Intent

Long-tail keywords reveal exactly what the searcher needs, making it easier to create content that satisfies them. Ahrefs' research↗ shows that long-tail keywords account for the majority of all searches.

How to Find Long-Tail Keywords

Method 1: Add Modifiers

Take your main keyword and add modifiers:

• Location: "dentist in downtown Seattle"
• Price: "cheap laptop under 500"
• Quality: "best organic dog food"
• Intent: "how to fix leaky faucet"
• Comparison: "iPhone vs Samsung for photography"

Method 2: Use Question Keywords

Questions are naturally long-tail:

• "how do I train my puppy to stop biting"
• "what is the best time to post on Instagram"
• "why is my car making a clicking noise"

Method 3: Keyword Research Tools

Enter your seed keyword and look for longer variations. Most tools show related keywords that include your main term plus additional words.

Long-Tail Keyword Strategy

Create Focused Content

Each piece of content should target one primary long-tail keyword. Answer the specific question or need behind that search.

Build Topic Clusters

Create multiple long-tail articles around a main topic. Link them together to build topical authority. For example:

• Main topic: Running shoes
• Long-tail 1: "best running shoes for marathon training"
• Long-tail 2: "running shoes for beginners with knee pain"
• Long-tail 3: "how to choose running shoe size"

Match Search Intent Precisely

If someone searches "how to make cold brew coffee at home," they want a recipe or tutorial—not a product page. Match your content format to what the keyword implies.

Common Long-Tail Mistakes

• Going too specific - Zero search volume means zero traffic potential
• Ignoring search volume entirely - Some data is better than none
• Keyword stuffing - Use your long-tail naturally; don't force it repeatedly
• Neglecting related terms - Include synonyms and related phrases

Conclusion

Long-tail keywords are the secret weapon of successful SEO, especially for newer or smaller websites. Lower competition, higher conversion rates, and clear intent make them ideal targets. Start building your long-tail strategy today, and watch your organic traffic grow steadily over time.