Long Tail Keywords
February 7, 2025

How Long Tail Keywords Can Help You Rank Higher and Beat Your Competitors

Are you struggling to get noticed online? Are your competitors outranking you, even though your content is just as good (if not better)? If this sounds familiar, it’s time to rethink your SEO strategy. One of the best ways to break through the clutter and rank higher in search engines is by using long tail keywords.

Long tail keywords are often overlooked in favor of highly competitive short-tail keywords, but they offer an incredible opportunity to gain organic traffic, improve conversion rates, and outperform competitors in your niche. In this article, we will dive into the world of long tail keywords, why they matter, how they can change your SEO game, and practical tips to help you use them like a pro.

Why Rankonix Recommends Long Tail Keywords for Your SEO Strategy

At Rankonix, we understand the importance of staying ahead of the competition. Using long tail keywords is one of the easiest yet most effective strategies to enhance your SEO efforts and attract the right audience. By targeting these specific search phrases, you can get noticed faster, drive more qualified traffic to your website, and convert that traffic into loyal customers.

Let’s explore how long-tail keywords can work wonders for your business and website.

What Are Long Tail Keywords?

Before diving deeper into their benefits, let’s start by understanding what long tail keywords are. In simple terms, long tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that people use when they search on Google or other search engines. These keywords are different from shorter, more general ones, known as short-tail keywords.

For example, consider the following:

  • Short-tail keyword: “laptops”
  • Long tail keyword: “best laptops for college students under $1000”

As you can see, the long tail version is much more specific. Instead of being broad, it targets a clear need. This specificity is what makes long tail keywords so effective in SEO, and they are often easier to rank for due to their lower competition.

The Power of Long Tail Keywords

Long tail keywords are often underrated by many SEO experts and website owners, but they have some significant advantages. Let’s break down why these keywords are such a game-changer.

The Top Benefits of Long Tail Keywords

1. Easier to Rank For

Competing for short-tail keywords like “shoes” or “laptops” is incredibly difficult. Major brands and e-commerce giants are already investing heavily in these keywords. But with long tail keywords, the competition is less fierce.

For instance, ranking for “best running shoes for beginners with flat feet” is far easier than competing with “running shoes.” The long tail keyword caters to a niche audience, and that’s where your content can shine. It’s easier to rank for because fewer websites are targeting these specific phrases.

Example: If you’re a fitness blogger, targeting long tail keywords such as “best home workouts for beginners without equipment” will give you a better chance of ranking high compared to just “home workouts.”

2. Higher Conversion Rates

One of the most powerful benefits of using long tail keywords is their ability to improve conversion rates. People searching with long tail keywords are typically further down the buyer’s journey. They know what they’re looking for, which means they’re more likely to take action—whether it’s purchasing a product, signing up for a newsletter, or filling out a contact form.

For example, someone searching for “affordable yoga mats for kids” is likely not just browsing. They are specifically looking to make a purchase. By targeting this keyword, you attract visitors who are ready to convert.

Tip: To maximize conversions, ensure that your content directly answers the questions and needs that are implied by the long tail keywords you target.

3. Better User Intent Matching

The user intent behind long tail keywords is usually very clear. This means your content can be more accurately tailored to meet the needs of the person conducting the search. For instance, someone searching for “how to bake a vegan chocolate cake” likely wants a recipe, not just an overview of baking. By targeting such specific keywords, you provide the exact information they are seeking.

By aligning your content with user intent, you increase your chances of retaining visitors on your site longer and possibly encouraging them to explore other pages, further improving engagement.

Example: If someone searches for “best waterproof hiking boots for women under $100”, your content should not only provide product reviews but also highlight features, comparisons, and deals.

4. Cost-Effective for Ads

If you are running pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns, using long tail keywords can significantly lower your cost-per-click (CPC). Since there’s less competition for these more specific terms, the cost to bid on them is lower. This allows you to stretch your ad budget while still attracting a highly targeted audience.

Example: Running an ad for “custom birthday cakes near me” will cost less than running an ad for “birthday cakes”, but the people searching for the former are much more likely to purchase a cake, making your ad more effective.

5. Establishing Authority in Your Niche

Targeting long tail keywords consistently allows you to build authority in your niche over time. By regularly creating content around specific long tail phrases, you demonstrate expertise in that area, which increases trust and credibility with both your audience and search engines.

For example, a fitness blogger writing about “best home workouts for beginners without equipment” can eventually become a go-to resource for people searching for beginner-friendly home workout tips, making it harder for competitors to overtake your content.

Practical Tips: How to Create Long Tail Keywords Like a Pro

Now that you understand the benefits of long tail keywords, let’s take a look at how you can create and use them effectively. Here are some practical tips to help you get started.

1. Know Your Audience Inside and Out

To craft effective long tail keywords, you first need to understand your audience. What problems are they trying to solve? What specific questions do they have? By answering these questions, you can tailor your keywords to meet their needs.

For instance, if you sell yoga mats, your audience might be searching for “best eco-friendly yoga mats for beginners”. Understanding your target market’s specific needs makes it easier to choose the right long tail keywords.

2. Focus on Specific Features or Needs

Instead of using broad terms like “yoga mats”, consider including specific features that people care about, such as “eco-friendly”, “affordable”, or “for beginners”. By focusing on these niche attributes, you’ll create more targeted keywords that are easier to rank for and more likely to convert.

Example: “gluten-free wedding cakes in Austin” is much more specific than just “wedding cakes”, and it targets a smaller but more relevant audience.

3. Leverage Question-Based Keywords

A significant number of online searches are phrased as questions. Think about what questions your target audience might ask, and turn those into long tail keywords.

Examples:

  • “How to start a blog for beginners”
  • “Why is my laptop overheating?”
  • “What’s the best diet for weight loss in 2025?”

By using question-based keywords, you not only address the exact queries your audience is asking but also increase the chances of appearing in the “People Also Ask” section on Google.

4. Combine Multiple Keywords

You can often create powerful long tail keywords by combining multiple related search terms. This allows you to target multiple niches or angles in a single phrase.

Example:

  • “affordable yoga mats for beginners” = Combining “affordable”, “yoga mats”, and “beginners”
  • “waterproof hiking boots under $100” = Combining “waterproof”, “hiking boots”, and “under $100”

These combinations create highly specific keywords that match the needs of your target audience.

5. Add Location for Local SEO

For businesses targeting a local audience, adding location-based keywords is crucial for local SEO. By including the name of your city, neighborhood, or area, you can attract local customers who are searching for services near them.

Examples:

  • “Best pizza places near me in Chicago”
  • “Affordable car repair shops in Toronto”
  • “Yoga classes for beginners in Los Angeles”

Including locations in your long tail keywords will help you appear in local search results and make it easier for nearby customers to find your business.

How to Find the Right Long Tail Keywords

You don’t have to rely solely on guesswork when it comes to finding long tail keywords. Several free tools can help you generate a list of ideas to get started. Here are some popular options:

1. Free Long Tail Keyword Tools

  • Soovle: A free, multi-platform keyword suggestion tool.
  • Keyword Sheeter: Generates thousands of autocomplete keyword suggestions.
  • WordStream Free Keyword Tool: Provides keyword suggestions along with insights like search volume and competition level.

These tools will help you brainstorm keywords related to your topic and provide new long tail keyword ideas.

2. Google’s Free Features

Google has several free tools that can help you find long tail keywords, such as:

  • Google Autocomplete: Type a keyword into the search bar and see suggestions.
  • People Also Ask (PAA): Use questions from the PAA box for inspiration.
  • Google Trends: Track trending topics and narrow them down into specific long tail keywords.

3. Explore Forums and Communities

Online forums and communities like Reddit and Quora can provide valuable insights into the types of long tail keywords your audience is searching for. Look for commonly asked questions and discussions to find long tail keyword opportunities.

Final Thoughts: Why Long Tail Keywords Are a Game-Changer

Incorporating long tail keywords into your SEO strategy is one of the smartest things you can do to boost your rankings and attract the right audience. Long tail keywords offer lower competition, higher conversion rates, and better alignment with user intent. They are especially effective for small businesses and new websites, but even large brands can benefit from targeting niche long tail keywords.

At Rankonix, we encourage you to start experimenting with long tail keywords today. They don’t just help you rank—they help you attract the right visitors, boost conversions, and build authority in your niche.

Call to Action: Are you ready to dominate your niche with long tail keywords? Contact Rankonix today to get expert advice and help with your SEO strategy. Our team can help you craft the perfect keyword plan to outrank your competitors and grow your online presence.