keyword usage is essential to master. Most writers use short keywords compulsively in their prose. However, many bloggers don't realize the significance of utilizing long-tail keywords when it comes to their traffic and SEO.
So, what are long-tail keywords? How important are long-tail keywords when it comes to building a blog, brand, or site? Are they still a useful tool in 2019?
The Short Answer: Yes.
Long-tail keywords can be extremely useful when it comes to your site's content, ranking, and traffic. This being said, they aren't a magic tool that can instantly improve your site's rankings. However, long-tail keywords can help you organically improve your traffic (and, in turn, your SEO ranking) over time.
How Do They Improve Your Site's Traffic?
If a consumer is searching for information about types of fruit that help with weight loss, they won't type "fruit" into the search bar. Average people tend to search using long-tail keywords such as "fruit for weight loss" or "weight loss fruit."
Specific keywords are more useful for consumers. They won't have to hunt as hard to find the specific content that they are seeking. Long-tail keywords help to guide consumers in the right direction while narrowing the scope of their searches. As a bonus, this will decrease competition from other sites.
How Do They Support Your SEO Ranking?
Above all else, Google is concerned with providing their users with secure and compelling search results. The specificity of long-tail keywords suggests that a site's content is likely strong and/or specific rather than vague, general, or diluted. Due to this, long-tail keywords can help improve your SEO ranking over time.
Google tends to optimize sites that practice consistent use of long-tail keywords.
Practices To Keep In Mind
Your long-tail keyword should relate to your site's main keyword. Whatever long-tail keywords that you utilize should always branch off of the main keyword of your site. If your long-tail keywords are irrelevant to your site's central topic, you won't enjoy the SEO boost that consistent and relevant long-tail keyword usage can bring you.
Long-tail keywords shouldn't be too lengthy. You want long-tail keywords to be specific. However, long-tail keywords that are too lengthy are unhelpful. Consumers don't typically search in complete sentences. Your long-tail keywords shouldn't be more than a few words, either.
Strike a balance between short and long-tail keywords. You shouldn't only utilize long-tail keywords in your prose. Short keywords are helpful when it comes to attracting a broader audience. Additionally, using a mixture of short and long-tail keywords can help you analyze the searchability of any variety of keywords related to your site, brand, or blog.
Repetition is key! In order to enjoy the organic traffic boost associated with the use of long-tail keywords, you can't only plug them in once. Consistent usage of the same long-tail keywords is what will ultimately improve your following and SEO across time.
Final Thoughts
Long-tail keywords are an essential tool for writers, bloggers, and brand-builders. When utilized properly, they can improve traffic to your site and boost your SEO ranking. Do you have any tips for using long-tail keywords effectively? Have you enjoyed success utilizing long-tail keywords? Let us know in the comments below!
About the Author
Dave Polykoff
Dave is a professional copywriter and owner of ProWriter. He's combined his passion for community building and creative writing into a solution that allows thousands of professional writers to earn a living doing what they love.
