What is a Long-Tail Keyword?

A long-tail keyword is a more specific, usually longer, phrase that users search for when they are closer to making a decision or are looking for something very particular. In SEO, long-tail keywords are valuable because they often have lower search volume and competition but higher conversion rates, as they are more targeted and indicate clearer intent. For example, instead of targeting a broad keyword like "running shoes," a long-tail keyword might be "best running shoes for flat feet."

While each long-tail keyword may attract fewer searches individually, collectively they can drive significant traffic to a website. Optimizing content for long-tail keywords involves understanding the specific needs and intent of your target audience and creating content that directly addresses those needs. Long-tail keywords are particularly effective in capturing niche markets and can be a key component of an overall SEO strategy. They also tend to have less competition, making it easier to rank for them in search engine results pages (SERPs).