long tail keywords
title: "Long-Tail Keywords: How to Find Low Competition Keywords That Rank Fast" description: "Learn what long-tail keywords are, why they matter in SEO, and how to find low competition keywords that help websites rank faster on Google."
Overview
Long-tail keywords are the secret weapon of successful SEO.
Most beginners try to rank for:
- Big keywords
- High search volume terms
- Competitive phrases
Professionals do the opposite.
They focus on long-tail keywords because:
- They rank faster
- They have lower competition
- They attract targeted visitors
- They convert better
In this lesson, you’ll learn how long-tail keywords work and how to use them strategically.
What Are Long-Tail Keywords?
Long-tail keywords are longer and more specific search phrases.
Examples
Short keyword:
keyword research
Long-tail keywords:
- keyword research for beginners
- how to do keyword research step by step
- keyword research for small websites
They usually contain 3–6 words and show clear intent.
Why Long-Tail Keywords Matter in SEO
Long-tail keywords:
- Face less competition
- Match specific user intent
- Are easier for new websites
- Bring higher-quality traffic
One long-tail keyword may bring less traffic,
but hundreds of them together build strong organic growth.
This is how small websites beat big brands.
Long-Tail Keywords vs Short Keywords
| Short Keywords | Long-Tail Keywords | |---------------|------------------| | High competition | Low competition | | Broad intent | Clear intent | | Hard to rank | Easier to rank | | Low conversion | Higher conversion |
Professional SEO growth starts with long-tail keywords.
Types of Long-Tail Keywords
Understanding types helps you target correctly.
1️⃣ Informational Long-Tail Keywords
Examples:
- how to find long tail keywords
- what are long tail keywords in SEO
Best for:
- Blog posts
- Guides
- Tutorials
2️⃣ Commercial Long-Tail Keywords
Examples:
- best keyword research tool for beginners
- affordable SEO tools for small businesses
Best for:
- Comparison content
- Affiliate articles
3️⃣ Transactional Long-Tail Keywords
Examples:
- buy keyword research software
- SEO services for local businesses
Best for:
- Landing pages
- Service pages
(Search intent still applies — see
👉 Lesson 03 – Search Intent Explained)
How to Find Long-Tail Keywords (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Use Google Autocomplete
Start typing your main keyword in Google.
Example:
Google suggestions = real user searches.
Step 2: Use “People Also Ask”
Each question in “People Also Ask” is a long-tail keyword.
These are excellent for:
- Sub-headings
- FAQ sections
- Featured snippet targeting
Step 3: Use Related Searches
Scroll to the bottom of Google search results.
These phrases often:
- Have lower competition
- Are ignored by tools
- Match real intent
Step 4: Use Keyword Tools for Expansion
Use tools to expand ideas:
- Ubersuggest
- Ahrefs
- Semrush
- Keyword Planner
Look for:
- Keywords with 3+ words
- Low difficulty scores
- Clear intent
(Remember tools guide, not decide —
👉 Lesson 04 – Keyword Research Tools)
Step 5: Analyze Competition Manually
Search the long-tail keyword and check:
- Are forums ranking?
- Are results weak?
- Is content outdated?
If yes — you have an opportunity.
(This connects to
👉 Lesson 06 – Competitor Keyword Analysis)
Why Long-Tail Keywords Rank Faster
Google trusts:
- Clear intent
- Specific topics
- Helpful content
Long-tail keywords:
- Reduce ambiguity
- Improve relevance
- Increase user satisfaction
This leads to:
👉 Higher engagement
👉 Better rankings
Real Example
Instead of targeting:
“SEO”
Target:
- SEO for beginners
- SEO for small businesses
- SEO checklist for new websites
Each long-tail keyword:
- Solves a specific problem
- Attracts the right audience
- Builds authority step by step
Long-Tail Keywords and Topical Authority
Long-tail keywords help you:
- Cover a topic deeply
- Build internal links
- Create keyword clusters
This supports:
👉 Lesson 22 – Keyword Mapping for Pages
👉 Lesson 24 – Content Planning Using Keyword Clusters
Common Mistakes With Long-Tail Keywords
- Ignoring them due to low volume
- Targeting only one long-tail keyword
- Not grouping related keywords
- Writing thin content
Quality + consistency matters.
Key Takeaways
- Long-tail keywords are low-competition opportunities
- They rank faster than broad keywords
- They convert better
- Google prefers specificity
- Combined long-tails create strong traffic
- Ideal for beginners and growing sites
What’s Next?
In the next lesson, you’ll learn:
👉 Trending Keywords Research (Before They Go Viral)
👉 How to find rising topics early
👉 How to use trends for fast traffic
Move to Lesson 08 – Trending Keywords Research to continue.