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long tail keywords

Last updated: Sat Oct 20 2018

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.