What will you do if you want your website to rank on the first page of Google?
Writing content and getting backlinks aren’t the first steps. The first thing you need to do is conduct keyword research. Then, note all keywords that can improve your search engine rankings.
But how do you know if you should focus on short- or long-tail keywords? Is there any rule of thumb to magically understand this concept?
This guide will clear all the noise around short-tail and long-tail keywords. It will give you clarity about these keywords and help you formulate a comprehensive SEO strategy that boosts your search traffic.
So let’s get started.
What Are Short-Tail Keywords?
You can tell just by the name that short-tail keywords are typically short. They are composed of 1-3 words but cover broad search queries. These keywords are generic and attract a wider audience.
Short-tail keywords have high search volume and organic traffic. Because of this, competition is also extremely high, making ranking for short-tail keywords a huge challenge.
Suppose you’re traveling somewhere. Short-tail keywords would be Flights, Hotels, Vacations, etc. In e-commerce, these keywords include Laptops, Shoes, or Smartphones.
Pros
- Attracts a large number of searches
- Appeals to diverse demographics
- Immediate surge in traffic if ranked well
- Easier to incorporate into content
Cons
- Broad queries can lead to higher bounce rates
- Lacks detail about specific user intent
- It can’t rank easily
What Are Long-Tail Keywords?
These keywords are typically long and consist of three or more words. They attract fewer searchers, which is an advantage because it is targeted traffic.
Since long-tail keywords are specific, the competition is typically less than short-tail keywords. They reflect specific user intent or needs and have a high chance of ranking on Google.
Source – raventools
Let’s look at some examples of these keywords.
If you’re traveling somewhere, long-tail keywords would be Budget Hotels In Paris near the Eiffel Tower and Family Vacation Spots In Florida. As for e-commerce, these are the Best Laptops For Students Under $500 and Vegan Running Shoes.
Pros
- Attracts users with specific intent
- Easier to rank higher
- Draws relevant visitors
- Clarifies user intent
Cons
- Fewer searches per keyword
- Requires detailed content creation
- Takes time to build significant traffic
Differences Between Short-Tail Keywords & Long-tail Keywords
Now that you know about both keywords, let’s examine their major differences. Here’s a quick overview so you get a basic understanding.
| Aspect | Short-tail Keywords | Long-tail Keywords |
| Length | 1-3 words | 3+ words |
| Competition | High | Low |
| Search Volume | High | Low |
| Conversion Rate | Lower | Higher |
| Traffic Potential | Immediate surge in traffic | Gradual traffic increase |
| Audience Reach | Broad | Targeted |
| Content Complexity | Simpler content | Requires detailed content |
| Cost-Per-Click (CPC) | Higher in paid campaigns | Lower in paid campaigns |
| SEO Strategy | Often used for brand awareness | Focused on niche markets |
Tools for Finding Short-Tail & Long-Tail Keywords
The success of your SEO strategy depends on the keywords you use. You need to find the best keywords that help you secure a high ranking in SERP. But where can you find the keywords?
Here’s a list of the best keyword tools for finding short-tail and long-tail keywords.
- Moz Keyword Explorer
- Google Search Console
- Google Keyword Planner (free with Google Ads account)
- SEMrush/Ahrefs
- AnswerThePublic
- Ubersuggest
Which Keyword Strategy Is Best for My Website?
By now, you know that short-tail or long-tail keywords have distinct pros and cons. You’ll need to look over your business goals and decide on a keyword strategy that aligns with them. To see long-term results, you need to set smart goals.
You should focus on long-tail keywords if you’re running a new website without any backlinks, content strategy, or reviews. They’re easy to rank for, and they help build authority.
As your website progresses, you should start incorporating short-tail keywords. They are valuable for bringing high traffic and building brand awareness.
But that’s not always effective.
You’ll need to look over your niche and keep an eye on what your competitors are doing. Often, a combination of short-tail and long-tail keywords effectively drives conversions. Maintain a balance between them so you become the customer’s go-to resource in the field.
Source – loganix
When to Use Short-Tail Keywords
- Attract a broader audience to your website and increase online visibility.
- Use these keywords to drive significant traffic if your website already has high authority and good ranking.
- Ideal for making pages that include general information regarding products or services.
- If your goal is to get maximum traffic.
- To identify industry trends.
When to Use Long-Tail Keywords
- Reach specific segments of your customer base. Then, you can push them further in the buying journey.
- There is low competition, so ranking in SERP is easy.
- Use this when creating guides, in-depth content, or blog posts.
- Location-specific long-tail keywords can increase your local customers.
- If your goal is to increase the conversions rather than sheer traffic.
Note: Keyword planning is the core element of an effective keyword strategy. Make a list of keywords and create compelling content to get organic search traffic.
How To Utilize These Keywords To Maximum Potential
Keywords are all about your target audience. What they are looking for, the answers they want, and how well you can give them solutions. Here are some tips through which you can utilize short and long-tail keywords.
Short-tail Keywords
These keywords are ideal for primary topics and main pages. Be clear about the audience you want to attract, and then list all the relevant short-tail keywords. But where should you add these keywords?
You should add short-tail keywords to your page titles, headers, and meta descriptions to improve visibility. Remember that the audience is broad, so ensure the content provides an overview or broad perspective.
You can strategically combine short-tail keywords with long-tail keywords. It increases the reach and engagement levels.
Long-tail Keywords
With long-tail keywords, you can easily target niche audiences. These keywords are widely used to cover subtopics, detailed blog posts, and specific product features.
Ensure that long-tail keywords don’t look unnatural in the content. Maintain a conversational tone to enhance the readability.
Ending Thoughts
Both short-tail and long-tail keywords are crucial for a successful SEO strategy. All you need to do is ask yourself what you want to accomplish from this content.
By getting this answer, you can choose the right keyword type.
Balancing SEO and SEM strategy can be draining. If you don’t have enough expertise in this area, a single mistake can waste all your efforts. But there’s an incredible way to save your business from this situation.
What is it?
It’s partnering with an experienced agency that knows the nitty-gritty of keywords. Brick & Mortar is a digital marketing agency that can help you rank in SERP. So, are you ready to gain a competitive edge and stand out in the crowd?
