Long-Tail Keywords: Why You Need To Use Them To Rank On Google

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Long-Tail Keywords: Why You Need To Use Them To Rank On Google

In this article, I am going to help break down some simple beginner tips on long-tail keywords and why you need to start using them now to boost your traffic and rank on the front page of google.

What Are Long-Tail Keywords?

A long-tail keyword is a more direct way for someone to find your content because they are much more specific to your article.  A long-tail keyword is typically more of a phrase than just one word.  A keyword, which is just one focus word, can be really difficult to rank for as there are so many searches on google for that keyword.

For instance, an example of a focus keyword would be something like “SEO.”  An example of a long-tail keyword phrase would be “SEO for blog posts.”

The beginner blogger who is looking for tips on SEO is more likely to find your article by typing in the google search engine “Seo for beginner bloggers” as opposed to just “SEO.”

Notice that there are 713 MILLION searches for “SEO.”  That will be very hard to rank for.

The long and short of it is that the more specific YOU get, the better chance you have at being found by someone who is searching SPECIFICALLY for that type of content.

Getting more specific brings your search results down significantly, giving you a better shot at ranking on google.

How To Rank On Google

Keyword research is so important when it comes to rank on Google.  Google has its algorithm just like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc…  The algorithm for Google ranks blog posts and articles by seeking out top quality and insightful posts.

For Google to even notice you, you will need to understand SEO (search engine optimization) and keyword research.  Once you start ranking for Google searches, the more authority your website will have, which ultimately means more traffic because more of your posts will land on the first page of google!  #goals.

Tools To Search For Long-Tail Keywords

Your keyword research should start with either Google Keyword Planner and/or Ubersuggest.  I prefer Ubersuggest, but I cross-reference my research with Google keyword planner as well.

To start, you are going to want to brainstorm a few long-tail keywords you want to use in your next article.   Once you have your keyphrase picked out, i.e “SEO for blog posts,” head over to Ubersuggest and pop it into the “Keyword Ideas” section.

The lower that your volume score is and the lower your SD (SEO Difficulty) is, the better chance you have at ranking.

Another good rule of thumb is to look for long-tail keywords that have low competition but high search results. That means you are looking for between 10K – 100K searches or even a little lower to give you more opportunity to rank.

If you’re a smaller blogger and your keyword competition is too big, you are wasting your time as the big players are already ranking for the highly competitive keywords.  I wouldn’t’ start trying to do that until you are ranking regularly on Google’s first page.

SEO optimization that will help you rank

Besides using long-tail keywords, there a few other ways to optimize your SEO and rank on google.  Google favours longer articles that are between 1000-2000 words.  Why?  Because Google sees this as quality content over something that is only 300-500 words.  You need to make sure your content is providing quality, insight, and value.

Use Backlinks

Google appreciates backlinks.  Backlinks are just simply linking to another site.  For instance, in this article, I have referred you to Ubersuggest and Google Keyword Planner.  I linked those sites within this article.  This shows google we have a good relationship. In return, you have any even better chance at ranking when others backlink to YOUR site.

Long Tail Keyword Dos and Don’ts

There are a few dos and don’ts that go hand in hand with your long-tail keywords and that’s making sure you’re not keyword stuffing.  What is keyword stuffing?  Here is an example.  Let’s say your long-tail keyword phrase is “Seo tips for beginners” and your desperate to rank for that, so you word your sentence like this:  “Are you looking for SEO tips for beginners because you don’t understand SEO because you’re a beginner?  Let me help you, I am an SEO expert and know exactly the SEO tips that beginners need.”

Is this wrong?  No.  But does it sound desperate, Yes!

Try something like this. “This article is an introduction and overview of (SEO), a marketing tactic you want as a beginner to be found through search engines like Google.  In the guide to SEO for beginners you will learn:…”

It comes across so much more natural and smooth.

6 Places Long-Tail Keywords Need To Be Within Your Blog Post Article

1. Blog post title

2. ALT text in your images that you will upload to your blog post

3. The file you save your images as ex. “long-tail keyword blog post.png”

4. Nicely spread throughout your article and in subheadings

5. Meta Description

6. Slug

PRO TIP:

As mentioned above, your blog post title needs to have your keyword phrase in it but it needs to be captivating.  To make sure your blog post title will resonate with someone on an emotional level, use the AMI Headliner Analyzer and make sure your EMV (Emotional Marketing Value) is between 30-40%.

It’s super important to check this because communication is key to effective marketing. Being able to effectively communicate comes from reaching people on an emotional level.  You have a few seconds to capture someone’s attention, especially on Google when there are so many articles and posts.  I highly recommend you pop your blog post title into the analyzer and reword it until you get a score of 30-40%.

Take-Home Points For Long Tail Keywords And Ranking On Google:

• Use Long-tail keywords or keyword phrase instead of one focus keyword

• Use Google Keyword Planner and Ubersuggest to do your research.

• Look for keyword phrases with low competition but a high search result (aiming for 10K – 100K).

• Look for keyword phrases with a low volume and low SD score to have a better chance at ranking

• Make sure your articles are fully SEO optimized.

Another great tip is if you can get the YOAST plugin, DO IT!  It doesn’t mean your articles will become completely SEO optimized because you still have to make sure you are putting out quality work, but it will give you the green light when you have everything you need to optimize your post.

If you have overused SEO, YOAST will prompt you that you have used too much.  It is super helpful in learning the ropes on SEO if you’re new.

It’s how I was able to rank on the first page of Google with some big players!

To this day my article remains number 4 on Google’s first page from using these steps

Remember, it’s ok to invest in yourself.  SEO is super important to getting organic search results, so it is a good thing to take your time to learn.  Don’t be afraid to take a course on SEO.  I would suggest watching Neil Patels Youtube videos on SEO, he is so knowledgeable and helpful in this regard.  Use this article as a guideline and continue to increase your knowledge of SEO and long-tail keyword research to bring you the greatest results.

It can take anywhere from three to six months to even start ranking on Google, so don’t give up, keep working at it!   Now if you are ready to also master Pinterest SEO, I suggest you head on over here.

Have your own blog and want to take it to the next level?  Check out these super helpful tools:

Tailwind – Pinterest and Instagram scheduler

Grammarly  – The Worlds BEST grammar checker

Canva – Create stunning designs

Flodesk – The best email marketing platform

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XO, Asia