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How to Find Long-Tail Keywords Your Customers Actually Search for
Derek Oss • February 23, 2024

Gone are the days when keyword dominance guaranteed online success. Today, savvy small businesses understand that attracting the right customer requires more than just ranking for broad, high-volume terms. This is where knowing how to find long-tail keywords acts as the golden ticket to unlocking laser-focused, hyper-relevant traffic. 


Your Secret Weapon - How to Find Long-Tail Keywords: 


1. Higher Conversion Rates 

Imagine someone searching for "best running shoes for shin splints in size 9." They're laser-focused and ready to buy. Broad keywords like "running shoes" attract window shoppers, while long-tail keywords bring qualified leads ready to convert. 

 

2. Lower Competition 

Forget battling industry giants for top spots on generic terms. Long-tails have lower competition, making it easier for your small business to rank and get noticed. 


3. Improved SEO Performance 

Ranking for long-tail keywords isn't just about conversion; it boosts overall SEO health. Google rewards sites with relevant, detailed content, and long-tail-optimized pages send positive signals to search engines. 


4. Deeper Customer Insights 

Long-tail phrases reveal your target audience's specific needs, pain points, and interests. This invaluable data fuels content creation, product development, and keyword strategies that truly resonate. 


Ready to Mine for Long-Tail Gold? Here's Your Toolkit: 


1. Don’t forget, "People Also Ask" 

Google's "People Also Ask" box serves up a goldmine of long-tail queries related to your primary keyword. Explore these questions, see the questions they seek to answer and write the solution your market is dying for! 


2. Unlock the Secrets of Answer the Public 

This free tool visualizes long-tail question phrases around your seed keyword. Explore questions, comparisons, and related searches to uncover a treasure trove of hidden gems. 


3. Browse any Applicable Forums 

Applicable communities on platforms like Quora and Reddit are buzzing with questions just waiting to be answered! Dive into relevant discussions, analyze frequently asked questions, and identify pain points to inform your keyword strategy by thinking like your target market. 


4. Master the Art of Google Autocomplete 

Start typing your seed keyword in Google search and pay attention to their autocomplete suggestions. These are real searches people are making, revealing long-tail variations with high potential. 


5. Analyze Your Own Analytics Goldmine 

Your website analytics hold a wealth of untapped keyword data. Explore search terms users entered to reach your site, filter for long-tail phrases, and discover hidden gems relevant to your audience.

 

6. Befriend Keyword Research Tools 

Invest in keyword research tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, The Hoth, or Moz. These platforms offer advanced features like keyword difficulty analysis, search volume estimates, and competitor insights, helping you choose the right long-tail gems. 


7. Think Like Your Customer 

Put yourself in your ideal customer's shoes (or flip-flops). What are some problems they regularly face? What specific questions would they ask to solve these problems? What would they type into Google to find an answer? What would they want to click on and read? Brainstorm long-tail phrases based on their needs and pain points. 


8. Don't Forget Location 

If your business has a local focus, incorporate location-specific terms into your long-tail strategy. Think "best restaurants near me" or "plumber in lincoln nebraska." 


9. Embrace Seasonality 

Certain long-tail keywords surge in popularity based on time of year. Utilize top-tier tools like Google Trends to identify seasonal shifts and adapt your keyword strategy. 


10. Quality Over Quantity 

Don't fall into the black-hat trap of keyword stuffing. Always choose high-quality, relevant long-tails that reflect your content and target audience. Remember, SEO marketing is about attracting the right customers, not just ranking for every possible phrase. 


Remember, the journey to long-tail success isn’t short and easy: 


1. Continuously Monitor and Refine 

As your business grows and evolves, your keyword strategy should follow suit. Regularly review your chosen long-tail keywords, track their performance, and adapt your company’s approach alongside this new data and insights. 


2. Content is King and Queen 

Long-tail keywords are only one piece of the puzzle. Create high-quality, informative content that genuinely addresses the specific needs and intent behind each long-tail phrase. 


3. Think Beyond Search 

Integrate your chosen keywords into your social media posts, email marketing campaigns, and even offline materials. Consistency across all channels reinforces your brand message and attracts the right audience. 


4. Bring it all Together 

By embracing the power of long-tail keywords, you can attract higher-quality traffic, boost conversions, and gain deeper insights into your target audience. So, fire up your favorite SEO tools, unleash your inner detective, and find those long-tail gems that will propel your small business to the top of the SERP!

 

How to Find and Unleash the Power of Long-Tail Keywords 

True North Technologies is your partner in long-tail exploration. We help small businesses craft compelling content, optimize websites for targeted keywords, and navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Let's talk about how we can help you unlock the power of long-tail keywords and achieve your unique online goals. 


Take the long-tail plunge, unleash your voice, and discover the true north of your digital marketing success! Contact us today to start your long-tail journey! 

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