Using Long Tail Keywords to Rank Faster on Google

Discover the power of using long tail keywords to boost your website’s visibility and rank faster on Google. This post explains how targeting specific, low-competition phrases can attract high-intent traffic and improve your SEO results with less effort.

Introduction

What Are Long Tail Keywords?

Long tail keywords are longer, more specific search phrases that people use when they’re closer to taking action or when searching for something very particular. Unlike broad one- or two-word keywords like “shoes” or “marketing,” long tail keywords look like this:

“Best running shoes for flat feet under $100”
“Affordable SEO tools for small businesses”

These terms may have lower search volume, but they come with higher conversion potential and much lower competition—a sweet spot for anyone trying to rank faster on Google.

Why They Matter in Today’s SEO

With search engines now focusing on user intent and relevance, long tail keywords are your ticket to rank quickly, target the right audience, and drive quality traffic to your website—without spending years competing for ultra-competitive terms.

Understanding How Google Ranks Content

Relevance Over Popularity

Google isn’t just about keywords anymore. It’s about relevance. A post titled “Best Yoga Mats for Hot Yoga in Summer 2025” is more relevant than one that simply says “Yoga Mats.”

Topical Authority and Niche Targeting
You establish authority in a niche by persistently focusing on related long tail keywords. Google starts recognizing your site as a go-to source for that subject.

The Basics of SEO and Keyword Strategy

Short Tail vs Long Tail Keywords
Short tail keywords:

1–2 words
High competition
Broad search intent
Example: “laptop”

Long tail keywords:

3+ words
Lower competition
Specific search intent
Example: “best laptop for video editing under $800”

Search Intent and User Behavior
When someone searches “buy noise cancelling headphones for travel,” they’re not just browsing—they’re ready to buy. Long tail keywords reflect strong intent, and that means better ROI for your content and marketing.

Advantages of Targeting Long Tail Keywords

Lower Competition
Trying to rank for “marketing” is like competing in the Olympics. But “email marketing automation for startups”? That’s your niche—and probably easier to dominate.

Higher Conversion Rates
Because long tail searches often reflect clear intent, visitors coming through them are more likely to take action—whether it’s signing up, downloading, or purchasing.

Easier to Rank For
With less competition, your blog post or product page stands a better chance of making it to Page 1 on Google—especially if it’s optimized well.

Identifying the Right Long Tail Keywords

Using Google Autocomplete & “People Also Ask”
Start typing your main topic into Google, and let autocomplete show you what people are actually searching for.
Check out the “People Also Ask” section to find natural long tail questions.

Leveraging Keyword Research Tools
Use tools like:

Ahrefs – For keyword ideas and difficulty scores
SEMrush – To track competitors’ long tail strategies
Ubersuggest – For low-hanging keyword suggestions

Analyzing Competitor Content
Find blogs ranking well in your niche and see which long tail keywords they’re targeting. Tools like SurferSEO and Keyword Surfer can help here.

Long Tail Keywords and Search Intent Alignment

Informational

“How to create a budget spreadsheet in Excel”
“Best way to clean suede shoes”

Navigational

“Shopify pricing plans 2025”
“Mailchimp blog login”

Transactional

“Buy budget gaming laptop under $600”
“Affordable digital cameras with flip screen”

By matching the keyword to its intent, you give users what they want—and that’s exactly what Google wants too.

How to Naturally Integrate Long Tail Keywords into Blog Content

Headings and Subheadings
Use your long tail keyword (or parts of it) in H2 or H3 headings naturally.
Example:
H2: 2025’s Top Low-Cost Laptops for Students

Opening Paragraphs
Try to include your keyword within the first 100 words of your conten. This signals relevance to search engines and hooks readers early.

Image Alt Text and Meta Descriptions
Don’t forget to describe your images with relevant long tail phrases and write click-worthy meta descriptions that include your keyword naturally.

Writing Blog Posts Around Long Tail Keywords

Create Focused, In-Depth Articles
A post about “best cameras” is too broad. But a post about “best vlogging cameras for beginners under $300”? That’s focused. And it speaks directly to someone looking to buy.

Use Answer-Based Formats
Many long tail keywords are phrased as questions. Use formats like:

FAQs
Step-by-step tutorials
“How to” guides

They are helpful for readers and a great way to get prominent snippets.

Examples of Long Tail Keyword Usage

From “Running Shoes” to…
“Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet Under $100” – Targets specific users with clear buying intent.

From “Digital Marketing” to…
“Affordable Digital Marketing Tips for Small Business Owners” – More targeted, less competitive, and more helpful.

Content Clustering Strategy Using Long Tail Keywords

Create Topic Clusters
Write multiple blog posts targeting related long tail keywords. Then link them together under one pillar page (e.g., “Complete Guide to Email Marketing”).

Link Related Articles Together

Main Topic: Email Marketing
Subtopics:
“Best email subject lines for higher open rates”
“Email marketing tips for nonprofits”
“Top email automation tools for small businesses”

Internal links boost SEO and keep users exploring your site.

Tracking and Measuring Long Tail Keyword Performance

Use Google Search Console
Track impressions, clicks, and average position for your long tail keywords. Look for patterns.

Monitor CTR and Rankings
Use tools like RankMath, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to monitor your blog’s progress.
Refine and update content as needed.

Also Read
Boost Your Blog Traffic by Finding Low Competition Keywords

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Keyword Stuffing
Don’t repeat your long tail keyword 20 times. Google’s smarter than that. Focus on natural usage and helpfulness.

Ignoring Intent Behind the Keyword
Not all long tail keywords mean the same thing. “Cheap laptops” vs “best laptops for video editing” have different goals. Respect the difference.

Case Study: A Blog That Ranked with Long Tail Focus

Strategy Used
A photography blogger focused on long tail queries like “best budget camera for food photography.”
They optimized titles, content, and internal links around these keywords.

Results Achieved

Traffic tripled in 3 months
Featured snippet wins
More affiliate sales due to buyer-focused content

Future of SEO with Long Tail Keywords

Voice Search Optimization
People speak their searches more like long sentences:

“What’s the best way to grow tomatoes at home?”
“Where can I buy noise cancelling headphones under 2000 rupees?”

Long tail phrases are therefore more crucial than ever.

AI and Conversational Queries
As Google uses more AI (like BERT, MUM, and Gemini), it better understands nuance and context. That means long tail = long-term strategy.

Conclusion

Long tail keywords may not be glamorous, but they’re practical, powerful, and proven. If you want to rank faster on Google, reach more qualified leads, and avoid wasting time fighting for impossible keywords—this is your strategy.