Nayan Dhumal
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific search phrases, such as “how to write a meta description for a blog post” instead of “meta description”. Each one is searched less often, but they are usually easier to rank for and the searcher knows exactly what they want. For a new blog, they are one of the most realistic ways to start getting search traffic.
New bloggers often aim for big, short keywords like “SEO” or “blogging”. Those searches are dominated by large, established sites.
Long-tail keywords are the opposite. They are specific questions and phrases that big sites often answer only briefly, which leaves room for a focused post.
Key takeaways
- Long-tail keywords are specific, usually longer phrases.
- They are typically searched less, but competition is often lower.
- The searcher’s intent is clearer, so it is easier to write the right post.
- Questions, problems, comparisons and “for” phrases are common long-tail patterns.
- Free sources like Google autocomplete, “People also ask” and Search Console are enough to find them.
- Many small keywords together can add up to steady traffic.
Short-tail vs long-tail
| Type | Example | Typical searches | Competition | Intent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-tail | wordpress | Very high | Very high | Unclear |
| Mid-tail | wordpress themes | High | High | Fairly broad |
| Long-tail | best free wordpress theme for a food blog | Lower | Lower | Very clear |
“Long-tail” refers to specificity, not only word count. A three-word phrase can be long-tail if it is very specific.
Why long-tail keywords suit new blogs
- Easier to rank. Fewer strong pages target the exact phrase.
- Clear intent. You know what the reader wants, so you can answer it directly. See my guide on search intent.
- Better readers. Specific searchers are often closer to taking action.
- They add up. One post can appear for many related long-tail searches.
Common long-tail patterns
- Questions: how to, what is, why does, can I.
- Problems: “wordpress site not showing on google”, “contact form emails going to spam”.
- For a specific audience: “for beginners”, “for small blogs”, “for students”.
- Comparisons: “categories vs tags”, “x vs y”.
- Specific situations: “without a plugin”, “on a budget”, “step by step”.
How to find long-tail keywords for free
- Google autocomplete. Type your topic into Google slowly and note the suggestions.
- People also ask. Open a few questions and note the new ones that appear.
- Related searches. Scroll to the bottom of the results page.
- Search Console. Look at the Queries tab for searches you already appear for. Long, specific queries are often hiding there.
- Forums and comments. Note how real people phrase their questions.
My keyword research guide explains how to judge each idea once you have a list.
Pro tip
In Search Console, filter the Queries report for words like “how”, “what” or “why”. You will often find specific questions your site already gets impressions for, which can become their own posts or new sections.
How to use long-tail keywords in a post
- Choose one main long-tail phrase as the focus keyword.
- Use it naturally in the title, first paragraph and one heading.
- Answer it early and clearly.
- Cover closely related long-tail questions as sub-headings or FAQs.
- Do not repeat the exact phrase unnaturally. Write for the reader.
One post or many?
If several long-tail phrases mean the same thing, cover them in one post. If they need different answers, they deserve separate posts.
For example, “how to back up wordpress” and “wordpress backup steps” share the same intent: one post. “How to restore a wordpress backup” is a different task: a separate post.
Creating several posts for the same intent can cause keyword cannibalization, where your own pages compete with each other.
Mistakes to avoid
- Choosing phrases nobody searches. Check that real people use the phrase. Autocomplete is a good sign.
- Ignoring intent. Look at the current results before writing.
- Thin posts. A specific keyword still needs a genuinely helpful answer.
- Chasing volume numbers too closely. Keyword tools estimate. Treat their figures as rough guides.
Frequently asked questions
What is a long-tail keyword?
A specific search phrase, usually longer, that is searched less often but has clearer intent and often less competition.
Are long-tail keywords good for new blogs?
Yes. They are often the most realistic keywords for a new site to rank for.
How many words is a long-tail keyword?
There is no fixed number. It is about how specific the phrase is, though many are three words or more.
Can I find long-tail keywords without paid tools?
Yes. Google autocomplete, People also ask, related searches and Search Console are free and effective.
Should I target one long-tail keyword per post?
Pick one main phrase, then cover closely related questions in the same post.