If you want to boost your SEO, one of the best moves you can make is to focus on long tail keywords. These longer, more specific search phrases might not bring in the same massive traffic as short, broad terms, but they attract visitors who are closer to making a decision. Whether you want to increase sales, drive more targeted leads, or simply improve your search visibility, long tail keywords are key.
Here’s how to find them.
1. Start with What You Know
Think about your business, your products, and your audience. What questions do customers often ask? What problems are they trying to solve? These everyday questions can easily turn into long tail keyword ideas.
For example, if you sell eco-friendly promotional products, brainstorm phrases like:
- “custom reusable shopping bags for events”
- “affordable eco-friendly giveaways for trade shows”
- “personalized bamboo pens with logo”
These specific, intent-driven phrases can lead you toward valuable keywords your ideal customers are actually searching for.
2. Consult Google
Google offers a couple of free ways to uncover long tail keywords. These insights come straight from user behavior, making them incredibly reliable.
- Autocomplete Suggestions: Start typing a keyword into Google’s search bar and see what suggestions appear. These are real searches other people have made.
- Related Searches: Scroll all the way to the bottom of the SERP to see related keyword suggestions. This is a great way to see what Google thinks is relevant and connected to your initial search term.
3. Try Keyword Research Tools
There are plenty of SEO tools that make finding long tail keywords faster and more strategic. A few popular options include:
- Google Trends: Ideal for beginners. This tool shows search volume, a trend timeline, and a breakdown of related search terms.
- SEMrush: These premium tools provide in-depth analytics, including keyword difficulty and traffic potential.
- AnswerThePublic: Great for uncovering question-based long-tail keywords. This tool is perfect for blog topics or FAQ sections.
4. Analyze Your Existing Traffic
Your analytics can be a goldmine for keyword discovery. Check Google Search Console to see which search queries are already bringing people to your site. There may be hidden long-tail keywords you’re unintentionally ranking for, ones you can further optimize through targeted content.
5. Look at Competitors
Researching what your competitors are ranking for can uncover opportunities you might have missed. Review competitor sites to identify which long-tail keywords work for them. Follow up with your own brand-new, high-quality content around those topics.
6. Focus on Intent
When evaluating potential long-tail keywords, always consider why someone would search for that phrase. Are they looking to buy, learn, or compare? Grouping keywords by intent helps you create content that meets people where they are in their decision-making process.
For example:
- Informational intent: “how to design a custom reusable tote.”
- Transactional intent: “buy reusable shopping bags with logo.”
Matching your content to intent helps you rank higher and convert more visitors.
7. Refine and Test
Once you’ve chosen your long tail keywords, build content around them. Routinely track results and create supporting content to develop your strategy long-term. Refining your keyword strategy helps maintain steady growth.
Find Your Keywords
Finding long tail keywords isn’t just about adding more words to your search phrases; it’s about understanding your audience. By combining research tools, competitor insights, and customer questions, you can uncover high-value keywords that align perfectly with user intent.
The result? More qualified traffic, better engagement, and content that actually connects with the people searching for what you offer. If this sounds like more than you can take on, or if you still aren’t sure where to start, I can help! This is what I do. Get in touch, and let’s discuss how to find the right keywords and improve your site’s ranking.
