Every website owner wants more visitors. But the problem is, short keywords are too competitive. Ranking for them takes time, money, and patience. That’s where long-tail keywords come in.
Long-tail keywords are specific phrases that people type when they are closer to making a decision. Instead of just searching shoes, they might search best running shoes for flat feet under 100. That’s a long-tail keyword. It may have fewer searches, but the people searching it are serious buyers.
If you use the right long-tail keywords, your traffic can grow up to 200% faster because you are not fighting with giant websites. You’re targeting people who already know what they want.
Why Long-Tale Keywords Are a Game Changer in 2025 SEO
Search engines are no longer what they used to be. Google, Bing, and even AI-powered platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity are shifting towards understanding intent, context, and conversations rather than just matching a few keywords.
What Are Long-Tale Keywords?
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific search phrases that reflect exactly what users are looking for. Instead of searching “laptop,” users now type or say:
Examples of Long-Tale Keywords in Different Industries
Industry | Short Keyword | Long-Tail Keyword Example |
---|---|---|
Jewelry | Gold jewelry | How to clean gold jewelry at home safely |
Diamond rings | Affordable diamond engagement rings | Affordable diamond engagement rings in New York |
Education | Online courses | Best online digital marketing courses with certificates in USA |
MBA program | Affordable MBA programs | Affordable MBA programs for working professionals in California |
Clothing Brand | T-shirts | Sustainable cotton t-shirts for men under $30 in USA |
Winter jackets | Best waterproof jackets | Best waterproof winter jackets for women in Chicago |
Digital Marketing | SEO services | Jewelry SEO services for small businesses in New York |
Social media ads | Social media ads | Best social media marketing strategies for eCommerce stores in 2025 |
Medical | Dentist | Best dentist for kids with braces in Los Angeles |
Skin care | Affordable dermatology | Affordable dermatology clinics for acne treatment near me |
Why Long-Tale Keywords Matter in 2025
1. They Match How People Actually Search
With the rise of voice assistants, AI chatbots, and conversational search, people are no longer typing one or two words. Instead, they’re asking complete questions—just like they would in real life.
2. They Attract Highly Targeted Visitors
Someone searching for “laptops” could be looking for anything—a cheap one, a gaming one, or just general information.
That’s the power of long-tail keywords:
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They bring in visitors with clear intent.
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They improve your chances of converting clicks into sales, leads, or subscribers
3. They’re Less Competitive
Ranking for a generic keyword like ‘laptop’ or ‘shoes’ is almost impossible unless you’re a massive brand. But targeting a long-tail keyword like ‘best running shoes for flat feet 2025’ gives you:
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A realistic chance to rank.
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Lower competition compared to short, broad terms.
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Faster SEO results, especially for new or small websites.

How To Find Long-Tale Keywords That Actually Work
The best part about long-tail keywords is that you don’t need to be an SEO pro to uncover them. With a few simple tricks, you can find keyword ideas that real people are searching for and use them to attract the right audience.
1. Google Autocomplete
Start typing your main keyword in Google, and watch the suggestions drop down. These are real search phrases people are using.
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Example: Type ‘gold jewelry’ → you’ll see ideas like gold jewelry for weddings or gold jewelry cleaning tips.
2. People Also Ask [PAA]
Scroll down the Google search results, and you’ll find a section called People Also Ask. These questions are golden for FAQs, blog subheadings, and even YouTube video topics.
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Example: ‘How to clean gold jewelry at home?’
3. Free Tools
Platforms like Ubersuggest, AnswerThePublic, and KeywordTool.io give you hundreds of long-tail keyword suggestions in seconds. They also show search volume and competition, so you can target the ones that are easy to rank for.
4. Communities & Forums
Places like Quora, Reddit, and YouTube comments are full of real-life questions people ask every day. These questions often translate perfectly into long-tail keywords.

How To Use Long-Tale Keywords In Your Content
1) Put the long-tail in the right places
Use one primary long-tail keyword per page, plus 2–4 close variants and synonyms.
High-impact placements (in order):
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Title tag (60–65 chars): lead with the long-tail if it reads naturally.
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H1: repeat or lightly tweak the title.
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URL slug: short, readable, includes core terms.
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Intro (first 100 words): answer the search intent fast.
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H2/H3 subheads: add variants and questions users ask.
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Body copy: 2–4 natural mentions + synonyms/entities.
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Image alt text: describe the image with the intent in mind.
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Meta description (140–160 chars): promise value + CTA.
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FAQ section: short Q&A that maps to People Also Ask and voice queries.
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Internal links: link from related pages with descriptive anchors.
2) See it in action -filled-in examples
Example A - Jewelry care informational
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Primary long-tail: how to clean gold jewelry at home safely
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Title tag: How to Clean Gold Jewelry at Home Safely (No Damage Guide)
URL: /clean-gold-jewelry-at-home-safely -
H1: How to Clean Gold Jewelry at Home Safely
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Intro (40–60 words):
‘Want a quick, safe way to clean gold jewelry at home? Use mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft cloth skip harsh chemicals and stiff brushes. Below is a 5-step method that protects shine and avoids scratches, plus pro tips for pieces with gemstones.’ -
H2: 5 Safe Steps to Clean Gold Jewelry at Home
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Alt text: ‘soaking gold ring in warm soapy water safe home cleaning’
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Meta description: ‘Clean gold jewelry at home safely with a 5-step method. No harsh chemicals just shine. Learn what to avoid and how to protect gemstones.’
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FAQ:
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Can toothpaste clean gold jewelry?
Avoid it; abrasives can scratch. Use mild soap and a soft cloth instead. -
How often should I clean gold chains?
Every 2–3 weeks if worn daily; store in a soft pouch to limit buildup. -
Internal link anchors:
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From a buying guide: gold jewelry care tips → this page
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From a gemstone page: safe cleaning for gold with diamonds
Example B - Local commercial intent jewelry
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Primary long-tail: affordable diamond engagement rings in New York
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Title tag: Affordable Diamond Engagement Rings in New York | Styles & Tips
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URL: /affordable-diamond-engagement-rings-new-york
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H1: Affordable Diamond Engagement Rings in New York
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Intro:
‘Shopping in NYC on a budget? Here are the best places, diamond shapes, and settings that lower cost without losing sparkle plus financing and certification tips.’ -
H2s: Best NYC Neighborhoods for Affordable Rings • Budget-Friendly Settings • What Certification to Ask For
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Alt text: ‘affordable solitaire diamond ring in New York showroom’
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Meta description: ‘Find affordable diamond engagement rings in New York. Top stores, budget settings, and certification tips to buy smart in NYC.’
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FAQ:
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What is a good budget for a diamond ring in NYC?
Many shoppers spend $1,000–$3,500; lab-grown can stretch value.
Internal links: -
To store locator: diamond stores in Manhattan
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To education: diamond certification guide
Example C - Tech [your earlier example]
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Primary long-tail: best laptops for graphic designers under $800
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Title tag: Best Laptops for Graphic Designers Under $800 (2025 List)
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URL: /best-laptops-graphic-design-under-800
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H1: Best Laptops for Graphic Designers Under $800
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Snippet box (to win featured snippets):
‘The best laptops for graphic designers under $800 in 2025 are: Model A, Model B, Model C. Look for 16GB RAM, color-accurate display (sRGB 100%), and SSD 512GB.’(short list, answer-first)
3) Write for snippets, AI Overviews, and voice
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Answer first, then detail. Put a 40–60-word direct answer or a 5–7 item list right after the H1/H2 that matches the query.
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Use question subheads. e.g., “How do I clean gold jewelry at home safely?”
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Keep steps scannable. Numbered lists and short sentences help AI and human readers.
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Add schema markup: FAQPage, HowTo, Product, LocalBusiness to feed rich results.
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Use natural language. Write how people speak; avoid keyword stuffing.
4) Build topic clusters
Create a hub {pillar} page for a broad topic, then link in and out of specific long-tail posts.
Jewelry care cluster - example:
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Pillar: The Complete Guide to Gold Jewelry Care
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Supporting posts:
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How to Clean Gold Jewelry at Home Safely
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How to Remove Tarnish from Gold-Plated Jewelry
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How to Store Gold Jewelry to Prevent Scratches
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Best Cleaners for Gold Jewelry (Pros & Cons)
5) Use entities and synonyms, not just repeats
Blend related terms the model expects for the topic:
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For gold jewelry care: karat, plating, ultrasonic, microfiber cloth, gemstone settings, soap solution, ammonia-free, polishing cloth.
This helps search engines confirm you truly cover the topic.
6) On-page checklist
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☐ One primary long-tail chosen, plus 2-4 variants
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☐ Title tag includes the long-tail and a benefit/angle
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☐ H1 mirrors the intent
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☐ URL short and descriptive
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☐ First 100 words answer the query
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☐ At least one H2 phrased as the question
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☐ One “answer-box” paragraph or list near the top
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☐ Images with descriptive, honest alt text
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☐ Meta description sells the click
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☐ FAQ: 2–4 Q&As, 1–2 lines each
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☐ Internal links in and out with descriptive anchors
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☐ Relevant schema [FAQ/HowTo/Product/LocalBusiness]
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☐ No stuffing; natural language throughout
7) Density, frequency, and length
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Mention the primary long-tail 2–4 times on a standard article (1,000–1,500 words).
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Put one mention above the fold and another in a subhead.
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Use variations in the rest (synonyms, reordered phrases).
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Aim for clear answers, not a forced number of mentions.
8) Common mistakes to avoid
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Stuffing: repeating the full long-tail every paragraph.
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Zombie intros: long fluff before answering the question.
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Generic alt text: “image1.jpg” or ‘ring’ add context.
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No internal links: pages become islands, clusters fail.
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Ignoring FAQs: you miss PAA, voice, and AI answer opportunities.
9) Quick templates you can reuse
Title templates
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[Primary Long-Tail] - [Year/Result/Angle]
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How to [Action] [Object] [Qualifier] (Fast & Safe Guide)
Content Types That Work Best With Long-Tail Keywords
Not all content formats deliver the same results. Some types naturally align with long-tail keywords because they mirror the way people search. Here’s where these keywords work best:
1. Blog Posts & Guides
Long-tail keywords are perfect for step-by-step tutorials, how-to guides, and detailed blogs. People type or speak in full questions like ‘How to clean gold jewelry at home safely' or 'Best SEO strategies for small businesses in 2025.’
By using these queries in your titles, H2s, and FAQs, your content can:
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Attract highly targeted readers.
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Win featured snippets and People Also Ask boxes.
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Build authority around specific topics.
2. Product Pages
Your eCommerce or service product pages shouldn’t just list features they should answer customer questions. Adding FAQs with long-tail keywords helps you show up for queries like:
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‘Affordable diamond engagement rings in New York’
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‘Best laptops under $800 for graphic design students’
This approach captures buyers at the decision stage, driving higher conversions directly from search.
3. Case Studies
Case studies work brilliantly with long-tail keywords because they prove you’ve solved the exact problems people are searching for.
Example:
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Blog title: ‘How Our Jewelry SEO Strategy Increased Sales for a Diamond Store in Chicago by 120%’
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Keyword targeted: ‘jewelry SEO for local diamond stores in Chicago’
This type of content builds both trust and relevance, showing prospects that you deliver real results.
4. Video Content
Don’t forget that YouTube is the second largest search engine. People search there with long-tail queries just like on Google.
Examples:
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‘How to style gold jewelry for weddings’
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‘Best social media tools for small businesses in 2025’
When you optimize your video titles, descriptions, and tags with long-tail keywords, you increase visibility in both video results and Google search rankings. Embedding these videos into your blogs creates a double SEO boost.
Short-Tail vs. Long-Tail Keywords: What’s the Difference?
Feature | Short-Tail Keywords | Long-Tail Keywords |
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Length | 1–2 words | 3+ words |
Example | jewelry | affordable diamond engagement rings in New York |
Search Volume | High | Moderate to low |
Competition | Very high | Lower |
Search Intent | Broad / unclear | Specific / clear |
Conversion Rate | Low (general interest) | High (ready to act) |
Best For | Brand awareness, large sites | Niche traffic, new sites, higher conversions |
Common Mistakes to Avoid With Long-Tail Keywords
Long-tail keywords are powerful, but many businesses fail to see results because they misuse them. Here are the most common pitfalls to watch out for:
1. Keyword Stuffing
One of the biggest mistakes is overloading your content with the same long-tail keyword again and again. Google’s algorithms are smart enough to detect unnatural repetition. Instead of boosting your ranking, this makes your page look spammy and can even lead to penalties.
Fix: Use your long-tail keyword 2 - 4 times naturally in the article, then add synonyms, variations, and related phrases. Focus on making the content readable and valuable.
2. Ignoring Search Intent
Many people choose a keyword but create the wrong type of content for it. For example, if the keyword is ‘best laptops for students under $600’, the user is expecting a listicle or buying guide not a generic article about laptops.
Fix: Before writing, ask: ‘What is the searcher trying to achieve with this query?’ Then create content that matches that intent be it informational, transactional, or navigational.
3. Forgetting to Update Content
Search trends evolve quickly, especially with AI-driven results. A keyword that brought traffic in 2023 may not work in 2025. Competitors, new tools, and new questions from users can change what ranks.
Fix: Refresh your content regularly. Update titles, FAQs, stats, and examples at least once every 6–12 months. This signals to Google (and AI tools) that your page is current and trustworthy.
4. Not Covering the Topic in Depth
Some writers only sprinkle a long-tail keyword into a short blog post. That rarely works today. Google favors comprehensive content that fully answers the query and related sub-questions.
Fix: Use supporting subtopics, FAQs, and examples around your long-tail keyword. Think in terms of topic clusters a hub page plus detailed supporting articles.

Tracking Your Results
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Tracking performance is the backbone of a successful long-tail keyword strategy. Tools like Google Analytics, Search Console, and even AI-driven SEO dashboards can help you identify what’s working and where you need to adjust.
Here’s what to monitor:
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Traffic Sources – See which long-tail keywords are bringing in visitors.
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Engagement Metrics – Track how long users stay on your page and whether they interact with your content.
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Conversions – Check which articles or pages are driving leads, sales, or sign-ups.
Once you know which keywords and pages perform best, double down on them. Create supporting blogs, FAQs, or videos around similar long-tail topics to build topical authorit
Final Tips to Boost Traffic by 200%
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Publish consistently – Search engines reward regular content updates.
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Refresh old posts – Add new examples, updated keywords, and FAQs to keep rankings fresh.
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Diversify your channels – Mix long-tail keyword strategies with social media, email campaigns, and video content for extra reach.
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Prioritize people over search engines Write naturally, solve problems, and add value. Optimization should enhance not replace the human touch.
FAQs on Long-Tail Keywords
1. What is a long-tail keyword generator?
Answer
A long-tail keyword generator is a tool that gives you keyword ideas based on what people are searching online. It helps you find less competitive but highly targeted keywords that can bring the right audience to your site.
2. Can you give some long-tail keyword examples?
Answer
Sure! Instead of shoes (short-tail), a long-tail version could be best running shoes for flat feet under 100. Another example: instead of laptops, you can target best laptops for college students under 500.
3. What are short-tail keywords?
Answer
Short-tail keywords are broad search terms, usually one to two words like SEO or laptops. They have high search volume but are very competitive. Long-tail keywords are longer phrases with lower competition and higher conversion potential.
4. What is the best free long-tail keyword research tool?
Answer
Some of the best free tools are Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, AnswerThePublic, and even Google Autocomplete. These show real phrases people are searching for right now.
5. How do I find long-tail keywords?
Answer
You can find long-tail keywords by typing your main topic into Google and checking autocomplete, People Also Ask, and related searches. Tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Keyword Planner can also help.
6. What are long-tail keywords in SEO?
Answer
In SEO, long-tail keywords are used to target specific search queries. They may bring less traffic individually, but when used across your site, they can drive a large amount of highly qualified visitors.
7. How do I use Google Keyword Planner for long-tail keywords?
Answer
Enter your main keyword in Google Keyword Planner, and it will show related keyword ideas. Sort them by competition and search volume, then pick the ones that are more specific and have less competition those are long-tail keywords.
8. How to use long-tail keywords in content?
Answer
Place your long-tail keywords naturally in the title, headings, body text, meta description, and image alt tags. Use them in FAQs or subtopics too. Always focus on making the content helpful and natural instead of stuffing keywords.