Long-tail keywords are specific and detailed phrases that users type into the search bar when looking for particular information, products, or services. Long-tail keywords consist of three or more words. Generally, these long-tail keywords have low search volume. It has low competition and higher conversion rates.

The latest Google search update has brought several significant changes in how the search engine ranks and displays the search results.

Google’s latest updates like BERT and Helpful Content update, prioritizes content depth and expertise. By focusing on long-tail keywords, you can create in-depth content that can position your website as an authority in your niche.

Here’s why long-tail keywords have become an important point in this update:

Google’s latest algorithms have become more advanced in understanding user intent. Long-tail keywords are phrases or search queries that are typically longer. They are more specific than generic, short keywords. Unlike short keywords, long-tail keywords often provide additional context or specific details. These longer, more detailed phrases help Google to better understand the user intent behind the search query. 

Here is the long-tail keyword example to understand this in a better way: 

If you enter the short keyword “Digital Marketing”. These words can’t tell what exactly the user is looking for. Here users could be searching for various things such as a “local Digital Marketing agency ” or “Digital Marketing course” or “Digital Marketing jobs”.

However, if you search for “Digital Marketing agency in Abu Dhabi”, google will understand exactly what the user is looking for. Long-tail keywords like this help search engines understand user intentions more accurately.

Long-tail keywords play an important role for a new website. Generally, new websites have very low authority. And it’s challenging to rank for high-competition keywords. However, you can use long-tail keywords, which consist of specific search phrases with lower competition. You can then create in-depth content for your target audience and gain visibility in search engine results pages. As a result, you can experience a gradual increase in organic traffic and overall authority.

Usually, long-tail keywords are used by the user who is in the buying or making decision process. The user has a clear idea of what they want. This makes them more likely to convert into customers or take the desired action on the website.

For example, someone searching for “SEO services in Abu Dhabi” is showing a very specific intent. The user here is looking for professional search engine optimization services in their local area. This indicates that the user is closer to make the decision than someone searching for just “SEO”

Another example could be, that someone searching for “black running shoes for women” is likely closer to making a purchase decision than someone searching for “shoes”.

Long-tail keywords can significantly boost engagement rates by attracting a highly targeted audience. These specific phrases align closely with what users are actively searching for. So when they find your content, it precisely addresses their needs. This relevancy often leads to longer time spent on your website, more page views, and increased interactions.

Google considers user satisfaction as a ranking factor. So using long-tail keywords can positively impact your site’s performance.

Here are different ideas and approaches to conduct effective long-tail keyword research:

Start typing a relevant keyword into Google’s search bar, and you’ll see autocomplete suggestions. These suggestions often contain long-tail keyword ideas.

Explore forums like Quora, Reddit, and niche-specific discussion websites. Look for common questions and phrases that users are using. These questions can be excellent sources of long-tail keyword ideas.

You can use different tools to identify the long-tail keywords. For example, Google keyword planner, Ahrefs, Semrush, AnswerThePublic, etc.

You also get more long-tail keyword ideas from Social Media platforms, Google search console, and Google Trend. 

You can also add keyword modifiers such as “best”, “top”, and “how to” or add a geographic location for local business.

Once you have found long-tail keywords, you need to use them correctly on your page. Here are some tips on how you can use these long-tail keywords to improve your website’s ranking.

Place your long-tail keyword naturally within your content. Here’s where you can use it:

• Title: Include the long-tail keyword in your page’s title, preferably near the beginning.
• Header Tags: Use the keyword in header tags (H1, H2, etc.) to structure your content effectively. This will help to improve readability.
• First Paragraph: Integrate the keyword into the first paragraph or, ideally, the first sentence of your content.
• Throughout Content: Sprinkle the long-tail keyword throughout your content where it fits naturally. Avoid keyword stuffing, as it can harm your SEO and also the readability.

Google is getting smarter day by day. It focuses more on Natural Language Processing and a deeper understanding of content. Google BERT algorithm updates help to understand the context of words in searches and better match those queries with helpful results. So to align with these developments in search results, we need to update our SEO strategy. With that said, clustering with long-tail keywords will likely be the most successful approach.

Topic clustering is the best SEO strategy. It involves organizing related pieces of content around a central, or pillar content. Long-tail keywords can be used for creating content clusters.

To implement this strategy, first conduct keyword research to identify relevant long-tail keywords. It should be related to your main topic or pillar content. 

Then, create comprehensive pillar content that covers the broader topic and optimize it for a primary keyword. 

Next, develop supporting content, each centered around a specific long-tail keyword. Make sure to interlink this content. It will provide a better user experience. It also shows to search engines that your site offers comprehensive information on the topic. This will also help to establish website authority on a particular topic.

In conclusion, long-tail keywords are more important than ever in the latest Google search update. They align with Google’s focus on user intent and provide a valuable opportunity to improve your website’s ranking, attract a more targeted audience, and enhance the overall user experience. Incorporating long-tail keywords into your SEO strategy can be a powerful way to stay competitive in the evolving world of search engine optimization.

Are you interested in implementing this long-tail keyword strategy on your website to boost traffic? Feel free to get in touch with us! Our digital marketing agency in UAE is here to assist you.