Hint: They’re one of the easiest ways to drive traffic from Google — especially for small businesses.
What Are Long-Tail Keywords?
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific search phrases people type into Google when they’re looking for something detailed or niche.
They usually contain 3 or more words, and they’re often easier to rank for than short, highly competitive keywords.
Examples of Long-Tail Keywords vs Short Keywords:
| Short Keyword | Long-Tail Keyword Example |
|---|---|
| Shoes | Best running shoes for flat feet women |
| SEO | How to use SEO for small business websites |
| Pizza | Gluten-free pizza delivery in Salt Lake City |
Why Are They Called “Long-Tail”?
The term “long-tail” comes from a concept in marketing and SEO where search demand looks like this:
- A small number of keywords get massive search volume (short keywords like “shoes” or “SEO”).
- But a HUGE number of keywords get lower, more specific searches (long-tail keywords like “best waterproof hiking shoes for women”).
If you look at this on a graph, it looks like a fat “head” with a long “tail” — and that tail is where tons of untapped SEO opportunity lives.
Why Are Long-Tail Keywords Important for SEO?
1. They’re Easier to Rank For
Fewer websites are competing for very specific keywords, especially locally or niche-focused ones.
Example:
It’s nearly impossible to rank #1 for “dentist.”
But ranking for “emergency dentist in Tooele Utah open weekends” is much more realistic.
2. They Bring Higher-Quality Traffic
People searching long-tail keywords usually know what they want — which means they’re closer to taking action (buying, booking, calling).
Example:
Compare:
Search: “lawn care” → browsing
Search: “affordable lawn care service near me” → ready to hire
3. They Help Capture Voice Search Traffic
People talk to Siri, Alexa, and Google like they talk to a person — using long-tail keywords naturally.
Example voice search:
“Who installs vinyl fences in West Jordan Utah?”
If your content targets long-tail phrases like this → you’re ahead of the competition.
How to Find Long-Tail Keywords
1. Use Google’s Autocomplete
Start typing your main keyword in Google and see what it suggests.
Example:
Type: “web design for”
Suggestions might show:
- web design for small businesses
- web design for photographers
- web design for real estate agents
2. Look at “People Also Ask” and “Related Searches” in Google
These sections at the bottom or middle of search results are gold mines for long-tail ideas.
3. Use SEO Tools
- Ubersuggest
- Ahrefs
- SEMrush
- AnswerThePublic
- AlsoAsked.com
These tools show real searches people make — including tons of long-tail phrases.
How to Use Long-Tail Keywords on Your Website
1. Blog Posts
Answer specific questions in a dedicated blog post.
Example: “How Much Does a New Roof Cost in Utah?”
2. Service Pages
Use long-tail keywords on your location or service pages.
Example:
Instead of a generic title like “Roof Repair”, use:
“Roof Repair for Storm Damage in Tooele, Utah”
3. FAQs
FAQs are perfect for naturally using long-tail keywords.
Example:
“Do you offer emergency plumbing services in Salt Lake City?”
4. Meta Titles & Descriptions
Optimize your page titles and descriptions using long-tail phrases to improve click-through rates from Google.
Final Thoughts — Are Long-Tail Keywords Worth It?
Absolutely.
If you’re a small business, service provider, or local company trying to rank on Google without a massive budget — long-tail keywords should be a core part of your SEO strategy.
They bring you:
- Easier rankings
- More qualified leads
- Traffic from ready-to-buy customers
Best of all? They help you compete (and win) even when you’re up against big-name competitors.
Need Help Finding Long-Tail Keywords for Your Business?
At Pro Construct Digital, we help businesses like yours get found on Google using smart SEO strategies — long-tail keywords included.
Want us to research long-tail keywords for your business and create content that actually ranks?
