Long Tail Keywords vs Short Tail: What Are the Differences?

Did you know 57 percent of SMB businesses don’t actually have an SEO strategy? Understand the difference between a long-tail keyword and a short-tail keyword. If you would like to learn about the difference, keep reading.

This guide will teach you the differences between long-tail keywords vs. short-tail keywords and when to use them.

Ready to learn more? Keep reading.

Defining Long-Tail and Short-Tail Keywords

Before you pick a keyword for a campaign, understand the difference between the two.

A short-tail keyword at max is three words. For example, some examples are Pineapple cake, chocolate pudding, and 2010 food prices. Short-tail keywords will remain broad in scope and bring back lots of traffic.

Long-tail keywords are longer than three words. They are more specific and targeted. You won’t see as much return on traffic, but it will hopefully reach your target audience.

Examples include:

• Gluten-free make your own bread
• Challenging hikes near me
• 30th birthday gift ideas

For advertising and marketing, long-tail keywords tend to be the better option. However, let’s now look at some of the pros and cons of both.

Understanding the Pros and Cons

Generic short-tail keywords will bring tons of traffic to your website. Long-tail keywords will have a better click-through rate (CTR).

The reason behind the higher CTR is there are fewer search returns. Long-tail keyword searches usually result in high positions and conversion rates. You’re reaching out to your targeted audience with meaningful keywords.

Short-tail keywords are much easier to develop, but you must ensure they flow smoothly. Some marketers make the mistake of creating awkward-to-read short-tail keywords.

If you use short-tail keywords, make sure you pick natural ones. Improve your quality score and remain relevant to your target audience.

How Do You Choose the Right Keywords?

If you have to plan a new campaign, think carefully about your intended market audience. You can use a keyword planner to help plan your content. Look here for more information. 

Consider checking out what your competitors are doing as well. Read their content, and see how it’s performing. Hire an SEO specialist who can create engaging and relevant keywords for your content.

If you want to succeed with your SEO strategy, work with a reputable specialist. You should ask about the company’s success stories before hiring them. 

Start planning your strategy today. 

Now You Understand Long-Tail Keywords vs. Short-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords vs. short-tail keywords often confuse people new to SEO marketing. Short-tail keywords are general and under three words. Long-tail keywords are over three words, specific and targeted to your audience.

You’ll want to work with a reputable SEO specialist if you don’t know how to generate unique keywords.

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