Do you know the difference between short-tail keywords and long-tail keywords? If not, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many business owners and marketers are unclear on the difference, or even what these terms mean.
When it comes to SEO, there are a lot of different factors that you need to consider. One of the most important is choosing the right keywords. Do you go for short-tail keywords or long-tail keywords? What’s the difference, and which is better for your SEO?
In this blog post, I will discuss all about short-tail and long-tail keywords, and help you decide which one is best for your SEO!
What is SEO?
SEO stands for “search engine optimization.” It is the process of optimizing your website to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), and thus drive more organic traffic to your site.
There are a number of different ranking factors that come into play when it comes to SEO. These include things like website design, site speed, content quality, and of course – keywords.
Choosing the right keywords is essential for good SEO. But what exactly are keywords, and how do you choose the right ones? Read on to find out!
What are Keywords?
Keywords are simply the words or phrases that people enter into search engines when they are looking for something.
For example, if I am looking for a new pair of shoes, I might enter “women’s black shoe size eight” into Google.
These words and phrases that people enter into search engines are called “keywords.
You can use Google Keyword planner to do your keyword research for free, I personally use Ahrefs which is also a paid excellent tool, but if you are on a strict budget Google keyword Planner is the best option
What are Short-Tail Keywords?
Short-tail keywords are simply shorter, more general keywords. They are usually just one or two words long, and they have a higher search volume than long-tail keywords.
For example, some short-tail keywords might be “shoes”, “clothes”, or “fashion”. These are all very general terms that could return a lot of results in a search engine.
Advantages of Short-Tail Keywords
The main advantage of short-tail keywords is that they have a high search volume.
This means that more people are searching for these terms, and so there is more potential traffic to be gained by ranking for them.
Short-tail keywords are also generally easier to rank than long-tail keywords. This is because they are less specific, and so there is less competition for them.
these are easier to integrate into your content than long-tail keywords, as they flow more naturally.
Disadvantages of Short-Tail Keywords
The downside of short-tail keywords is that they are very general, so it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd when you are ranking for them.
It can also be difficult to convert visitors who come to your site through a short-tail keyword.
This is because they might not be sure what they are looking for, and so they are less likely to buy something from you.
What are Long-Tail Keywords?
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific keywords. They usually consist of three or more words, and they have a lower search volume than short-tail keywords.
For example, some long-tail keywords might be “women’s black shoes size eight” or “men’s blue jeans size thirty-two.”
These terms are much more specific, and so there is less competition for them.
For long-tail keywords to rank, you will need to have a more specific website.
This is because the people who are searching for these terms are looking for something very specific, and so your site needs to be able to meet their needs.
Advantages of Long-Tail Keywords
The advantage of long-tail keywords is that they are easier to rank than short-tail keywords. This is because there is less competition for them, as I mentioned before.
Long-tail keywords are also more likely to convert into sales than short-tail keywords.
This is because the people who search for them are usually further along in the buyer’s journey, and so they know what they want.
The search volume for long-tail keywords is usually lower than for short-tail keywords, but this doesn’t mean that they are not worth ranking for. In fact, long-tail keywords can be very valuable to your SEO strategy.
Disadvantages of Long-Tail Keywords
The main disadvantage of long-tail keywords is that they have a lower search volume than short-tail keywords. This means that there is less potential traffic to be gained by ranking for them.
Another downside of long-tail keywords is that they can be more difficult to rank for if you don’t have a specific website. This is because you will need to have a lot of relevant content on your site in order to rank for these terms.
So, which is better for your SEO: short-tail keywords or long-tail keywords?
The answer to this question is that both types of keywords can be good for your SEO. It all depends on your website and your goals.
If you have a specific website with a lot of relevant content, then long-tail keywords might be the best option for you.
This is because they are easier to rank for and more likely to convert into sales.
However, if you have a general website or you are just starting out, then short-tail keywords might be the best option for you.
This is because they have a higher search volume, and so you will have more potential traffic.
ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of keywords is best for your website and your SEO goals.
Try experimenting with both short-tail and long-tail keywords to see what works best for you.
In my experience, if you have a website with a long-term goal you should focus more on Long-Tail keywords, on the other hand, if you have a short-term goal and aim to get the traffic fast be it via ads, short-tail keywords are best for you.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to SEO as a whole of your site both short-tail keywords and long-tail keywords are important, but it really depends on your website’s goals. I suggest that you use a mix of both to get the most traffic and conversions from your website.
That’s all for now! I hope I have answered all your queries and now you have a better understanding of both short-tail and long-tail keywords.
To learn more read these articles
12 Powerful Tips To Help You Create SEO Friendly Content
How To Use Copywriting To Grow Your Blog
