Why Focus on Long-Tail Keywords for SEO
When you’re optimising a site for search engines, choosing the right keywords is everything. Long-tail keywords, specific phrases of three or more words, offer a powerful way to reach people who are ready to act.
Lower Competition, Higher Intent
Short, generic keywords attract huge search volumes, but they’re crowded with competition.
Long-tail keywords let you carve out a niche and reach searchers with clear intent, whether that’s buying, booking, or learning.
These visitors are far more likely to convert into leads or sales.
Build Relevance & Authority
Search engines reward content that answers detailed queries.
By weaving long-tail phrases into your pages, you improve user experience and show Google that you’re an authority in your field.
What Are Long-Tail Keywords?
Long-tail keywords are specific search phrases, usually three or more words, that match a user’s exact need.
Example: instead of “shoes,” someone might search “best running shoes for flat feet.”
They may have lower search volume, but they draw a highly targeted audience that’s further along in the buying cycle.
Key Advantages
• Less competition: Easier to rank than broad terms.
• Better conversions: Visitors are already looking for something specific.
• Stronger trust: Niche content positions you as an expert.
How to Find Them
1. Use research tools – SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Google Keyword Planner to uncover search volume and competition.
2. Brainstorm customer questions – List phrases your ideal customers might type.
3. Analyze competitors – Spot keyword gaps and opportunities.
4. Leverage Google suggestions – Check autocomplete and related searches for real-time ideas.
Optimising Your Content
• Place keywords naturally in titles, meta descriptions, and the first 100 words.
• Use headings (H1, H2) to include key phrases and improve readability.
• Write for humans first, avoid keyword stuffing and keep the flow natural.
Make It Part of Your SEO Strategy
Integrating long-tail keywords isn’t a one-off tactic, it’s a long-term growth move.
By targeting these focused phrases, you’ll attract qualified visitors, improve rankings, and generate conversions that sustain your business.
Why Choose Direct Submit?
Need some help with you SEO project? At Direct Submit, we understand how challenging it can be to secure a top spot on Google and other search engines. That’s why we’ve built a fully transparent, 100% data-driven SEO package. We track, compare, and analyze hundreds of ranking factors to uncover exactly why your site isn’t ranking for specific keywords, and why your competitors are.
We create a tailored action plan designed to close that gap. With these insights, we can forecast your progress, predict future website traffic, and estimate the ROI from your digital marketing investment. We’ll work with you to make your digital marketing project the best that it can be.
If you’re looking for a North East or UK digital marketing agency that goes beyond the basics, you’ve found the right partner. Together. Call us today on 0800 669 6848 or visit our website – we’ll take your online presence further than you imagined.
