Long Tail vs Short Tail Keywords: What’s the Main Difference?

Many SEOs and marketers wonder what's the difference between long tail vs short tail keywords. Understanding the difference between these two keyword types is important for when you're creating an SEO strategy for yourself or a client.

In this blog post, we’ll look at the main differences between long tail vs short tail keywords. You'll also learn how you can find these keywords using SEOptimer's keyword research tool.

What are Long Tail Keywords?

Long tail keywords are very specific phrases, typically consisting of three or more words, that target niche audiences with precise search intents.

These keywords are more descriptive and detailed compared to short tail keywords, allowing you to reach users who are looking for something very specific.

For example, phrases like " best running shoes for flat feet" or " affordable vegan protein powder" are long tail keywords.

These long tail keywords are useful for attracting targeted traffic and users to your site.

Although they have lower search volumes, they often result in higher conversion rates because they match the searcher's intent more accurately.

Long tail searches aren’t just longer. They’re also more specific. They usually have commercial or transactional search intent.

- Brian Dean, Founder of Backlinko

SEOs and marketers use long tail keywords in their content to better address the needs of their audience and improve the odds of ranking well in search engine results pages (SERPs).

What are Short Tail Keywords?

Short tail keywords (also referred to as head keywords) are brief, general search terms that usually consist of one or two words.

They target a broad audience and cover a wide range of topics.

Examples of short tail keywords include terms like " shoes," " coffee," or " marketing."

Due to their general nature, these keywords tend to have high search volumes and are often highly competitive.

For instance, the search volume for “ best running shoes for flat feet” is around 18,000 monthly searches, whereas the monthly volume for the short tail variant “ running shoes” is more than 300k and higher competition.

Long Tail vs Short Tail Keywords: What’s the Difference?

The main differences between long tail and short tail keywords are:

• Length: Long tail keywords are typically longer, consisting of three or more words, whereas short tail keywords are shorter, usually one or two words.
• Specificity: Long tail keywords are more specific and detail-oriented, targeting niche audiences. Short tail keywords are broad and general, appealing to a wider audience.
• Search Volume: Long tail keywords have lower search volumes but higher conversion rates due to their specific nature. Short tail keywords have higher search volumes but lower conversion rates.
• Competition: Long tail keywords face less competition in search engine results compared to short tail keywords, which are highly competitive.

How to Find Long Tail Keywords

Finding long tail keywords is easier than ever thanks to the tools that are available today.

Here are some ways that you can follow to find long tail keywords:

Use Keyword Research Tools

Start with tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEOptimer's Keyword Research tool.

After adding a keyword to the tool, SEOptimer shows search terms along with search volumes, competition levels, and more.

Check Your Competitor's Keywords

You can use your competitor's keywords as inspiration or a starting point to find long tail keywords.

SEO competitor analysis is very much effective in finding keyword gaps. These are opportunities where your competitors are ranking for keywords that you haven't targeted yet.

- Anna York, SEO Expert

Check Google’s Autocomplete Suggestions

When you type a broad keyword into Google’s search bar, Google provides autocomplete suggestions that are often long tail keywords.

Look at “People Also Ask” and “People also search for”

You can also use Google to find additional long tail keyword ideas by scrolling down to the “People also ask” section or the “ People also search for” at the bottom of the page.

Leverage Forums and Q&A Sites

You can also check forums and Q&A sites to find commonly asked questions that are relevant to your business or website.

Use Google Search Console

Analyze the performance of your existing content in Google Search Console. Look for search queries that are driving traffic to your site, especially longer phrases.

What Would Your Audience Ask?

Think about the specific questions your audience might ask. Long tail keywords often take the form of questions, such as “ how to train a puppy not to bite” or “ what is the best time to post on Instagram.”

How to Find Short Tail Keywords

Finding short tail keywords is easier than finding long tail keywords.

1. Type a general broad term in a keyword research tool.
2. Next, sort the results by monthly search volume from highest to lowest.

Long Tail vs Short Tail Keywords: Which is Best?

When it comes to choosing between long tail vs short tail keywords, there’s no definitive answer to which is best.

Each type of keyword has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on your specific goals and situation.

In practice, the best approach is to use a combination of both.

Wrapping Up

There's no such thing as the best option when it comes to long tail vs short tail keywords.

Marketers and SEOs can benefit from using both of these types of keywords in combination with one another.

The key to success lies in striking the right balance between long tail and short tail keywords.