Difference Between Short and Long tailed keywords in SEO

Oct

Difference Between Short and Long tailed keywords in SEO

10/28/2023 12:01 PM by SEO Optimizer in Seo

logn tailed keywords

Long-tailed keywords and short-tailed keywords in keyword research are important steps in SEO. It is also a known concept that SEO experts frequently use. These two types of keywords have different purpose, reach, and impact on SEO strategies.

The difference between long-tail and short-tail keywords lies in their specificity, competition, search volume, and conversion potential. While short-tail keywords may bring in more traffic, long-tail keywords offer a more targeted approach to SEO.

Also read: Best Guide for Keywords Usage in SEO

Also read: 7 Steps To Grow your Domain Authority

What Are Long Tailed Keywords?

Long-tail keywords are specific and highly descriptive search phrases that consist of three or more words. These. They mostly consist of three or more words that capture the searcher's intent more precisely. For instance, for a website selling running shoes, long-tail keywords could be "women's lightweight running shoes" or "best trail running shoes for beginners."

Advantages of Long Tailed Keywords

The characteristics of long-tail keywords include:

1. Niche Focus:

Long-tail keywords are niche-focused and are specific to certain audiences. They are less competitive, which means it's often easier to rank for them.

2. Lower Search Volume:

Long-tail keywords have a lower search volume compared to short-tail keywords. However, they bring in more targeted traffic, as they align closely with the searcher's intent.

3. High Specificity:

Long-tail keywords are highly specific, revealing a lot about what the searcher is looking for. This specificity allows website owners to create content and product offerings that precisely match the user's needs.

Also read: Beginners Guide to ON-Page SEO

Also read: Beginners Guide to OFF Page SEO?

4. Conversion Potential:

Because long-tail keywords attract visitors with a clear intent, they often have a higher conversion potential. The visitors in this case are more likely to make a purchase, sign up for a newsletter, or take other desired actions.

What Are Short-Tail Keywords?

Short-tail keywords, often referred to as "head" keywords, are brief and general search terms. They typically consist of one or two words. For example, if you were running a website that sells running shoes, short-tail keywords might include terms like "running shoes," "athletic shoes," or simply "shoes."

Advantages of Short-Tailed Keywords

The advantages and characteristics of short tail keywords include:

1. Broad Appeal:

Short-tail keywords have a broader appeal, which makes them highly competitive. Many websites and businesses target these keywords, leading to fierce competition for search engine rankings.

Also read: 14 Top SEO Experts in the SEO Industry

2. High Search Volume:

Short-tail keywords often have a higher search volume, which means that more people are searching for these terms. However, this can also mean a higher bounce rate, as searchers may not find the specific information they are looking for.

3. Lack of Specificity:

Due to their general nature, short-tail keywords lack specificity. They don't provide much information about the searcher's intent, making it challenging to deliver relevant content.

4. Generic Traffic:

While ranking for short-tail keywords can result in a significant amount of traffic, this traffic is often less targeted. Visitors may be seeking a wide range of information, products, or services, making it harder to convert them into customers.

Also read: How to Optimize Website Speed For SEO

Also read: The Significance of Mobile Optimization in SEO

Short-tail and Long-tail keywords Major Differences

Aspect	Short-Tail Keywords	Long Tail Keywords
Keyword Length	Typically 1-2 words	3 or more words
Specificity	General and less specific	Highly specific and descriptive
Search Volume	High search volume	Lower search volume
Competition	High competition	Lower competition
User Intent	Less clear user intent	Clear and focused user intent
Conversion Potential	Lower Conversion Potential	Higher Conversion Potential