Definition: Long-tail keyword

A long-tail keyword is a specific and highly targeted keyword phrase that consists of three or more words. It is called “long-tail” because it is longer and more specific than a general, short-tail keyword. Long-tail keywords are often used in search engine optimization (SEO) to target less competitive and more niche search queries. They are beneficial because they allow businesses to rank for keywords that are more closely related to their products or services, and therefore attract a more targeted audience. For example, a long-tail keyword might be “best organic coffee beans for home brewing,” whereas a short-tail keyword might simply be “coffee beans.” By targeting long-tail keywords, businesses can increase their chances of appearing in search results for relevant queries and attract a more qualified audience. Additionally, long-tail keywords tend to have lower competition, making it easier for businesses to rank for them compared to more general, high-volume keywords.