The Beginner’s Guide to Long-Tail Keywords (With Examples)

If you’ve ever tried to get your business to show up on Google, you’ve probably heard about keywords. But not all keywords are created equal — especially if you’re just starting out or competing in a crowded space.

That’s where long-tail keywords come in.

These are longer, more specific keyword phrases that are easier to rank for, bring in more qualified traffic, and better match what your ideal customers are actually searching for.

In this guide, I’ll explain what long-tail keywords are, why they matter, how to find them, and how to use them — with practical examples throughout.

What Are Long-Tail Keywords?

Long-tail keywords are search phrases that are:

• More specific than broad keywords

• Usually 3–5 words or more in length

• Lower in search volume but higher in intent

Instead of trying to rank for “web design,” a long-tail keyword might be:

• “affordable web design for small business”

• “wordpress web designer in Cape Town”

• “best WordPress themes for SEO in 2025”

These phrases are more focused — and more likely to match what someone is actually looking to pay for.

Why Long-Tail Keywords Are So Powerful

1. Lower Competition:
   You’re not fighting against massive brands for one-word keywords.

2. Higher Conversion:
   The more specific someone’s search, the closer they are to taking action.

3. Better Content Fit:
   Long-tail keywords help guide what to write, blog about, or build service pages around.

4. Voice Search Friendly:
   As more people use Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, long phrases and natural questions are more common.

Examples: Broad vs. Long-Tail Keywords

These long-tail phrases are more realistic to rank for and far more aligned with search intent — someone typing those is actively looking for help.

How to Find Long-Tail Keywords

You don’t need expensive tools. Start with these methods:

1. Google Autocomplete:
   Start typing a question or phrase and see what Google suggests.

2. Related Searches at the Bottom of Google Results

3. AnswerThePublic.com
   A visual tool for finding long-tail questions and topics.

4. Ubersuggest or KeywordTool.io
   Free tools that give variations, search volumes, and difficulty levels.

5. Your Own FAQs and Client Emails
   What do clients ask you before they buy? Turn those into content.

How to Use Long-Tail Keywords in Your Content

Once you’ve found a long-tail keyword, here’s how to use it effectively:

• Include it in your page title and meta description

• Use it in your H1 or H2 heading

• Naturally place it in your opening paragraph

• Repeat it once or twice in your content (without stuffing)

• Use variations (synonyms or reordered phrases) throughout

Example:
Instead of writing a blog called “Blogging Tips,”
try “How to Write Blog Posts That Rank in Google (2025 Guide)”

This tells Google exactly what the page is about — and better matches what users are typing in.

Start Small, Rank Sooner

If your website is new or not yet ranking well, long-tail keywords are your best entry point into SEO success. They help you build topical authority, attract the right traffic, and slowly stack up wins that lead to bigger rankings later.

It’s better to rank #1 for 10 long-tail keywords that each get 20–50 visits per month than to sit on page 7 for “SEO.”

Wrap-Up 

Long-tail keywords are one of the most effective ways to grow your traffic without wasting time or money. They’re precise, strategic, and aligned with what your customers are actually searching for.

Need help identifying or using long-tail keywords on your site?
We offer small business SEO packages that focus on clarity, not complexity.