What are long-tail keywords? We explain the SEO term

The importance of long-tail keywords for SEO and SEA is undisputed, but in detail it depends on the circumstances, such as the niche of the page or products. We explain what the term actually means.

Long-tail keywords are very specific and enable high conversion rates.

That search engine optimization has to do with keywords should no longer be a secret by now. Long-tail keywords are a special term from this field.

What are long-tail keywords?

Long-tail keywords are translated as "keywords with a long tail". This means:

• In contrast to simple (generic) keywords, long-tail keywords consist of several terms.

The meaning behind this distinction becomes clear in comparison:

• Terms such as "women's shoes", "cell phone" or "car tires" are generic keywords with many search queries; however, they are not very specific, which greatly reduces the likelihood that a customer will directly find the relevant result. The competition for such keywords is also very high.
• Terms such as "black ankle boots without heel", "iPhone 8 128 GB silver" and "winter tires 195 65 r15 new cheap", on the other hand, are clear long-tail keywords. They have much less search volume, but the existing searches are much more specific, which signals a higher willingness to buy. The low competition for such keywords is another advantage.

Specially in niches and for smaller market participants, long-tail keywords are thus an important means to compete. Provided a competent optimization, long-tail keywords allow very high conversion rates and this metric is an important factor for all stores.