WHAT ARE LONG TAIL KEYWORDS?
Discover what long tail keywords are and how they can improve your SEO strategy. Includes practical examples and tips for using them to attract targeted traffic.
At Lillian Purge, we specialise in Local SEO Services and offer a comprehensive explanation of What are Long Tail Keywords? Long Tail Keyword Examples, showing you how to target niche phrases that drive qualified traffic.
When it comes to SEO and online marketing, keywords are at the heart of every strategy. While many businesses target short, high-volume keywords like “accountant” or “plumber,” these terms are often too competitive and too broad to attract the right audience. That’s where long tail keywords come in.
Long tail keywords are longer, more specific search phrases that users type when they are closer to taking action or looking for something particular. For example, instead of searching “SEO services,” someone might search “affordable local SEO services in Bedford.” These keywords may get fewer searches each month, but they usually lead to higher conversion rates because they reflect clear intent.
What Are Long Tail Keywords?
Long tail keywords are search queries that typically contain three or more words. They are used by searchers who know what they want and are seeking precise answers, products, or services.
The name “long tail” comes from the search demand curve, where a few popular keywords attract a large number of searches (the head), while thousands of less common, highly specific terms make up the “long tail.” Collectively, these long tail searches account for the majority of overall search traffic on Google.
For example:
Short keyword: “running shoes”
Long tail keyword: “best running shoes for flat feet women UK”
While the short keyword has tens of thousands of monthly searches, the long tail version might only get a few hundred. However, those few hundred searches represent potential customers who know exactly what they want, making them far more valuable.
Why Long Tail Keywords Matter
Lower Competition: Long tail keywords are less competitive than short, broad terms. This means smaller websites and local businesses have a better chance of ranking higher on Google.
Higher Conversion Rates: Users searching with specific phrases are usually ready to act, whether that’s booking a service, requesting a quote, or making a purchase.
More Relevant Traffic: These keywords attract visitors who are genuinely interested in what you offer.
Voice Search Optimisation: As voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant become common, people search using natural, conversational phrases which are often long tail keywords.
Content Targeting Opportunities: They help guide your content strategy by identifying niche topics that solve real customer problems.
For example, a local electrician might never rank for “electrician” but could easily rank for “emergency electrician in Bedford open now.”
How to Find Long Tail Keywords
Finding effective long tail keywords requires understanding your audience and the language they use. Here are some practical methods:
Use Google Autocomplete: Start typing a keyword into Google, and note the longer suggestions that appear. These are based on real searches.
Check the “People Also Ask” section: Google often shows related questions that reflect long tail searches.
Use SEO tools: Platforms such as Semrush, Ahrefs, or Ubersuggest can show keyword variations, search volumes, and ranking difficulty.
Analyse your existing website data: In Google Search Console, you can find phrases people already use to find your site and expand on them.
Look at customer language: Read customer reviews, social media comments, and emails to see how people describe their needs.
Long Tail Keyword Examples
Here are examples across different industries to show how long tail keywords work in practice:
Local Services
For local businesses, long tail keywords help attract customers who are actively searching for services nearby. These searches often include a specific location, service type, and intent.
Examples:
“best carpet cleaning service in Milton Keynes”
“affordable wedding photographer near Bedford”
“same day boiler repair Kempston”
“where can I find an emergency plumber in Luton”
“who offers 24 hour locksmith services in Dunstable”
“how much does it cost to remove a tree in Bedfordshire”
These keywords show not only what the user wants but where and how soon they need it. Local intent makes them highly valuable for service-based SEO.
Ecommerce
In eCommerce, long tail keywords typically describe very specific products, features, or purchasing intentions. They help online stores target shoppers who already know what they want and are ready to buy.
Examples:
“vegan protein powder without artificial sweeteners”
“women’s waterproof hiking boots size 6 UK”
“eco-friendly phone cases for iPhone 15”
“how much does next day delivery cost on Amazon UK”
“best budget gaming laptop under £800 in the UK”
“wireless earbuds with noise cancellation for running”
By using detailed product attributes or customer pain points, these keywords help online retailers rank for searches that convert better than general product terms.
Professional Services
For accountants, marketers, consultants, and other professional firms, long tail keywords often combine a service with an industry or problem. Many of these are phrased as questions because potential clients are researching before committing to professional help.
Examples:
“chartered accountant for construction companies UK”
“tax return help for self-employed electricians”
“SEO agency for small businesses in Hertfordshire”
“how much can an accountant save me on my tax bill”
“what does an HR consultant do for small businesses”
“how to find a reliable financial advisor in Bedford”
These question-based keywords work especially well for blog content and landing pages, as they address the exact questions people type into Google while evaluating professional services.
Hospitality and Tourism
Long tail keywords in hospitality often capture highly specific experiences or preferences. Travellers today are searching for accommodation and dining options that suit their lifestyle, dietary choices, and location.
Examples:
“dog friendly hotels near Lake District with parking”
“romantic weekend breaks in Cornwall by the beach”
“vegan breakfast cafe in Leighton Buzzard”
“where can I stay near London with free parking”
“best family-friendly holiday cottages in Devon with pool”
“cheap afternoon tea in Cambridge city centre”
These types of keywords attract users who already have a clear idea of what they want. By targeting them, hospitality businesses can stand out in competitive local and travel searches.
Technology and Software
In the technology sector, long tail keywords often appear as questions because users are looking for solutions to specific technical challenges or comparisons between tools.
Examples:
“best free project management software for small teams”
“how to integrate Shopify with Google Analytics”
“CRM systems for real estate agents UK”
“what is the best antivirus software for Windows 11”
“how to automate email campaigns in HubSpot”
“software to manage remote employees in the UK”
These queries reflect high purchase intent or a desire to solve a particular problem. Content that answers these questions directly—through tutorials, comparison guides, or feature breakdowns tends to rank well and build trust with potential buyers.
Real Estate and Property Services
The property industry benefits greatly from long tail keywords because buyers, renters, and homeowners often search for very specific information or advice before taking action.
Examples:
“do I need planning permission for a conservatory in the UK”
“estate agents specialising in buy-to-let properties in Milton Keynes”
“cheap property valuations near me”
“how much does it cost to extend a semi-detached house”
“best mortgage broker for first-time buyers Bedfordshire”
“houses for rent with garden and garage in Luton”
These keywords combine local intent with detailed needs, making them perfect for estate agents, mortgage brokers, and home improvement companies.
Health, Fitness, and Wellness
In the wellness industry, long tail keywords are usually question-based or focused on niche health concerns and fitness goals.
Examples:
“how to start yoga for beginners at home”
“best protein shakes for muscle recovery UK”
“affordable gym membership in Bedford”
“can a chiropractor help with lower back pain”
“nutritionist specialising in vegan diets near Milton Keynes”
“how often should I get a sports massage”
These types of searches reflect curiosity mixed with intent, which makes them great for blog posts, FAQs, and landing pages designed to educate and convert.
How to Use Long Tail Keywords in Your SEO Strategy
Once you identify the right long tail keywords, the next step is to integrate them naturally into your website. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Include them in page titles and headings: Make sure your target keyword appears naturally in your title tag (H1) and subheadings (H2s).
Optimise meta descriptions: Write concise, compelling meta descriptions using your long tail keyword to encourage clicks from search results.
Create focused content: Build articles, guides, or service pages around one main long tail keyword and supporting variations.
Use them in blog content: Blogs are ideal for targeting question-based or problem-solving long tail keywords.
Add them to internal links: Link between pages using descriptive anchor text that includes long tail phrases.
Optimise images: Use descriptive filenames and alt text containing relevant keywords.
Consistency is key. The goal isn’t to stuff keywords but to make them fit naturally into helpful, user-focused content.
Benefits of Long Tail Keywords for Local SEO
For local businesses, long tail keywords can make a significant difference in ranking performance. People searching for local services tend to use detailed phrases that include location, availability, or intent.
Examples:
“hairdresser open on Sunday in Bedford”
“best Italian restaurant near me”
“accountant for small businesses in Milton Keynes”
By targeting these searches, you increase your chances of appearing in Google’s local pack (the map results), driving both online and in-person traffic.
Tracking the Performance of Long Tail Keywords
Once you start using long tail keywords, track their effectiveness through analytics tools. In Google Search Console, monitor which keywords generate impressions and clicks. In Google Analytics, review how organic visitors behave whether they spend more time on site or convert more frequently.
SEO tools like Semrush can also track ranking progress and help you identify new long tail opportunities based on search trends.
Summary
Long tail keywords are an essential part of any effective SEO strategy. They bring in highly targeted traffic, reduce competition, and align your content with real customer intent. For local and small businesses, they can be the difference between ranking on page two and appearing in Google’s top results.
If you want to improve your keyword strategy or refine your content around terms that attract the right audience, Lillian Purge can help. We use detailed keyword research, analytics, and local SEO expertise to increase visibility and conversions.
We have also written in depth articles on How to Find Keywords for SEO and What is Keyword in SEO? as well as our Keywords Hub to give you further guidance.