Lower Tail

Keyword Research and Analysis: Long Tail Vs Short Tail Keywords, Who Wil Win?

Keyword research and analysis allows us to determine what keyword or phrase people are using to gather information from search engines. These keywords are then used by marketers and business owners  to direct these consumers to their website. This is called targeted traffic. Your website will provide the valuable information researchers are looking for; Simple supply and demand.

This process is why keyword research is very important to your business.  It researches the level of competition and demand within your niche, analyzes the phrases people are using to research your niche, and also researches which of those keywords your competition are using.

In this article I will be discussing the two types of keywords you should get very familiar with.  Let’s have them battle it out to see which one will be more profitable to your business.
Short Tail vs. Long Tail Keywords: Let Get Ready To Rumble!

In one corner we have Short Tail Keywords:

Short Tail Keywords are keywords or phrases that consist of no more than 3 or 4 words typed into a search engine. For example “Flat Screen TV” would be a short tail keyword. A simple wide ranged phrase that isn’t specific to what you are looking for.

Short tail would be favored for ones who are just looking for a general idea of a particular niche. Flat Screen TV is perfect for someone just wanting to know what they are, and how many options he/she have when ready to buy. Someone who knows exactly which make and model she/he wants to purchase, short tail would not be their style of research.

Short tail can also be rough on online competitors unless you have the expertise or deep pockets to put up a good fight. The downside of short tail keywords is the massive amount of competition you will face and this competition will most likely be big name companies. Big name companies with very deep pockets and highly trained staff members to control those keywords. This is not a good battleground for beginners.

Some Examples of Short Tail Keywords:
• Flat Screen TV
• Dog Training
• Summer Vacation
• High Heel Shoes
• Weight Loss

In the other corner we have Long Tail Keywords:

Long Tail Keywords are keywords or phrases that consist of 4 or more words typed into a search engine. For example “Samsung 50 Inch LED TV” would be a long tail keyword. As opposed to the example for short tail, “Samsung 50 Inch LED TV” is a more specific and detailed search.  It indicates the researcher knows exactly what he/she is looking for with more intent to purchase. 

Long tail has a higher conversion rate because it is directed towards people ready to take action, the competition is low, and will give you more of a chance to rank high on Google. It gives your viewer a more accurate insight of what you have to offer. Do you have what they are looking? Is it valuable information? Does the information exceed my expectations? Once those questions are answered your conversion is effortless.

Some may call it a downside because long tail keywords has lower searches. Most people rather do general searches just to get an idea of the information, mainly for comparison to another site they were already looking to buy or convert from. Your competition is low because your competitors feel it’s not lucrative due to low searches.

Some Examples of Long Tail Keywords:
• Samsung 30 Inch LED TV
• Dog Training for  1 Year Old Poodles
• Hotel Rates for a Summer Vacation in Florida
• Red Patent Leather High Heel Shoes
• How To Lose 30 Pounds in 6 Weeks

Time for the Head to Head Matchup – Let Get It On!

Short tail keywords are great for traffic generation. General search terms are mostly used by web surfers. Dominating those keywords can easily have your website viewed by the masses. Competition will be very heavy, but they are benefits (strength ) within the battle.

High traffic doesn’t necessarily mean high conversions. In fact, some studies show conversion rates are much less with a high volume of traffic. This is because your website is attracting more browsers than action takers. The downside of short tail keywords is that it gives a general idea not a pinpoint description of what researchers are looking for.

Long tail keywords, on the other hand gives the reader pinpoint information. It gives the reader more detail on the type of information you are providing. People who are searching with great detail are more than likely planning to take action. Your volume of traffic is low, but your conversion is higher because your website is attracting action takers and not browsers.

The Scores are in. Judges…

If you are an advertiser you would score a win for short tail keywords because of the high traffic. If you are a business owner (like myself) long tail is in your win column because of the higher conversion rate. Long tail is in my win column. A higher conversion rate can also bring advertisers, which leads to more traffic. A win/win situation.
Long Tail keywords wins the fight by way of KO!

About the Author

Hi, My name is Kareem Drayton and I am a internet marketer providing SEO consulting services for small businesses. If you are a small business owner and would like your website ranked first page on Google resulting in high quality traffic to your site, contact me at http://draytonimsolutions.info/contact 

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