Did you know that most keywords don’t get searched very often? In fact, over 95% of keywords get fewer than 10 searches per month (Source: Ahrefs). And when people buy online, 56% of searches use 3 or more words. This compares to only 7% of searches that use one word (Source: Wordstream).
While high-volume keywords seem like a good idea at first, they often have a lot of competition. This makes it hard to rank for them. Instead, try using long-tail keywords. They are a smart and powerful way to bring in the right customers and can help increase your revenue.
In fact, I used long-tail searches to help a professional services business generate tens of millions of dollars.
What are Long-Tail Keywords?
So, what actually are long-tail keywords? Well, long-tail keywords are very specific search phrases. They use many words to describe exactly what someone is searching for. These keywords clarify the intent – what the person wants to find.
Long-tail keywords are different from broad, general keywords. They often include things like product names, brands, or places. For example, “running shoes” is a broad keyword. But “women’s Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 running shoes size 8” is a long-tail keyword. It’s much more specific and easier to understand what the searcher is actually looking for.
The Benefits of Targeting Long-Tail Keywords for Ecommerce
Using long-tail keywords in your ecommerce SEO strategy can help you in several ways:
- Increased Relevance and Qualified Traffic:You attract people who are more interested in what you sell. And these people are also more likely to buy from you. For example, I helped a brand launch its DTC website. So far, organic search has driven over 1 million visits and over $500,000 in sales for them. Most of the keywords driving traffic for this brand are long tail.
- Lower Competition: It’s easier to rank higher for long-tail keywords. Broad keywords have a lot of competition, but long-tail keywords are less competitive. This means you have a better chance of your ecommerce site showing up higher in search results.
- Better Conversion Rates: You can generate more sales from long-tail keywords. People who use these specific phrases often know what they want to buy. They are closer to making a purchase. By targeting these keywords, you bring in visitors who are more likely to become customers.
- Improved User Experience: You can create content that better helps your customers. Long-tail keywords let you more clearly understand what people are looking for. You can make content that answers their specific questions. This improves their experience on your site and makes them more likely to buy from you.
Researching Long-Tail Keywords for Your Ecommerce Business
Now that you know why long-tail keywords matter, it’s time to start researching. Here are some great ways to find the right long-tail keywords for your ecommerce business:
1. Use Keyword Research Tools
Keyword research tools are very helpful for finding long-tail keyword ideas. Here are some popular tools I have used:
- Google Keyword Planner
- Ahrefs
- Semrush
- Moz Keyword Explorer
These tools let you type in keywords about your products or industry. Then, they give you a list of related keywords, including long-tail queries. The tools also show helpful information like how many people search for each keyword, how competitive it is, and how much it costs to advertise using that keyword.
2. Analyze Your Website Data
Your website analytics and search console can tell you a lot. They show which long-tail keywords are already bringing people to your site. Check your best pages, blog posts, and product listings and see what long-tail keywords are working well with your visitors.
3. Study Your Competitors
Look at your competitors’ websites and content. This can give you ideas for long-tail keywords you might have missed. Use tools like Ahrefs or Semrush to see which pages rank best for your competitors and the keywords they are targeting.
4. Leverage Customer Feedback and Queries
Your customers’ questions, feedback, and support messages can be very helpful. They often contain great ideas for long-tail keywords. Pay attention to the words and phrases they use when talking about your products or services. You can then use these terms to guide your long-tail keyword strategy.
5. Use Search Engine Autocomplete and Related Searches
Search engines like Google and Bing can give you good long-tail keyword ideas. They have features called autocomplete and “related searches.” Start typing a basic keyword into the search box and watch the long-tail keyword suggestions that show up.
6. Combine Relevant Terms and Modifiers
After you have a list of initial keywords, try adding other relevant words to them. These could be words that describe your product, like brands, features, or places. You can also add words that show someone wants to buy, like “buy,” “purchase,” or “best.” This will help you create lots of different long-tail keywords to target.
Optimizing Your Ecommerce Site for Long-Tail Keywords
Once you’ve done your long-tail keyword research, it’s time to add them to your ecommerce site. Here are some tips for using long-tail keywords:
- Use long-tail keywords in your product names, descriptions, and other important info on your site.
- Write helpful blog posts, guides, or FAQs that focus on specific long-tail keywords. Make sure they answer the questions your customers have.
- Make sure your website is set up so that search engines can easily find your pages that target long-tail keywords. In other words, link your pages together in a clear way.
- Keep track of how well your long-tail keywords are doing using tools like Google Search Console and analytics programs. Don’t be afraid to make changes to your plan if needed.
Summing up
If you keep researching and using the right long-tail keywords, you can bring more of the right people to your ecommerce site. You will rank higher in search results and increase your sales and revenue too.
Remember, long-tail keyword research never stops. What people search for changes over time, so always stay on top of it and keep adjusting your plan. Use the power of long-tail keywords to stay ahead of your competition.
If you need help with your ecommerce keyword research, reach out to me for a free live SEO analysis of your store.
