Long-tail Keywords
Longer, more specific search terms with lower volume but higher conversion potential.
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific search terms that individually have lower search volume but together make up the majority of all searches. "Shoes" is a head term; "red running shoes for wide feet women" is a long-tail keyword.
Why long-tail?
Long-tail keywords have less competition, higher conversion rates (the searcher knows more precisely what they want), and are easier to rank for. They form the basis of an effective content strategy for smaller websites that cannot compete on generic terms.
Long-tail and AI queries
Users of AI answer engines often ask longer, conversational questions. These are essentially long-tail queries. Content that answers these specific questions has a higher chance of being cited as a source by AI.
From head term to long-tail: example table
| Type | Search term | Search volume (indicative) | Competition | Conversion potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head term | shoes | 200,000/mo | Very high | Low (broad intent) |
| Mid-tail | women's running shoes | 18,000/mo | High | Medium |
| Long-tail | red running shoes for wide feet women | 320/mo | Low | High |
| Head term | SEO — bibliotheekterm | 150,000/mo | Very high | Low |
| Mid-tail | SEO agency Amsterdam | 1,200/mo | High | Medium |
| Long-tail | SEO agency for e-commerce Amsterdam | 90/mo | Low | Very high |
| Head term | mortgage | 110,000/mo | Very high | Low |
| Mid-tail | mortgage calculator | 22,000/mo | High | Medium |
| Long-tail | maximum mortgage calculator self-employed 2025 | 480/mo | Low | Very high |
5 methods to find long-tail keywords
- Google "People Also Ask" (PAA). Type your head term into Google and check the PAA section. These questions are ready-made long-tail keywords with proven search volume. Click on a question to reveal new related questions and build your list.
- Google Autocomplete and related searches. Start typing in the Google search bar and note the suggestions. Also scroll to "Related searches" at the bottom of the SERP — bibliotheekterm. Use an asterisk (*) as a wildcard in your query for additional variations, for example "best * for beginners."
- Forums, Reddit, and Quora. Search for your topic in forums where your target audience is active. The exact questions people ask are valuable long-tail keywords. Pay attention to the language your audience uses.
- Google Search Console (existing data). In Search Console, check queries where you already get impressions but don't rank highly. Filter for queries with more than 4 words. These are long-tail opportunities for existing content you can optimize.
- AI tools and ChatGPT. Ask an AI tool: "Give me 20 specific questions that [target audience] asks about [topic]." Validate suggestions with search volume data from a keyword tool, but use AI as a starting point for creative long-tail variations.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of all searches are long-tail?
According to Ahrefs research, long-tail traffic accounts for approximately 70% of all search queries. The majority of search terms entered daily have low individual search volume. Together, however, they represent the largest share of total search traffic. This makes long-tail keywords indispensable in any content strategy.
Should I create a separate page for each long-tail keyword?
Not necessarily. Group long-tail keywords with the same search intent — bibliotheekterm on a single, comprehensive page. A well-written article about "mortgage calculator for freelancers" can rank for dozens of related long-tail variations. Use long-tails as subheadings, FAQ items, and naturally integrated terms in your content.
Are long-tail keywords still relevant now that AI search is growing?
More than ever. Users of AI answer engines ask longer, conversational questions. "What is the best way to make my e-commerce store SEO-proof on a small budget?" is a typical AI query and simultaneously a perfect long-tail. Content that answers these specific questions has the best chance of being cited as a source.
How do I know if a long-tail keyword is worth targeting?
Don't look at search volume alone. Also evaluate the commercial value (does it lead to conversions?), the competition (can you realistically rank?), and the relevance to your offering. A long-tail keyword with 50 searches per month but high purchase intent can be more valuable than a term with 5,000 searches without clear intent.
