If youre pursuing search engine optimization or content marketing a doubt is likely to come to mind: Should you focus onlong-tail keywordsorshort-tail keyword?Both have their importance however knowing the best time and place to use both can make a huge difference to your visibility on the internet and your conversions.

Lets take a look at the different types of keywords along with they have pros as well as cons and the ones you should focus on to get the most effective outcomes.

What is a Short-Tail Keyword?

The termShort-tail Keyword(also called head keywords) typically comprises two or more phrases. Its broad, general and usually searched by lots of users.

Examples:

• Shoes
• Marketing
• Yoga
• Laptops

They are highly searched for and have a huge volume, but they also face a lot of competition. Because theyre so broad it is difficult to determine exactly what the user is searching for, whether they are researching, shopping or simply looking around?

What is a Long-Tail Keyword?

Long-tail keywords are those that have a lengthy tail term is an exact search term comprised of at least three words. These keywords are less searched for in number, but they are more likely to be targeted at users with clear intentions.

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Examples:

• Best shoes for running on trails
• Affordable digital marketing for startups
• Beginner morning yoga routine
• Lightweight laptops under $1000

Because a long-tail keyword is focused on a specific need that is targeted, it will attract visitors that are more likely to make a difference.

Key Differences: Short-Tail vs Long-Tail Keywords

Pros and Cons

Short-Tail Keyword Pros:

• High search volume
• Great for promoting brand recognition
• Wide market reach

Short-Tail Keyword Cons:

• High-level competition
• Low conversion rates
• More targeted traffic

Long-Tail Keyword Pros:

• Greater conversion potential
• It is easier to place in
• Improved user intent match

Long-Tail Keyword Cons:

• Lower search volume
• It may be necessary to have more variety of content

When Should You Use Each?

Select the Short Tail Keywords When:

• You own a highly-respected website
• Youre targeting a wide market
• Your goal is to increase brand awareness over niche-specific that you are targeting.
• Youre running massive awareness-level campaigns

Select long-tail keywords When:

• Youre a smaller or newer website
• You want quicker SEO wins
• Your focus is on qualified traffic and conversions
• Youre creating niche-specific content or products

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Why a Mix Works Best

While long-tail keyword phrases are simpler to find and can attract higher-quality users shorter-tail keywords can increase traffic in the long run. What is the most efficient strategy?Make use of both.

Start with long-tail keyword phrases to build traction and establish credibility. As your domain gets stronger and more popular, you can expand to short-tail keywords in order to increase your reach. You can also tap into greater search volumes.

Also Read:What is keyword research?

Final Thoughts

The debate over using theshorter-tail keywordsas opposed to the use of alonger-tail keywordsisnt about deciding on one over the other. Its about knowing which is best suited to your current needs and budget.

If youre just beginning your journey or focusing on particular customer needs, long-tail keyword are your most reliable companion. If youre building or scaling a large company, short-tail keywords will help to expand the reach of your brand.

When you combine both Content strategy and SEO, youll get all the benefits of words: targeted traffic and long-term exposure.

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