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Finding Long Tail Keywords

Finding long-tail keywords means discovering longer, more specific search phrases that people use when they know what they want.

Level: BeginnerRead: 2 minUpdated: 27 Jul 2026By Vera Lindqvist

Key facts

  • Google Search Central says keyword research is about understanding the terms your target audience searches for, not just collecting volume data.
  • Google autocomplete can reveal popular longer phrases as you type a seed query into the search bar.
  • Google's 'People also ask' and 'Related searches' areas expose related questions and follow-up queries that can surface long-tail ideas.
  • Google Search Console can be used to find queries your pages already show for, including longer queries with high impressions but lower rankings.
  • Search intent matters as much as the keyword itself, because the same phrase can mean different things depending on the page type and SERP features.

Also called

long-tail keyword research, long-tail phrase discovery

Use it for

Finding niche, low-competition search opportunities with clear intent.

Applies to

Google / Bing / all search engines

Start with Google's Own Tools

Google provides free tools to find long-tail keywords. Autocomplete shows popular completions as you type. 'People also ask' boxes list related questions. Related searches appear at the bottom of results. For instance, typing 'best running shoes' shows suggestions like 'best running shoes for flat feet' — a long-tail phrase. The 'People also ask' section might include 'What are the best running shoes for marathons?' These are direct content ideas.

Google Search Console shows queries your pages already rank for. Filter by impressions and position to find longer phrases with potential. You can also filter by average position between 10 and 20 to find phrases close to ranking. This aligns with how keyword research works from Google Search Central.

Use these sources early in your workflow. They reflect real user behaviour and are free. Incorporating them into your keyword planning process ensures you start with real data.

  • Google autocomplete
  • People also ask
  • Google Search Console

Analyze Competitors for Keyword Gaps

Competitor analysis tools like Ahrefs or Semrush can reveal keywords competitors rank for that you do not. These are vendor estimates, but they provide a starting point. For example, if a competitor ranks for 'best budget coffee maker' but their page is a thin list, you can create a detailed guide. Tools like Semrush provide a 'Keyword Gap' feature that shows which keywords each competitor has.

Identify top competitors in your niche. Export their keyword lists and filter for longer, more specific phrases. Look for gaps where you can create better content. An SEO Keyword Tool can automate this process. Focus on keywords with reasonable search volume but low competition.

Focus on phrases where competitors have weak content or low authority. That signals an opportunity.

  • Identify top competitors
  • Export their keyword lists
  • Filter for long-tail phrases

Filter by Search Intent, Not Word Count

A long-tail keyword is defined by specificity and intent, not just word count. A four-word phrase like 'digital marketing services' is broad. A two-word phrase like 'vegan leather backpack' is specific.

Check the SERP to understand intent. If the results are mostly product pages, the intent is transactional. If they are blog posts, it's informational. Keyword Clustering helps group phrases by intent.

Avoid Keyword Cannibalization by ensuring each page targets a distinct intent. Overlapping content confuses search engines.

  • Informational intent
  • Navigational intent
  • Transactional intent

Combine Multiple Sources for Reliable Ideas

Relying on one source can give a skewed picture. Cross-reference autocomplete suggestions with Search Console data and competitor keywords. For instance, a forum like Reddit might have a thread asking 'How do I fix a squeaky door?' That could be a long-tail keyword if you cross-reference with autocomplete and Search Console.

Community forums and social media can also reveal real questions people ask. Combine these to validate demand and intent. Tools like keyword surfer can supplement your research. Another technique is to use Google Trends to see if a phrase is rising in popularity. Validating ideas across tools gives you confidence in the opportunity.

When evaluating volume, remember that keyword msv figures are estimates. Avoid keyword stuffing in your content; focus on answering the query naturally.

  • Google autocomplete
  • People also ask
  • Google Search Console
  • Competitor tools
  • Community forums

Common mistakes

  • Treating any multi-word query as a good long-tail keyword Leads to targeting phrases that do not match search intent or business value.
  • Picking keywords only by search volume Causes you to miss easier, more relevant phrases with clearer intent.
  • Ignoring Google Search Console and existing rankings Wastes opportunities to expand pages already getting impressions.

Questions

what are long-tail keywords

Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific search phrases that users type when they have a clear idea of what they want. They usually have lower search volume but higher conversion potential.

what are long tail keywords examples

Examples include 'best running shoes for flat feet women' instead of 'running shoes', or 'how to fix a leaky faucet with a wrench' instead of 'plumbing'.

long-tail keywords vs short-tail keywords

Short-tail keywords are broad, high-volume terms like 'shoes'. Long-tail keywords are specific, lower-volume phrases like 'men's leather hiking boots size 10'. Long-tail often indicates clearer intent.

See also

Sources

  1. Google Search Central developers.google.com
  2. Google Search Console Help support.google.com
  3. Ahrefs Blog: Long Tail Keywords ahrefs.com
  4. Semrush Blog: How to Choose Long Tail Keywords semrush.com

Outbound links are unpaid and nofollow. If one has gone stale, tell me.

Vera Lindqvist

Vera Lindqvist has worked in SEO since 2014 — first in-house at an ecommerce retailer, then freelance for small teams that could not afford an agency. She writes GrowthPedia in her own time and pays for the hosting herself.

Written and maintained by one person. No ads, no affiliates, nothing for sale. Found an error? Tell me and I will log the correction publicly.