Securing a prime spot on Google’s first search page is a coveted achievement, requiring a deep understanding of Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
This challenge becomes even more daunting when competing for highly searched keywords.
In this article, we will unravel the strategy of securing Google’s 1st page by harnessing the power of long tail keywords.
Getting Started With Long Tail Keywords
Niche Selection
Before diving into the specifics of finding long tail keywords, it’s essential to pinpoint your niche.
While this article assumes you already have a niche in mind, let’s explore the relationship between your niche, Google ranking, and potential earnings.
The niche you select not only dictates your Google ranking ease but also influences your revenue potential.
Let me tell you a story...
A while ago, I created a local business website centered around a high-ticket service – concrete driveways in Sydney.
Despite my limited knowledge, my plan was to build the website, rank it, generate leads, and eventually sell the site.
To understand the industry, I consulted local builders, inquiring about driveway construction methods, concrete types, costs, lead generation, and common customer inquiries.
Through these conversations, I discovered that concrete driveways could cost anywhere from $3,000 to over $20,000.
Builders were willing to pay $150 for each qualified lead along with a small sales percentage.
This experience highlighted the significance of niche selection – choosing a niche where the average sale transactions are high and online competition is low.
The online competition for concrete driveways in Sydney was lower at that time.
It took 6 to 7 months to create content for the website.
We ended up being on the first page of Google Australia within 6 months.
By month 7, we were able to sell the website for $25,000.
The moral of the story?
For niches with intense online competition, shifts your strategy toward targeting long tail keywords with lower search volumes but high buyer intent.
This approach delivers easy wins and increased conversions.
With time and building backlinks, you can gradually transition to targeting keywords with higher search volumes.
What Are Long Tail Keywords?
Long tail keywords consist of three or more words, forming specific search phrases that users input on Google.
Unlike heavily searched keywords, long tail variations often go unnoticed by larger companies due to their lower search volumes.
Nevertheless, these keywords boast exceptional conversion rates as they precisely match user intent.
Example: How much does concrete driveways costs in Sydney?
Google houses millions of long tail keywords, each comprising three or more words.
This extensive collection presents a golden opportunity to achieve higher rankings.
By following the strategies outlined here, you can exploit this potential to its fullest.
The Art of Discovering Long Tail Keywords
Let’s say you’re marketing a weight loss course focusing on the “Keto Diet.”
While the keyword “Keto Diet” garners over a million monthly searches, it’s extremely difficult to rank for due to its high competition and SEO difficulty.
Instead, shift your focus to the queries users pose in your niche.
These long questions that people ask become your long tail keywords.
Example:
Compare the highly searched keyword “Keto Diet” to the long tail keyword “Which is better, keto or intermittent fasting?”
Despite its modest 50 monthly searches, the latter holds an SEO difficulty score of 28 and a green light for targeting due to its lower competition.
The key is to prioritize user intent over search volume, as even lower traffic can bring meaningful traffic to your website.
Keywords Everywhere (Chrome Extension)
You can find more long tail keywords by using a chrome extension called Keywords everywhere.
This chrome extension will show you specific search volumes for specific countries within the browser.
In the image above, you can choose to see the search volumes globally or by countries like United States, Canada, India etc
Keywords Everywhere also shows other related keywords on the right hand column.
For example, in the below image you will see more long tail keywords like “female not losing weight on Keto”, “in ketosis but not losing weight”.
Where else can you find long tail keywords?
Use Google AutoComplete
When you type your keyword in the search box, click on it again and Google will provide you a drop down of autocompleted keywords.
The keyword “female not losing weight keto” is suggested by Google here too.
This is another way of finding long tail keywords without having to pay for the Keywords Everywhere chrome extension.
I use Keywords Everywhere because it provides the keyword search volume instantly.
This gives me an idea of whether it’s worth targeting or not.
If you can’t think of a long tail keyword, here’s what to do.
Start With Your Main Keyword Then Go Narrow
The easiest way to find long tail keywords is by typing a short keyword in Google.
Let’s use “free diving” as an example.
When you type that keyword, you can see that Google gives you more related keywords from the autocompleted suggestions.
You can see two to three keyword phrases to choose from.
By starting with the short keyword, Google will give you a list of keywords that people are searching are searching right now.
Google also gives you suggested keywords related to your location like “Free diving course Perth”.
The Alphabet Method
To find longer keywords, use the alphabet in addition with your primary keyword.
For instance, if your focus is “free diving,” typing “free diving a” into Google’s search box yields keyword suggestions beginning with the letter “a.”
Since I’m in Australia, Google is providing me with related keyword results starting with “a” that people are search for in Australia.
Again, you can type in “b” after your main keyword.
When I type in “b” after “freediving”, I get “free diving breathing techniques” – another long tail keyword.
You can select that keyword and use Keywords Everywhere to find even more long tail keywords.
“Searches Related” From Google
Another way of finding long tail keywords is to scroll all the way down the search results page.
Under the heading “Searches related to ….your keyword”, you have set of long tail keywords.
You can repeat the process to find even more related keywords.
Ok great, you found a bunch of long tail keywords but how do you know which keywords to target?
If you’re website is brand spanking new, target long tail keywords that have less than 50 monthly searches.
I would even start with keywords that have 0-10 monthly search volumes just to get some traction.
Crafting Impactful Content for SEO Success
Ranking hinges on four critical factors:
- relevant content
- alignment with search intent
- external links
- and website authority.
If your website is brand new, factors three and four take time to develop.
Your initial approach should involve targeting long tail keywords with lower competition and crafting relevant content that resonates with user intent.
Match User’s Search Intent
To deliver value, ensure your content matches the user’s search intention.
Imagine yourself in the user’s shoes, anticipating the content they seek.
For instance, when addressing the query “how to increase breath hold for free diving,” structure your content to include:
- step involved
- breath hold exercises
- useful videos
- supporting images
Look At The Top 5 Sites Ranking On Google
Google your chosen long tail keyword and click through to the top 5 sites ranking on Google’s search results.
Analyse their content:
- What’s their word count
- Do they have images or videos?
- What’s their writing style?
By going through this process, you can identify opportunities to create a better article.
Aim to create content that is more insightful, offering unique perspectives and valuable insights.
Enhancing Readability and User Experience
You can make your content more readable by adding:
- A table of contents
- Subheadings
- bullet points
- images and illustrations
Make your content consumable and designed for both desktop and mobile.
Add Unique Images
When you’re adding images to your article, try to create your own unique images.
Everyone is downloading free stock photos and using it on their website.
Instead of using the same photos that everyone is using, head to Canva and create your own unique images.
Rename that image file with your long tail keyword and add it to your website content.
Use Short Paragraphs
People these days have a short attention span and the don’t want to see a wall of text.
Write in a conversational tone with short sentences.
Use short paragraphs that contain 2-3 sentences max.
If it’s longer than that break it into another paragraph.
I know we’re breaking the laws of grammar here but from an SEO and user experience, chunk it down to shorter paragraphs.
Simplify Complex Content
If your article is really technical, try combining it with videos or infographics to illustrate your message.
We all learn differently, some are more visual and some are more verbal.
This is the reason why video is so powerful because it covers so many touch points.
If you can, create a Youtube video and embed it on to your article.
This allows you to link back to your website so that users can read the text version of your content.
Use Pattern Interrupts
Introduce pattern interrupts and engaging elements to capture the readers’ attention.
Bullet Points
- This helps the mind to keep on track of the content.
Sub Headlines
- H1which is the main headline and H2 is a sub heading.
- Use sub-headline to break-up and support your content.
- Like an essay format where you write out your sub headings first before you write content.
Influencer Quotes or Tweetable Quotes
- Quotes that you can create on Canva and add to your website as content.
- You can also add quizzes and polls on your website as a pattern interrupt.
In summary, the journey to Google’s first page involves skillful utilization of long tail keywords, coupled with crafting remarkable, relevant content.
By understanding user intent, analyzing competition, and delivering engaging material, you can establish a strong foundation for SEO success.
Remember, the road to ranking on Google is challenging and requires consistent content production.
