Using Long Tail Keywords to Generate Web Traffic

Long-tail keywords are search criteria that include more than a single word. The idea behind the long-tail keyword is to narrow a search for information to a smaller number of web sites that are likely to provide important data about the subject that the Internet user is attempting to find. A solid long-tail keyword may include anywhere from five to eight words in the string. Here are some ways to make use of this type of search strategy to drive traffic to your web site.

Step 1

Take a look at the content of your web site. Ask yourself what types of questions are answered by the information on your site. For example, if your web site has to do with spring flowers, your content may answer the question of "what type of roses can be planted in the spring?" Make a list of at least eight to ten questions that are easily answered by your content.

Step 2

Turn your questions into long-tail keywords. Using the example about the type or roses that are planted in the spring, your long-tail keyword could be something like "roses for planting in the spring" or "roses to plant in the spring".

Step 3

Identify keyword phrases that can be incorporated into long-tail keywords. Something as simple as "garden hoe" can become a long-tail keyword that will work well as a page or section header on your web site. Long-tail keywords like "how to buy a garden hoe" or "what to look for when buying a garden hoe" can result and provide a way of helping your site appear higher on search engine results.

Step 4

Check the results of your long-tail keywords. You can do this by simply running a few browser searches of your own. You can also use one of the free several online keyword building tools to qualify your ideas for long-tail keywords. The main idea is to make sure your five to eight word phrase is not so obscure that no one ever uses it. You do want some evidence that the phrase is used on some type of ongoing basis.

Step 5

Adjust your content to include your long-tail keywords. Often, this will require nothing more than adding section headers to some of your pages, or possibly adapting page headers slightly.

The Google Adwords Keyword Tool is an excellent option when you need to investigate the potential of a long-tail keyword. Best of all, it's free. Don't arbitrarily create long-tail keywords and sprinkle them all over the pages of your site. Make sure they fit into the text neatly and logically. Otherwise, visitors to your web site are likely to be disappointed and not return.