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Short-Tail Keyword: Examples & Differences with Long Tail Keywords
Last updated: Jan 07, 2025
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See Event DetailsWhat Are Short-Tail Keywords?
Short-tail keywords are search queries made up of short phrases, usually referring to very general topics with high search volumes. These keywords are popular and commonly used by people to search for information online.
Here are some examples of short-tail keywords:
- Unique shoes
- Latest smartphones
- Acid reflux
- Home design, etc.
Due to their general nature, short-tail keywords are highly competitive. This means it can be challenging to achieve a high ranking on search engine results pages (SERPs) with these keywords.
However, short-tail keywords are often used as "seeds" to discover variations of longer keywords. Hence, they are also referred to by other names, such as:
- Broad keywords: General keywords or phrases with multiple meanings.
- Head terms: General keywords that cover broad topics, usually consisting of one to two words.
- Seed keywords: Basic keywords that serve as a starting point for finding derivative keywords.
Many people use seed keywords to initiate their searches on specific topics. Even though ranking high with short-tail keywords is difficult, they remain valuable as a foundation for generating thousands of other keywords.
Short-Tail vs. Long-Tail Keywords, What’s the Differences?
The difference between long-tail keywords and short-tail keywords is clearly seen in their length. Short-tail keywords are short and concise, whereas long-tail keywords are longer and more specific.
Most long-tail keywords have lower search volumes compared to short-tail keywords. This is because long-tail keywords target more specific searches, resulting in a narrower audience compared to the broader appeal of short-tail keywords.
For example, a short-tail keyword might target a phrase like "running shoes," while a long-tail keyword example could be "the best running shoes for women." Here are some additional examples:
short-tail Keyword Examples | Long Tail Keyword Examples |
| Cooking recipes | Daily Chinese cooking recipes |
| House | How to buy my first house |
| Technology innovation | Technology innovation in education |
| Home business | How to start a home business for beginners |
| Bali hotels | Bali hotels with private pools |
Benefits of Short-Tail Keywords
Although short-tail keywords face intense competition, they offer several advantages when utilized effectively. Here are some key benefits of targeting short-tail keywords:
1. Increased Visibility
Short-tail keywords are broad and general, thus it can increase the possibility of your website appearing in a variety of relevant searches. With that being said, it enhances your site's visibility across multiple market segments.
2. High Search Volume
Short-tail keywords typically have high search volumes as they are frequently used by online users. Successfully ranking at the top for these keywords increases the chances of your website appearing in search results and attracting significant traffic.
3. Improved Brand Awareness
Short-tail keywords often include your brand or company name. By incorporating your brand into these keywords, you can enhance brand awareness among potential customers.
4. Opportunity to Cover Diverse Topics
Using short-tail keywords allows you to target a wide range of relevant topics within a single phrase, thus you can connect with audiences with varied interests.
5. SEO Optimization Potential
Despite the high competition, short-tail keywords can be a critical component of a long-term SEO strategy. With the right approach, achieving high rankings with these keywords can lead to increased organic traffic.
6. Competitive Edge
Successfully competing and appearing on search results pages despite the high competition can have a significant positive impact on your website. This way, you can boost your website's visibility in search engines and strengthen your position against competitors.
Tips for Using Short-Tail Keywords to Improve SERP Ranking
Due to high competition, you'll need some tips to help your content with short-tail keywords rank at the top of search engines. Here are essential tips for using short-tail keywords:
1. Identify the Main Short-Tail Keyword
First, you can start by creating a list of general keywords related to your business. For example, if you're selling party supplies, keywords like "paper plates," "plastic utensils," or "party decorations" could be potential keywords.
Once you've identified the primary keyword you want to target, look for relevant supporting keywords using various tools, such as Google Keyword Planner. You can discover new ideas like "Star Wars party decorations" or "children’s paper plates."
2. Add Local Keywords
Do you want to attract local customers? If so, you should include location-based keywords in your search terms. For example, instead of just using "computer repair," use the keyword "computer repair in Jakarta."
This way, Google will show your website to people searching for computer repair services in that area. This is an effective way to reach potential customers near you.
3. Optimize Your Google Business Profile Listing
When optimizing your Google My Business listing, make sure to include the short-tail keywords you're targeting. This is because Google will display search results based on location, so it's perfectly fine to use multiple short-tail keywords separately.
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