Long tail keywords are words and phrases that are more specific and generally have less search volume than short keyword phrases.

Incorporating long tail keywords into content is great for capturing very specific queries. The search volume is usually less, but the upside is click-through rates and conversions can be higher as searchers will find the exact thing that they are looking for.

Rules for Long Tail Keywords

Make it natural

Use the long tail where it makes sense.  Don’t force it where it doesn’t fit.

Use the exact phrase

Sometimes you need to get creative with your writing.  In order to fit the exact phrase in, use colons, dashes, headlines, and other things to fit the keyword in.

Use proper grammar

Now is NOT the time to use slang and forget punctuation.

Don’t stuff keywords into the content

Keyword-heavy content reads awkwardly and runs the risk of a penalty.  Read the content out loud to hear how it sounds.

Stay topically focused

Make sure that the long tail keywords are in line with the general direction of the content.

Long tail keywords can help you garner traffic and improve your SEO ranking if used correctly.  Just don’t overdo it and you should be successful.