Difference Between Broad Keywords and Long tail Keywords in 2022
Keywords are not one-size-fits-all. You have two very different types of keywords – broad and long-tail – which can help your site achieve authority in the search engine results pages (SERPs).
Broad keywords are very generic. They tend to get more comprehensive searches, but it’s harder to rank high for those keywords due to the more extensive base of competitors. An excellent example of a broad keyword would be “dog.”
Long-tail keywords are more focused and narrow. They have more words attached to them. Because fewer websites are trying to rank for those longer keyword phrases, you have an easier time ranking higher than your competition.
An excellent example of a long-tail keyword phrase would be “best dog training guide.”
You’ll want to use both types in your content creation for the very best results. Sometimes you’ll be forced to use one over another, and sometimes you’ll choose to on purpose.
For example, when registering a domain or a web 2.0 property, you may not be able to find a URL available with a broad keyword. You may be forced to go down your keyword list and find the first available URL, which could be grouped in the long-tail category.
In some instances, you’re going to want to shoot to the top of the SERP rankings, so you’ll go after a long-tail keyword on purpose, whether for a web 2.0 property or your domain.
Here’s how many marketers think about the value of long-tail keywords: while the long-tail versions may get fewer searches individually, if you rank high for a large volume of long-tail keyword phrases, you could effectively dominate in a niche where your competitor has only worked on organizing well for a couple of broad keyword phrases.
Consumers tend to type in long-tail keyword phrases whenever they’re in a buying mood. Using our previous example, someone who wants to spend money on a dog training guide would go with the more extended version.
A person who types in the dog could be looking for a pet, facts about a dog, pictures of dogs, or even using random slang to describe an unsavory cad who mistreats his girlfriend. You don’t know, so the traffic volume may not even be from prospective buyers, making their visit virtually worthless.