Short-Tail vs Long-Tail Keywords: Which Should You Target?

If you're pursuing search engine optimization or content marketing a doubt is likely to come to mind: Should you focus on long-tail keywords or short-tail keyword ? Both have their importance however knowing the best time and place to use both can make a huge difference to your visibility on the internet and your conversions.

Let's take a look at the different types of keywords along with they have pros as well as cons and the ones you should focus on to get the most effective outcomes.

What is a Short-Tail Keyword?

The term Short-tail Keyword (also called head keywords) typically comprises two or more phrases. It's broad, general and usually searched by lots of users.

Examples:

• "Shoes"

• "Marketing"

• "Yoga"

• "Laptops"

They are highly searched for and have a huge volume, but they also face a lot of competition. Because they're so broad it is difficult to determine exactly what the user is searching for, whether they are researching, shopping or simply looking around?

What is a Long-Tail Keyword?

Long-tail keywords are those that have a lengthy tail term is an exact search term comprised of at least three words. These keywords are less searched for in number, but they are more likely to be targeted at users with clear intentions.

Examples:

• "Best shoes for running on trails"

• "Affordable digital marketing for startups"

• "Beginner morning yoga routine"

• "Lightweight laptops under $1000"

  
  

Because a long-tail keyword is focused on a specific need that is targeted, it will attract visitors that are more likely to make a difference.

Key Differences: Short-Tail vs Long-Tail Keywords

Here's a quick comparison:

Feature	Short-Tail Keyword	Long-Tail Keyword
Length	1-2 words	3+ words
Search Volume	High	Low to Medium
Competition	High	Low
Intent	General	Specific
Conversion Rate	Lower	Higher
Ranking Difficulty	Harder	Easier

Pros and Cons

Short-Tail Keyword - Pros:

• High search volume

• Great for promoting brand recognition

• Wide market reach

  
  

Short-Tail Keyword - Cons:

• High-level competition

• Low conversion rates

• More targeted traffic

  
  

Long-Tail Keyword - Pros:

• Greater conversion potential

• It is easier to place in

• Improved user intent match

  
  

Long-Tail Keyword - Cons:

• Lower search volume

• It may be necessary to have more variety of content

  
  

When Should You Use Each?

Select the Short Tail Keywords When:

• You own a highly-respected website

• You're targeting a wide market

• Your goal is to increase brand awareness over niche-specific that you are targeting.

• You're running massive awareness-level campaigns

  
  

Select long-tail keywords When:

• You're a smaller or newer website

• You want quicker SEO wins

• Your focus is on qualified traffic and conversions

• You're creating niche-specific content or products

  
  

Why a Mix Works Best

While long-tail keyword phrases are simpler to find and can attract higher-quality users shorter-tail keywords can increase traffic in the long run. What is the most efficient strategy? Make use of both.

Start with long-tail keyword phrases to build traction and establish credibility. As your domain gets stronger and more popular, you can expand to short-tail keywords in order to increase your reach. You can also tap into greater search volumes.

Final Thoughts

The debate over using the shorter-tail keywords as opposed to the use of a longer-tail keywords isn't about deciding on one over the other. It's about knowing which is best suited to your current needs and budget.

If you're just beginning your journey or focusing on particular customer needs, long-tail keyword are your most reliable companion. If you're building or scaling a large company, short-tail keywords will help to expand the reach of your brand.

When you combine both Content strategy and SEO, you'll get all the benefits of words: targeted traffic and long-term exposure.