Long-tail and short-tail keywords.

In SEO, keywords can be divided into short (short-tail) and long (long-tail). The terms come from English and refer to keywords with a “short tail” and a “long tail.” 

Short-tail keywords are broader, have higher search volume, but lower conversion rates. 

Examples of short-tail keywords:

• Cat – when someone searches for “cat,” it’s unclear whether they’re looking for coloring pages, pet food, or where to get their cat neutered.
• Car body – again, it’s not clear whether the person wants to know the definition or find a repair service.

In SEO, focusing on long-tail keywords is often more effective.

Long-tail keywords may have lower search volume, but they are more specific and often match exactly what people are looking for.

There is also less competition for these keywords, making it easier to rank on the first page of search results. 

Examples of long-tail keywords:

• Best cat for an apartment
• Where to buy cat food
• Car body repair without painting

At first glance, it’s clear that these keywords are much more conversion-focused. If someone is searching for where to buy something, they’re already ready to make a purchase, not just exploring the topic.

One of the main goals of SEO is to find specific keywords that are relevant to your business, have sufficient search demand, and reasonable competition and then optimize your content around them.

Learn how to do this in the courses of SEO.