The difference between a popular post and an ignored one is often blamed on content--and rightfully so. Poorly constructed paragraphs and irrelevant details will never inspire readers. Instead they’ll drive them away, causing a flurry of closed tabs and back-button clicks.
Dull content, however, isn’t the only reason a blog can be overlooked. Instead a reliance on short, vague keywords can prove to be the source.
Long-tail alternatives are needed.
The long-tail keyword, simply explained, is a string of words (often between three to ten) that addresses a specific search term. It’s not as broad as its short-tail counterparts. Instead it delivers direct answers to questions. Consider this example:
Short-tail: spiders
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Long-tail: local spider exterminators
The difference is relevancy. Long-tail keywords target specific ideas or queries, proving vital to consumers. When a keyword is short, it’s often forced to fight for search rankings, competing against too many variations of itself.Â
The example above, for instance, could easily draw readers to pages about spider facts, films, phobias and more. None of these options reflect the need for an exterminator... and this is why long-tail keywords are so vital. They create a better connection between users and engines.
Question-driven keywords deliver results. Using them within a social strategy is essential.