Optimizing for Long-Tail Keywords: The Best Keyword Difficulty and Volume

Keyword selection is a crucial aspect of SEO, and understanding long-tail keywords is essential for modern optimization strategies. A long-tail keyword is a search term that consists of five or more words and usually has a low competition level and lower search volume. The goal is to identify these keywords to create highly targeted content that can rank well in search results.

Defining Long-Tail Keywords

Not all long phrases with many words qualify as long-tail keywords. For instance, 'best pizza delivery in New York' is a highly competitive and high-volume search term, thus not a long-tail keyword. Long-tail keywords are characterized by the following:

Low competition Low search volume Average to above average length

Keyword Difficulty and Search Volume

To assess the suitability of a long-tail keyword, you can use tools like Serpstat. For example, entering a keyword into the search bar on Serpstat will provide you with a new metric called Keyword Difficulty (KD). This score helps you understand the effort required to rank for a given keyword. Detailed information about the keyword can be accessed through the 'Keyword Selection' feature, where you can click on the arrow next to the Keyword Difficulty column. Below, you will find a breakdown of all the metrics used to calculate KD.

The Ratio of Complex to Simple Keywords

On the graph, the ratio of complex keywords to simple ones is displayed. As you can observe, the number of simple and low-competition keywords is significantly higher, which is logical. The same concept applies to long-tail keywords.

Approaches to Keyword Search Technique

There are two main approaches to keyword search techniques: traditional keyword search and competitor-based keyword search.

Traditional Keyword Search

The traditional approach to keyword research takes a linear and straightforward path. It primarily involves identifying seed keywords based on your business needs, product offerings, and target audience. This approach is widely used and is a solid foundation for keyword research.

Competitor-Based Keyword Search

The competitor-based approach is a unique method that flips the traditional approach on its head. Instead of starting with seed keywords, you begin with identifying the websites that are currently ranking for your target keywords. Then, you look for keywords that these websites are ranking for.

This method, often referred to as 'reverse-engineering' or 'reverse SEO,' involves analyzing your competitors' backlinks and content to identify keywords that are driving traffic and conversions. This can provide a wealth of insights into what works for your competitors, allowing you to target keywords that are both relevant and achievable for your site.

Conclusion

Both traditional and competitor-based approaches have their merits. The traditional approach is a solid starting point, while the competitor-based approach can provide valuable, actionable insights into what your main competitors are doing. By leveraging both methods, you can create a more comprehensive and effective keyword strategy that aligns with your business goals and improves your website's visibility in search results.