There is only one reason why you should use long-tail keywords: They rank faster because they are more specific than short-tail.

Long-tail keywords are basically keywords with over three content words, like “how to rank a blog in 6 months.” I was able to get on the first page for that keyword in less than two months.

If I had just used “how to rank a blog,” it would have taken a long, long time for the post to appear on the first page. But I doubt it could outrank more informative ones for that keyword.

So, the keyword for this blog is “why you should use long-tail keywords.” That is (kind of) long-tail but there is high competition for that, so I am not hoping for the best.

But if I wanted to use the short version, it would be just “long-tail keywords.” It would be harder to rank for that as it is too broad.

A lot of differing results will appear from that query, from blog posts discussing what long-tail keywords are to the ones helping you build out an SEO strategy involving those types of keywords.

I use a lot of long-tail keywords on A Lover in Disguise that’s why there are lots of ranking blog posts on that blog.

However, while using long-tail keywords can help you reach your goal of being on the first page of SERPs, it is not guaranteed that your readership will grow just from that.

Why You Should Use Long-tail Keywords

The downside to using long-tail keywords is that fewer people search for them.

All people wear shoes, so everyone who knows Google will most likely search for them. But not all people like Adidas, so only a part of the shoe-wearers will search for anything related to Adidas.

But even though your audience becomes smaller with long-tail keywords, you are reaching the right people. That is key in marketing and sales.

I have many sweaters at home because I love wearing them. If I want to add a purple sweater with “good vibes” text printed on the front, I will type “good vibes purple sweater” in the search bar.

And I really did. That is a long-tail, specific keyword, so I found exactly what I was looking for.

In that case, I was a consumer who was looking for a particular item, and I was happy when I found some. I would buy them if I really wanted a good vibes purple sweater.

Having said that, using long-tail keywords is a great strategy if you want to target the right people through search engines because the competition is likely low to moderate.

You will rank faster and higher, and that could lead to more sales.