Even a few years ago, most SEOs reveled in using dinosaur tail-like keywords for gaining sky high traffic. With these long tail keywords, rankings were easier to attain, competition was lesser while it was relatively easier to optimize web pages that targeted such keywords. However, more specific, sure fire single word keyword soon turned the table in their favor and the long tail keywords were almost eliminated from most SEOs keyword usage norms.

But lo and behold; there has been a resurgence of long tail keywords with contemporary SEO’s field of activity as of now. It has been proved beyond doubt that long tail keywords not only work better but also continue to become a strong impetus towards leveraging search traffic in a massive way.

But What Actually are Long Tail Keywords?

Precisely speaking, long-tail keywords are less popular keywords as they have less search volume and still lesser competition to rank for. Meanwhile, take a look at the following example and judge for yourself which will drive more traffic:

• Allergy
• Causes, symptoms and treatment of allergic problems.

No wonder you would vote for the latter. The former, i.e. Allergy is an extremely common topic that relates to a vast number of subtopics such as “What is Allergy”, “How Allergy affects us”, ‘What are the primary symptoms of Allergy”, etc. But the latter narrows down the search to ‘Causes, symptoms and treatment of Allergic problems” and so will rank for its competitive structure.

New Google Search Trends Patronize Long Tail Keywords

Google has now become more humanized and so prefers long tail keywords that go to the core of an issue. For instance, if you type in “What is the weather now in New York City” Google will instantly produce a documented weather chart showing the current weather condition in N. York city and suburbs.

But this has become possible because the search keyword has been specific and to the point. Also, it is becoming increasingly lucid that Google is endeavoring to become more of a destination than a search engine for answering questions directly than providing tons of oft repeated information.

What it boils down to?

It probably is an indication that the present generation of web surfers will be typing in their queries by using regular keyword such as “Allergy” to know all about allergic conditions but a far greater number of searchers will sure use long tail keyword such as “Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Allergic Problems” to know specifically about their ailments.

Mind you, the former is more of an academic type of query while the latter seeks remedial measures from Google for relief. This, by the way, is what is sparking the resurgence of long tail keyword targeting in SEO as of today.

User Intent: The Key to Better Conversions

The best thing about a long-tail keyword is that you can instantly understand what’s popularly known as user intent. Most SEO professionals focus more on ranking the page on top, but that’s merely the beginning of the game for the website owner. The final goal, as we need is to increase conversions, to make people click, to make them purchase, to subscribe… to make people commit on the website that eventually converts to revenue. The difference between “Allergy” and “Causes, Symptoms and treatment of Allergic Problems” is obviously the bone of the contention.