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Local SEO Success: The Role of Long-Tail Keywords

Written by Eric Elliott | Oct 10, 2023 5:35:38 PM

In the local search landscape securing a top spot has become an essential goal for businesses across the spectrum. Amid this race, one potent yet frequently undervalued player has proven to be transformational: long-tail keywords. These specific, sharply targeted phrases are vital in assisting businesses to establish a connection with their local clientele, amplify their digital footprint, and channel high-quality traffic to their web presence.

What are Long-Tail Keywords?

Long-tail keywords are specific phrases typically composed of three to five words. Unlike generic or 'head' keywords which are usually one or two words, long-tail keywords are designed to capture a more targeted search intent. For instance, instead of searching for 'divorce attorney,' a user might search for 'divorce attorney in charleston sc' The latter is a clear example of a long-tail keyword.

These keywords are less competitive than generic keywords, making them a goldmine for local businesses. Why? Because they attract users who know precisely what they're looking for – these users are more likely to convert into customers!

Benefits of Keyword Research for Local Businesses

Keyword research is an essential aspect of local SEO. By doing keyword research, local businesses can identify the most relevant long-tail keywords for their business and create content that targets those keywords. This can help businesses improve their search engine rankings and drive more traffic to their website.

Many local businesses tend to assume that short and direct keywords are the key to high-volume local searches, but the reality is that users tend to use long-tail keywords to find specific products or services. For example, searching for "divorce lawyers" in Charleston DMA shows only 210 searches.



However, If you look at the list below, there are many long-tail keywords that have higher searches



Therefore, it is imperative for businesses to optimize their content for both short and long-tail keywords to reach a wider audience and attract more potential customers. By doing so, businesses can significantly increase their chances of being discovered and chosen by potential customers.

Also Read - The Ultimate Guide to Local SEO for Law Firms

How to Rank High for Long-Tail Keywords

Ranking high for long-tail keywords requires a combination of factors such as quality content, website optimization, and link building. Here are some tips to help you rank high for long-tail keywords:

  • Focus on creating quality content that targets specific long-tail keywords.
  • Optimize your website for local SEO by including your city or town in your website's title tags and meta descriptions.
  • Ensure that your website is mobile-friendly and has a fast loading time.
  • Build high-quality backlinks to your website from other relevant websites.

Incorporating long-tail keywords in your local search strategy is not just beneficial; it's essential. They help you attract a targeted audience, rank higher on SERPs, and ultimately drive more business. So if you haven't started focusing on long-tail keywords yet, it's high time you do!

Remember, SEO is not an overnight success story. If you are looking for a local SEO agency that can help your business rank for the right set of keywords, contact us.