Many Australian businesses struggle to stand out online, especially when competing for attention on search engines. Why long-tail keywords can bring more visitors is a question we hear often—because using the right long tail keyword phrases helps you reach people who are actively searching for exactly what you offer. This article explores how long tail keywords work, why they matter, and how you can use them to grow your business in Australia.
Why Long-Tail Keywords Matter for Australian Businesses
Long tail keywords are longer and more specific search terms, usually made up of three or more words. Unlike short tail keywords, which are broad and generic, long tail keyword phrases target users with a clear and specific search intent. For example, while “marketing” is a short tail keyword, “affordable digital marketing agency in Canberra” is a long tail keyword.
Understanding the Challenge of Broad Keywords
When you target broad keywords—like “marketing” or “accounting”—you’re competing with big companies and established brands. These generic keywords have high search volume, but also high competition and keyword difficulty. It’s tough to appear on the first page of search engine results pages for these terms, especially if you’re a small or medium business.
On the other hand, long tail keywords are longer, more specific search terms. These might have lower search volumes, but they’re much less competitive. For example, instead of “SEO,” you might use a long tail keyword like “SEO marketing for small businesses in Canberra.” People searching for this are more likely to become customers because they have a specific search intent.
The Power of Specific Long Tail Keywords
Most long tail keywords are three words or more. They reflect what real people type into the search bar when they know what they want. These long tail search terms are often questions, location-based, or describe a particular need. Because they’re so targeted, long tail keywords bring in visitors who are ready to take action.
For Australian businesses, using long tail keyword variations that include local terms—like “best plumber in ACT” or “Canberra digital marketing advice”—helps you connect with your community. These long tail queries are less likely to be used by big international companies, giving you a better chance to rank well.
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How to Find Long-Tail Keywords That Work
Finding the right long tail keywords for your business starts with understanding your audience and using the right keyword research tools. The goal is to identify long tail keyword ideas that have enough search volume to matter, but aren’t so competitive that you can’t rank for them.
Start with a seed keyword that describes your main service or product. Enter this into a keyword tool or use Google autocomplete to see what long tail keyword suggestions come up. For example, typing “digital marketing” into the search bar might bring up long tail keyword examples like “digital marketing for tradies in Canberra” or “affordable digital marketing services for local businesses.”
Starting with Keyword Research
Keyword research is the foundation of any successful long tail keyword strategy. Use free SEO tools or paid keyword research tools to generate a list of long tail keyword variations. Look for keywords with reasonable search volumes and lower keyword difficulty. These are the keywords that offer the best chance of ranking well in Google’s search results.
Check the related searches section and “People also ask” boxes for more ideas. These features often provide topical long tail keywords and questions your audience is already searching for. By identifying long tail keywords that match your services and your customers’ needs, you can create content that answers real questions and attracts more visitors.
Analysing Search Volume and Competition
Not all long tail keywords are created equal. Some have very low search volume, while others strike the right balance between demand and competition. Use your SEO tool to check the monthly searches and keyword difficulty for each long tail keyword you’re considering.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to find keywords with the highest search volume, but to identify specific long tail keywords that are relevant to your target audience and easier to rank for. This approach ensures your content appears in search results for the exact same thing your potential customers are searching for.
Looking for Long Tail Keyword Ideas in Your Industry
Think about the questions your customers ask and the problems they need solved. These are often a goldmine for long tail keyword ideas. For example, if you run a café in Canberra, long tail keyword suggestions might include “best vegan breakfast in Canberra” or “family-friendly cafes near ACT.”
Use Google’s autocomplete and related searches to uncover more keyword variations. These tools help you identify long tail keywords that are already being used by your audience, making them more likely to drive traffic to your site.of Your SEO Strategy
Creating Content Around Long Tail Keywords
Once you’ve identified your target long tail keywords, it’s time to create content that answers those specific search queries. Each blog post or web page should focus on one main long tail keyword, with related long tail variations included naturally throughout the content.
For example, a blog post on “how to choose a reliable accountant in Canberra” could also include long tail keyword phrases like “affordable accounting services for small businesses in ACT” or “accountant for startups in Canberra.” This helps your content appear for a wider range of long tail searches.
To avoid wasted effort and rank higher on Google, read our article on How to Do Keyword Targeting for step-by-step tips on choosing, placing, and optimising keywords for your website
Making Long-Tail Keywords Part of Your SEO Strategy
Incorporating long tail keywords into your SEO strategy means more than just adding them to your website. It’s about creating content that matches the search intent behind these keywords and providing real value to your visitors.
Each blog post or web page should focus on one main long tail keyword, with related long tail keyword variations included naturally throughout the content. This helps you rank for a wider range of long tail searches and increases your chances of appearing in Google’s search results.
Creating Content Around Long Tail Keywords
When you create content, start with a target keyword and build your article or page around it. Use the long tail keyword in your title, headings, meta descriptions, and throughout the body of your content. Make sure the keyword fits naturally and makes sense in context.
For example, a blog post titled “How to Choose a Reliable Accountant in Canberra” could also include long tail keyword phrases like “affordable accounting services for small businesses in ACT” or “accountant for startups in Canberra.” This approach helps you cover more long tail keyword ideas and attract a broader audience.
Optimising for Search Engines Without Overdoing It
While it’s important to use long tail keywords in your content, avoid keyword stuffing. Focus on writing naturally and providing helpful information. Search engines are getting better at understanding context and user intent, so your priority should be creating content that genuinely answers your audience’s questions.
Include your main long tail keyword in the meta description and use related long tail keyword variations throughout the page. This helps search engines understand what your content is about and improves your chances of ranking for multiple long tail search terms.
Improving Local and Voice Search Results
Long tail keywords are especially powerful for local SEO and voice search. Many Australians use voice assistants to find local businesses, and these searches are often longer and more conversational. For example, someone might ask, “Where can I find a family accountant in Canberra?” rather than just typing “accountant.”
By incorporating long tail keyword phrases that match how people speak, you increase your chances of appearing in voice search results and attracting local customers. This is particularly important as voice search continues to grow in popularity.
Optimising for Search Engines Without Overdoing It
Incorporating long tail keywords is about balance. Use your main long tail keyword in the page title, headings, meta descriptions, and naturally within the content. Avoid stuffing your content with too many keywords—focus on making the information helpful and easy to read.
Long tail keywords should fit naturally and make sense in context. If you’re answering a specific question, structure your content so it’s clear and direct. This approach not only helps with search rankings but also builds trust with your readers.
Improving Local and Voice Search Results
Long tail keywords are especially useful for local SEO and voice search. More Australians are using voice assistants to find local businesses, and these searches tend to be longer and more conversational. For example, someone might say, “Where can I find a family accountant in Canberra?” rather than just “accountant.”
To avoid your business not showing up on Google, read our article on Why your business isn’t appearing on Google—covering Google Business Profile verification, accurate info, keyword use, and SEO basics
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Turning Long-Tail Keywords into Real Results
Using long tail keywords isn’t just about attracting more visitors—it’s about attracting the right visitors. People who find your site through long tail keyword searches are more likely to become customers because they have a specific need and are ready to take action.
Better Conversion Rates
Visitors who arrive at your site through long tail keywords are more likely to take action. They’ve already narrowed down what they want, so they’re closer to making a decision. This means higher conversion rates compared to visitors from generic short tail keywords.
For example, someone searching for “emergency plumber open now in ACT” is likely in urgent need and ready to call. By targeting these specific long tail searches, you attract people who are ready to become customers.
Lower Costs for Paid Campaigns
If you run Google Ads or other PPC campaigns, long tail keywords can help you get better results for less money. These keywords usually have lower competition and cost-per-click, so your budget goes further. You can also use negative keywords to filter out irrelevant searches and focus on the most valuable visitors.
Building Authority and Trust
Answering specific long tail queries with helpful content positions your business as a trusted expert. Over time, this builds your reputation and encourages people to return to your site for advice and services.
Practical Steps to Build Your Long-Tail Keyword Strategy
Building a successful long tail keyword strategy doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how you can get started:
Start with a Seed Keyword - Pick a broad keyword that describes your business or service. This is your starting point for finding long tail keyword ideas.
Use Keyword Research Tools - Enter your seed keyword into a keyword tool or use Google autocomplete to generate a list of long tail keyword suggestions. Look for long tail keyword examples with a clear search intent and reasonable search volumes.
Check the Competition - Use an SEO tool to check keyword difficulty and see who’s already ranking for your chosen long tail keywords. Focus on keywords where you have a realistic chance to appear on the first page of search results.
Create Content That Matches Search Intent - Write blog posts, service pages, or FAQs that answer the exact same thing people are searching for. Use your target keyword in the title, headings, and meta descriptions, and include related searches to cover more ground.
Monitor and Adjust - Keep an eye on your search rankings and traffic. Use free SEO tools to track which long tail keywords bring in visitors, and update your content as needed to stay relevant.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls with Long-Tail Keywords
While long tail keywords offer many benefits, there are a few common mistakes to avoid.
Don’t Focus Only on Low Search Volume
While long tail keywords often have lower search volumes, don’t ignore terms with a bit more demand. Medium tail keywords—those with moderate search volume—can also drive valuable traffic.
Don’t Use Keywords That Don’t Make Sense
Only use long tail keyword phrases that fit naturally into your content. If a keyword doesn’t make sense in a sentence, it’s better to skip it or find a variation that does.
Don’t Overlook Negative Keywords
If you’re running paid ads, add negative keywords to avoid showing up for irrelevant searches. This keeps your budget focused on the most valuable visitors.
The Future of Long-Tail Keywords in Australian SEO
Long tail keywords are becoming even more important as search engines get better at understanding natural language and specific search intent. The rise of voice search means people are using longer, more conversational queries. This trend is likely to continue, making long tail keyword research a key part of any successful SEO strategy.
As search demand curve shifts, businesses that focus on making long tail keywords part of their content and advertising will see more targeted visitors and better results.
To avoid SEO mistakes and stay visible on Google, read our article on Latest SEO Trends Australia for insights on AI-powered search, voice search, topical authority, and zero-click results.
Conclusion: Take Action with Long-Tail Keywords
Long tail keywords give Australian businesses a practical way to attract more visitors, connect with the right audience, and achieve better search rankings. By focusing on specific long tail keywords, you can compete with bigger brands, improve conversion rates, and build trust with your community.
Start by identifying long tail keyword ideas that match your services and your customers’ needs. Use keyword research tools, listen to your audience, and create helpful content that answers real questions. Monitor your results, adjust your approach, and keep building your long tail keyword strategy over time.
Ready to see how long tail keywords can bring more visitors to your business? We help businesses like yours find long tail keywords, create effective content, and grow online. Reach out to our team to learn how we can support your SEO strategy and help you stand out in the Australian market.