A specific, usually longer search phrase with fewer searches each, but often clearer intent and less competition. Together, many long-tail searches can add up to a large share of traffic.
Example
'kurta' is a head term. 'cotton kurta with pockets for office' is long tail. Fewer people search it, but those who do know what they want, and Meera stocks it.
How you'll hear it
“Forget the head term for now; let us win twenty long-tail phrases where we actually stock the product.”
Don't confuse it with
- Low-volume keyword: not every low-volume keyword is long tail; some are just rare. Long tail implies specificity.
Related terms
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Sources
- Search volume, Ahrefs SEO Glossary
- What is SEO?, Moz