SEO Basics: Understanding Short-Tail, Long-Tail, and Local Keywords
Have you ever searched for something like “best restaurants in Saskatoon” or “top beaches in Nova Scotia”? These phrases are called keywords, and they’re the secret to helping people find the information, products, or services they need online.
Knowing how to use keywords strategically can help your website attract more visitors - no matter where you are located. Let’s explore three types of keywords and how they can help grow your business!
What Are Keywords?
Keywords are the words or phrases people type into search engines like Google when they are looking for something. For example, if you search for “best hiking trails in Alberta,” that’s a keyword! Keywords act as a bridge, connecting people to websites with the answers they need.
But not all keywords work the same way. They can be divided into three main types: short-tail, long-tail, and local keywords.
Short-Tail Keywords: General Words
What Are They?
Short-tail keywords are simple and broad, usually just one or two words.
What Makes Them Special?
- A lot of people search for them, making them highly competitive.
- They’re harder to rank for because many websites use them.
- People using short-tail keywords are often in the early stages of research and may not be ready to buy.
How Do They Help?
Short-tail keywords are great for building brand awareness and getting your website noticed by a wide audience.
Example: A short-tail keyword like “Canadian Rockies” might bring in lots of visitors, but they may still be deciding where to visit or stay.
Long-Tail Keywords: Specific Phrases
What Are They?
Long-tail keywords are longer, more detailed phrases with three or more words.
What Makes Them Special?
- Fewer people search for them, but they are more specific.
- They’re easier to rank for because fewer websites target the exact phrase.
- People searching for long-tail keywords are often ready to buy or take action.
How Do They Help?
Long-tail keywords help attract your right audience - people who are genuinely interested in what you offer.
Example: A long-tail keyword like “family-friendly camping in Clear Lake, Manitoba” may not attract as many visitors, but it’s likely to bring people looking for exactly that experience.
Local Keywords: For Nearby Customers
What Are They?
Local keywords include a specific location, like a city or town, and are ideal for businesses serving customers in a particular area.
What Makes Them Special?
- They help your business appear in local search results and on Google Maps.
- They connect you with nearby customers who are ready to visit or call you.
How Do They Help?
Local keywords are perfect for businesses like restaurants, services, or attractions that depend on local customers.
Examples:
- “Best restaurants in Regina, Saskatchewan”
- “Affordable movers in Winnipeg, Manitoba”
- “Plumbers near me in Calgary, Alberta”
- “Top-rated seafood in Halifax, Nova Scotia”
Why Use All Three Types of Keywords?
Using short-tail, long-tail, and local keywords together creates a well-rounded SEO strategy that can attract different kinds of visitors to your website.
- Short-tail keywords bring in large audiences and help build awareness across Canada.
- Long-tail keywords attract targeted traffic ready to take action in specific provinces, like Manitoba or Alberta.
- Local keywords help you connect with customers right in your community, whether you’re in Saskatoon, Halifax, or Calgary.
Keywords are like signposts that guide people to your website. Whether you’re using short-tail, long-tail, or local keywords, each type has a unique role in making your business more visible online.
Learning how to use these keywords effectively can help you attract more visitors and grow your online presence.
