Targeting short tail keywords and long-tail keywords

You will find countless ways of succeeding in Internet marketing, through aggressive advertising or by simply knowing how to use keywords properly. Many online affiliate marketers are working harder than ever to control popular, high-ranking short tail keyword. However, longer blends of different keywords called long-tail keywords are what are helping the little guys make money.

Long-tail keywords vs. short-tail keywords

There are two types of keywords you can target: short-tail keywords and long-tail keywords. Because of heavy traffic and fierce competition, short and easy-to-remember short tail keywords are a lot harder to rank high for. Long-tail keywords, on the other hand, are less competed for because they do not generate as much traffic. The power of this type of keyword, however, must not be underestimated. Though long and difficult to remember, these keywords could really make you more money in the long run.

Build web value using short tail keywords

Let’s say, for example, you operate a company site within the wedding industry and would like to gain web attraction by targeting individuals looking for wedding ideas. The phrase “wedding ideas” may be the first keyword term that you might want to target because it sounds like something most people would type in to simplify their search for wedding ideas. However, as a result of the high volume of competition on this keyword term, your chances of easily getting on the first page are not great, and it does involve some work. Do not expect to show up on the first page of search results after promoting your targeted keyword/phrase with just one or two articles. You are going to have to build a catalog of articles that promote your targeted keyword or keyword phrase, with strong backlinks, internally and externally.

How you can benefit with long-tail keywords

It takes time and effort to rank very high for short tail keywords, but it can be done. Nevertheless, it doesn’t have to be a difficult process, especially if you target low-competitive long-tail keywords. Rather than driving all your efforts in ranking number one for “wedding ideas,” why not target various long-tail keywords that are related to your product and/or service, like “wedding ideas on a budget” and “wedding reception decoration ideas”? Having control over these long-tail keywords can definitely guarantee you a respectable position on search engines. And beyond that, they may just be the ultimate source of your success.