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Ranking for longtail keyword, vs. competition with shorter similar KW?

by Igor Vst28
7 replies
  • SEO
    • |
Hi guys,

How possible is it to get a great ranking (1st page of google search results) for longtail keyword, if the competition is strong for shorter variation of that keyword?

Example / explanation:

I'm doing SEO for accommodation website. My plan is to use longtail keyword, like "best apartments for rent near town_abc",
or "best place to stay near town_abc" ... any longer phrase like that.
- The idea is to use that exact long phrase KW (along with its variations) in URL, text, headings & subheadings, alt tags etc (in appropriate / natural way of course, so it fits in the sentences).

If the competition (strong local agency websites + tripadvisor + booking com + airbnb, or popular travel blog sites like lonely planet etc.) is strong and unbeatable on short keywords - like "apartments town_abc", "where to stay in town_abc" ... how likely is it for me, to get to first page for above mentioned longtail version of keywords?

Is it possible, or the google will rank those stronger websites above me even for longtail variation also, regardless of the fact that those big sites don't have that exact longtail phrase (and its variations) used in their URL, text and subheadings, like I have?

I appreciate any advice and suggestions;
Thanks in advance and have a good day!
#competition #keyword #longtail #ranking #shorter #similar
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  • Profile picture of the author DABK
    First, why are they unbeatable on those shorter keywords? You cannot beat them/


    Second, it depends on how much SEO they've done for the long-tail keywords you're mentioning.



    If none, pretty easy.



    But not necessarily without off page (i.e., backlinks).


    Originally Posted by Igor Vst28 View Post

    Hi guys,

    How possible is it to get a great ranking (1st page of google search results) for longtail keyword, if the competition is strong for shorter variation of that keyword?

    Example / explanation:

    I'm doing SEO for accommodation website. My plan is to use longtail keyword, like "best apartments for rent near town_abc",
    or "best place to stay near town_abc" ... any longer phrase like that.
    - The idea is to use that exact long phrase KW (along with its variations) in URL, text, headings & subheadings, alt tags etc (in appropriate / natural way of course, so it fits in the sentences).

    If the competition (strong local agency websites + tripadvisor + booking com + airbnb, or popular travel blog sites like lonely planet etc.) is strong and unbeatable on short keywords - like "apartments town_abc", "where to stay in town_abc" ... how likely is it for me, to get to first page for above mentioned longtail version of keywords?

    Is it possible, or the google will rank those stronger websites above me even for longtail variation also, regardless of the fact that those big sites don't have that exact longtail phrase (and its variations) used in their URL, text and subheadings, like I have?

    I appreciate any advice and suggestions;
    Thanks in advance and have a good day!
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  • Profile picture of the author semreseller
    The importance of long-tail keywords and short tail keywords is on its own. Where the long-tail keywords drive conversion the short-tern keywords drive traffic. But if you consider the fact of a competitor's website why they are ranking on the shorter keywords, you need to analyze their website. The amount of quality backlink they have gained from their past with trustworthy business niche sites and the relevance of the keywords, the processes they have followed.

    These are some basic parameters that you might look after when you are looking out for customer data.

    You can do both sides by side to get traffic and generate business for your brand.

    Thank You!!
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    • Profile picture of the author Igor Vst28
      Short term keywords mostly don't drive traffic, unless you're positioned on the 1st, maybe 2nd page of google results.

      Thats why the goal is to rank for longtail kw, and I need to know will I be outranked (by major websites) even for those, or is it worth trying (for this particular case as described)
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      • Profile picture of the author semreseller
        True, Getting rank on the 1st or 2nd page is not like you have started working a few days and you started expecting for the position on SERP. For the short-term competitive keywords, you need to work better than your competitor does. You need to make sure you are getting backlinks from the same business niche website with a lower spam score.

        Coming to the long-tail keywords which are the one mostly drives the business. You might get outrank if you don't work constantly on your off-page along with on-page SEO. SEO is not about work a single day and get ranked for a month, it's an on-going process; Delivering quality content, relevant information to the users & audience will help you for sure. This way you will able to generate better business opportunities along with getting a chance to rank on your desired key-phrases.

        Thank You!!
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  • Profile picture of the author Subho D
    If you are wondering which is better between longtail keywords and shorter keywords, then you should know that, for SEO purposes, longtail keywords can help you rank on Google. Here is how -

    ** Most users search content with longtail keywords.
    ** Longtail keywords are also used for optimized voice searches.
    ** Longtail keywords add context to your content.
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    • Profile picture of the author Igor Vst28
      yes I know, but that is not my question.

      I asked if it's possible to rank good for long-tail KW, or the google will rank those stronger websites above me even for longtail variation also, regardless of the fact that those big sites don't have that exact longtail phrase (and its variations) used in their URL, text and subheadings, like I have?
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      • Profile picture of the author DABK
        Again, the answer is yes. If your SEO is better than theirs for those keywords.


        If they are not going after the long tail, it's easy. If they are, you'll have to fight for them.


        You can outrank anything, if you know what are you doing and have the resources. So, again, if they're not going for the long keywords, you will not need a lot of resources to outrank them for those keywords.


        Originally Posted by Igor Vst28 View Post

        yes I know, but that is not my question.

        I asked if it's possible to rank good for long-tail KW, or the google will rank those stronger websites above me even for longtail variation also, regardless of the fact that those big sites don't have that exact longtail phrase (and its variations) used in their URL, text and subheadings, like I have?
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  • Profile picture of the author Anterpreet53
    This is very knowledgeable content. But I always got stuck when to work on long tail keywords for B2B websites. I think long-tails keywords starting with W-H family belong to B2C businesses more.

    Please correct me if I am wrong. As I am working on ecommerce website - eShipper - Shipping Company in Canada, always in dilemma regarding what are the best ways to target long keywords. Please suggest me B2B tactics to work on keywords.

    Thanks !
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