blogging machine

Start with Long-Tail Keywords, Then Go Broader?

August 7, 2025
Start with Long-Tail Keywords, Then Go Broader?

Let’s face it: SEO can feel like trying to win a staring contest with Google’s algorithm — blink and you’re on page 10. So, is it better to start with long-tail keywords and then go broader later? Or should you just charge at those high-volume keywords like a caffeine-fueled intern at their first Monday meeting? Let’s break it down, with a little help from data, expert advice, and our own experience at bloggingmachine.io.

Why Start with Long-Tail Keywords? (Hint: It’s Not Just for the Underdogs)

If you’re new to the SEO game or running a small-to-medium business, you’ve probably heard the advice: start with long-tail keywords. But why? Is it just because the big players have already bagged all the good spots? Not exactly.

1. Long-Tail Keywords: The Secret Sauce for Higher Conversions

Here’s a stat to make your morning coffee taste even better: long-tail keywords have an average conversion rate of 36%. Compare that to the best landing pages, which hover around 11.45% (source). That’s not just a win — it’s a landslide.

Why? Because long-tail keywords are specific. People searching for “best AI-powered blogging platform for SMBs” know what they want. They’re not just browsing — they’re ready to act. And if your content matches their intent, you’re halfway to a new customer.

2. The Internet Is Basically Made of Long-Tail Searches

Ready for another number? 91.8% of all search queries are long-tail keywords (Backlinko). That’s right — most people aren’t searching for “blogging.” They’re searching for “how to automate SEO blog writing for my bakery in Austin.” (We see you, cupcake entrepreneurs.)

3. Less Competition, Faster Results

Let’s be honest: unless you’re running a Fortune 500 site, you’re not going to outrank Wikipedia for “SEO.” But “AI-powered SEO blog automation for real estate agents”? Now we’re talking. Long-tail keywords are less competitive, so you can actually rank — and see results — without waiting for your domain authority to age like a fine wine.

4. Voice Search and Local SEO Love Long-Tail

Did you know 82% of voice searches use long-tail keywords? And 55% of millennials use voice search daily (source). People talk to their phones like they’re asking a friend for advice. If your content answers those specific questions, you’re in the running for featured snippets and local search wins.

5. Cost-Effective for PPC (Because Budgets Are Real)

If you’re running ads, long-tail keywords are generally cheaper. You get highly qualified visitors without burning through your budget. That’s more money for coffee, or, you know, actually growing your business.

The “Go Broader Later” Playbook

So, you’ve started with long-tail keywords. You’re ranking, getting traffic, and maybe even feeling a little smug. Now what?

Once you’ve built up some authority and a solid content base, it’s time to target broader, higher-volume keywords. Why? Because now you have the credibility (and internal links) to compete. Think of it as moving from the minor leagues to the majors — except with fewer awkward team photos.

How to Know When You’re Ready

  • You’re consistently ranking for multiple long-tail keywords.
  • Your site has a healthy backlink profile.
  • You’ve built topical authority (Google trusts you on your subject).
  • You’re seeing steady organic traffic growth.

If you’re nodding along, congrats! You’re ready to broaden your keyword horizons.

Expert Insights: What the Pros Say

“Long-tail keywords excel in aligning with specific user intents, which significantly improves the chances of matching a searcher’s exact needs. This precision not only increases relevance but also leads to significantly higher conversion rates.” — Industry SEO Expert
“If you are not a major industry player, then competing for short-tail keywords may be a waste of time.” — Search Engine Journal

SEO agencies and professionals agree: start with long-tail, build authority, then go broad. It’s not just a strategy — it’s survival.

Insider Knowledge: The Algorithm’s Getting Smarter

Modern search engines are obsessed with user intent. They’re not just matching keywords — they’re figuring out what people actually want. That means long-tail keywords are more effective than ever for connecting your content with real search queries.

And here’s a pro tip: building content clusters around long-tail keywords can boost your topical authority. It’s like telling Google, “Hey, we really know our stuff.” (And with bloggingmachine.io, you don’t even have to write it all yourself.)

Regulations, Policies, and Best Practices

There aren’t any government regulations telling you which keywords to use (yet — imagine the paperwork). But following best practices for transparency and user intent keeps you on the right side of ethical digital marketing. For more on ethical SEO, check out Moz’s guide.

How Blogging Machine Makes This Easy (Shameless, But Relevant)

Let’s be real: researching, writing, and optimizing for long-tail keywords takes time. And unless you’re secretly a team of caffeinated robots, you probably have other things to do. That’s where we come in.

At bloggingmachine.io, our AI agent handles the heavy lifting — automating content creation, keyword optimization, and topic research. You get SEO-optimized articles that attract organic traffic, while you focus on running your business (or, you know, finally taking a lunch break).

FAQ: Start with Long-Tail Keywords

Why do long-tail keywords convert better?

Long-tail keywords are specific, so they attract visitors who know what they want. This means higher conversion rates — sometimes triple those of broader keywords.

How many long-tail keywords should I target?

Start with a handful that are highly relevant to your business. As you build authority, expand your list and cluster related topics.

When should I start targeting broader keywords?

Once you’re ranking for multiple long-tail keywords, have a steady stream of organic traffic, and your site has built some authority, it’s time to go broader.

Can I automate long-tail keyword research and content creation?

Absolutely. Platforms like bloggingmachine.io automate keyword research, content creation, and optimization — so you can scale your SEO without hiring an in-house team.

Are there risks to focusing only on long-tail keywords?

If you never expand, you might miss out on larger audiences. The key is to start with long-tail, then broaden your strategy as your site grows.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Dream Big

Starting with long-tail keywords isn’t just for the little guys — it’s a proven, data-backed strategy for anyone looking to build sustainable SEO success. You’ll attract high-quality, conversion-ready traffic, face less competition, and set yourself up to compete for those big, broad keywords down the line.

And if you’d rather not spend your weekends writing blog posts, let us handle it. Check out Blogging Machine and see how effortless SEO blogging can be.

Further Reading: