Authority SEO 2013: The Importance of Long Tail Keywords [Phase 1]

You can learn a lot about an authority Internet business by studying the niche site model.

What niche sites do really well is they leverage the power of search engines like Google.  By targeting keyword phrases and building content around them, it’s not hard to get a lot of free traffic.

So while I don’t think you should solely focus on Google, I still think it’s important to make search engine optimization (SEO) one tool in your arsenal of traffic generation strategies.

For phase #1 of building DevelopGoodHabits.com as an authority site, I’m following the niche site model and creating content around a cluster of keyword phrases.

In this post, we’ll talk about the first phase of this plan – with an emphasis on how to take advantage of long-tail keywords. 

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]What are Long-Tail Keywords?[/title]

Simply put, a long-tail search contains three or more words.  Each phrase doesn’t get a lot of traffic, but add them up and you can get a whole lot of traffic.

The mistake that many people make is to place too much emphasis on the primary keyword.  Basically they’re missing out on the flood of traffic that happens from lots of searches on lots of content pages.

With an authority site, the long-tail is a great SEO strategy because you’ll

• Get more targeted traffic from visitors looking for specific content
• Have less competition from sites trying to rank for that phrase
• Focus on content instead of worrying about getting backlinks

Ultimately, long-tail SEO is the way to go because you’re following a “white-hat” strategy that won’t get you into trouble with Google.

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]5 Phases for Getting Long-Term Search Traffic[/title]

As you guessed from the introduction, this article will describe “phase 1” of my SEO strategy.  The plan for DevelopGoodHabits.com will work like this:

• Phase 1 – Write content that targets long-tail keyword phrases

• Phase 2 – Build “white-hat” backlinks through web 2.o sites, directories, and article directories

• Phase 3 – Establish relationships with personal development bloggers through blog commenting, social media and sharing their content

• Phase 4 – Get traffic and solid backlinks through guest posting

• Phase 5 – Write in-depth, pillar articles that get natural backlinks

These steps aren’t written in stone, but that’s my current plan for how I’ll build search engine traffic for DGH.  The key here is content.  You can’t build an authority website without creating compelling content that attracts and keeps the interest of an audience.

So for phase #1, I’ll focus on five types of blog posts.

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]5 Types of Posts to Launch a Blog[/title]

Since content is core part of SEO, it’s important to have a plan for what you’ll write and why you’re posting it.

In my book, How to Write Great Blog Posts that Engage Readers, I talk about 19 blog post ideas.  Specifically I break down content into two distinct categories: Massive Value Posts (MVPs) and Filler Posts (FPs).

While I have a lot of plans for DGH, I’ve decided to focus on five types of articles:

#1: Large Numbered Lists (MVP): Numbered lists can help you get attention in any niche. The best numbered lists are a collection of valuable resources. They can be links to other websites, a compilation of tips, or a large assortment of bite-sized information.

For instance, I launched the site with a post titled: “203 Good Habits – THE List to Live a Better Life.” 

#2: Ultimate Resource (MVP):  Your goal is to create something that provides a ton of value. All you have to do is provide a detailed solution to one major problem that people experience in your niche –and then give it away for free! 

Ultimately, the key to a great ultimate resource is utility. This article should provide a blueprint that readers can immediately implement!

For instance, I’m currently working on a massive (4,500+ words) step-by-step plan that a reader can use to break any bad habit

#3: Serialized Articles: Serialized articles are different from other posts because they’re part of an ongoing series. Instead of covering a topic in a single article, you provide readers with constant updates.

For instance, I have my 30 Day Habit Challenge series where I “test-drive” one new habit a month and report back with the results.

#4: Niche Definitions:  Every niche has a body of concepts and terminology that’s unique to that market. Don’t make the mistake of thinking everyone understands these phrases. Instead, take the time to write articles that define these concepts.

Niche definitions work because they provide a framework for your blog.  Link to this content when you’re discussing a related topic and new readers will get additional information if they’re confused.

For instance, I have a few niche definitions with my articles on: ego depletion, keystone habits, going cold turkey, and the benefits of walking.

Niche definitions are a great way to get long-tail searches.  Just look at the traffic potential for these phrases:

#5: Product Review: Product reviews are a great way to make money while providing value to readers. Simply talk about a premium offer – including both the good and bad – and explain how it helps solve a niche-related problem.  Remember, people want your thoughts and expertise. Tell them why a product helps and they will buy it!

For instance, I wrote a detailed review about on The Power of Habit book by Charles Duhigg, which includes a PDF diagram, a video he created and my affiliate link.

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]How Do I Write a Long-Tail Keyword Article?[/title]

The best long-tail article is written for the reader, not the search engines.

For DGH, I first think about the topics that help readers improve their habit development.  That means I’ll only do keyword research after I have an article idea.

Once you have an idea, follow this five-step plan:

Step 1: Do Keyword Research

Most of the time I use the Google Adwords tool for keyword research.  But lately I’ve been testing Long Tail Pro {affiliate link} by Spencer Haws.

Generally speaking, I don’t worry about competition for a phrase.  I prefer to create content around the words that best describe the content of the article.  With that said, it’s important to know the hard data behind each keyword.

When writing an article, I’ll start by looking at the Broad and Exact number of searches.  Usually I won’t have a specific number in mind.  Instead, I try to find something that combines good traffic numbers with a good article idea.

Step 2: Identify LSI Keywords

The best way to get long-tail searches is to cover topics that directly relate to the article idea.  Search engine experts have a fancy name for it – Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI).

LSI can be a very lengthy topic on its own.  Basically all you need to know is it’s important to find phrases that relate to the keyword and weave them into the article.

EXAMPLE:

While writing an article about the “benefits of walking,” I found that the “10,000 steps goal” was an important part of this habit, so I found these keyword results:

As you can see, there are a lot of phrases that relate to the core topic.  By including them within the article, I’ll increase the likelihood that DGH will get more long-tail traffic.

Step 3: Write the Long-Tail Article

You always want to mix up the terminology and phrases used – remember you’re writing for people, not the search engines.   So while putting together an article, I’ll introduce different phrases that people often relate to one another.

Going back to the previous example, in my “benefits of walking” article, I included a number of phrases: 10,000 steps, calories, miles and weight loss.  All of these add up to a large variety of keyword combinations that can bring you a decent amount of traffic over the long-haul.

Step #4: Follow Simple SEO Rules

Search engine optimization is a game where the rules always change.  The best way to win is to follow a few simple rules and avoid the dodgy techniques that will get your site penalized.  Specifically, Google has been rolling out a series of algorithm, targeting sites that “over-optimize” their articles.

That means I stick to a few basic rules for my content:

• Use the primary keyword once in the title
• Use the primary keyword in the hyperlink
• Use the primary keyword once in a sub-title
• Use LSI keywords for the remainder of the content

I know these rules conflict with what’s currently being taught for SEO, but I’m designing my authority site for the future.  So I’d rather under-optimize, than over-optimize DGH.

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]4 Great Websites to Check Out[/title]

I’ll admit it…

Search engine optimization isn’t one of my strengths.  Usually I get most of my information from other websites and projects that detail their strategies.  So if you’re looking to get additional information on this subject, then I recommend you check out these four websites:

#1: Link Building Course (Point Blank SEO)  {affiliate link}

I’m a firm believer in “white-hat backlinking” strategies.  With Google always changing the rules, the only way to get long-term search traffic is to play the rules.  To that end, I highly recommend Jon Cooper’s Link Building Course.

What attracted me to Jon’s product is his emphasis on building natural, quality links over the long-haul.  If you want to make SEO part of your traffic generation strategy, then it’s important to learn how to do it in a way that Google prefers.  That way, your site won’t get penalized whenever they do one of their infamous “dances” or “animal updates.”

#2: Niche Site Project by Spencer Haws

While Spencer emphasizes a “niche site model,” I think you can learn some amazing things by studying his Niche Site Project, which includes articles on keyword research, SEO in 2013, and income-generation.  You can learn lot about building an authority presence by following his case study.

#3: One Hour Authority Site Project by Tom Ewer

Tom’s One Hour Authority Site Project is interesting to watch because he’s primarily focused on getting organic search traffic.  He has a few articles on this topic and specifically shows what he’s doing to get noticed in a competitive market.

#4: Niche Site  Duel 2.0 by Pat Flynn

Of course, any conversation about niche sites has to include Pat Flynn’s Niche Site Duel.  Over the last few years, Pat has written a number of excellent articles on this subject.

Now, he’s taking it to the next level by turning Niche Site Duel 2.0 in an interactive case study where readers can participate along with him.  Check out this series to learn what’s currently working with generating search engine to a brand new site.

[title color=”green-vibrant” align=”scmgccenter” font=”verdana” style=”normal” size=”scmgc-2em”]Your Thoughts on Phase 1?[/title]

This article barely scratches the surface of search engine optimization.  Since this is “phase #1” of the process, expect to see more updates to this series.

For now, remember this important takeaway:

[quote type=”medium” align=”left”] Write good content that targets long-tail keyword phrases. [/quote] (Tweet This!)

If your articles are full of useful content that includes high-traffic phrases, you’ll build up a collection of assets that can lead long-term results.

Now, it’s your turn.

Do you agree with my “long-tail approach?”  Are you doing something differently?  Have any suggestions to improve my SEO efforts?

Comment below and let me know your thoughts.

Take Action. Get Results.