Long-tail vs High Volume Keywords — Where Should Beginners Start?

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jdigimarketing

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Quick question on keyword research

I’ve been watching tutorials and trying out free tools, but honestly still confused about how to spot good keywords.

A couple of things I’m wondering:
  • Do you guys usually chase low-competition long-tail keywords first?
  • Or go after higher volume ones and try to compete?
  • Any free/cheap tools you’d recommend for someone just starting out (besides Google Keyword Planner)?
Right now I’m just experimenting with some niches, but not sure if I’m heading in the right direction.

How did you guys approach keyword research when you were starting out?
 
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In GSC, you can see the queries that your pages are ranked for. I usually go there and pick queries with a large number of impressions and a minimum number of clicks. These are the most promising for promotion. And as the project grows, the number of such queries will increase. Optimize pages for these keywords.
 
I go for low-competition long-tail keywords first. You can use SEMrush to find such KWs and find KWs your competitors are ranking for.
 
  • Yes, when starting out new site going with long tail keywords is good.
  • Going for higher volume keywords you can, but it depends on competition if you can actually outrank them or not, low authority sites ranking for high volume you can but high authority you can't.
  • Keywords Everywhere is good and cheap.
 
For beginners, it’s advisable to start with low-competition long-tail keywords as they are easier to rank for and attract more targeted traffic. After building authority, targeting higher-volume keywords becomes feasible. Besides Google Keyword Planner, free tools like Ubersuggest, AnswerThePublic, and Keywords Everywhere can be useful. It’s important to focus on relevance and realistic competition while experimenting.
 
jdigimarketing said:
Quick question on keyword research

I’ve been watching tutorials and trying out free tools, but honestly still confused about how to spot good keywords.

A couple of things I’m wondering:
  • Do you guys usually chase low-competition long-tail keywords first?
  • Or go after higher volume ones and try to compete?
  • Any free/cheap tools you’d recommend for someone just starting out (besides Google Keyword Planner)?
Right now I’m just experimenting with some niches, but not sure if I’m heading in the right direction.

How did you guys approach keyword research when you were starting out?
Click to expand...
When I started, I went after low-competition long-tails—easier wins, builds traffic + confidence. Once you get some authority, then target higher-volume terms. For free tools, check Ahrefs free keyword generator, KeywordTool.io, Ubersuggest. Honestly, the best teacher is testing—pick a niche, publish, track in GSC, and see what actually ranks.
 
jdigimarketing said:
Quick question on keyword research

I’ve been watching tutorials and trying out free tools, but honestly still confused about how to spot good keywords.

A couple of things I’m wondering:
  • Do you guys usually chase low-competition long-tail keywords first?
  • Or go after higher volume ones and try to compete?
  • Any free/cheap tools you’d recommend for someone just starting out (besides Google Keyword Planner)?
Right now I’m just experimenting with some niches, but not sure if I’m heading in the right direction.

How did you guys approach keyword research when you were starting out?
Click to expand...
Start with low-competition long-tail keywords to get traction, then move to higher volume terms. Free tools like Ubersuggest, Keyword Surfer, and AnswerThePublic are great for beginners.
 
If you are just starting out, focus on low competition long tail keywords because they are easier to rank for. Once your site builds some authority, you can move on to higher volume keywords. For tools, you can try Ubersuggest, Ahrefs’ free keyword generator, and Google Search Console in addition to Keyword Planner.
 
jdigimarketing said:
Quick question on keyword research

I’ve been watching tutorials and trying out free tools, but honestly still confused about how to spot good keywords.

A couple of things I’m wondering:
  • Do you guys usually chase low-competition long-tail keywords first?
  • Or go after higher volume ones and try to compete?
  • Any free/cheap tools you’d recommend for someone just starting out (besides Google Keyword Planner)?
Right now I’m just experimenting with some niches, but not sure if I’m heading in the right direction.

How did you guys approach keyword research when you were starting out?
Click to expand...
Start with long-tail, low-competition keywords easier to rank and build traffic.

Once your site gains authority, then go for higher-volume terms. Tools like Ubersuggest, AnswerThePublic, and Google Autocomplete can help for free.
 
Start with low-competition long-tails they rank quicker and build trust. Use free tools like Ubersuggest, AnswerThePublic, and GSC. Once you gain traction, scale into higher-volume terms. Intent > volume at the start.
 
jdigimarketing said:
Quick question on keyword research

I’ve been watching tutorials and trying out free tools, but honestly still confused about how to spot good keywords.

A couple of things I’m wondering:
  • Do you guys usually chase low-competition long-tail keywords first?
  • Or go after higher volume ones and try to compete?
  • Any free/cheap tools you’d recommend for someone just starting out (besides Google Keyword Planner)?
Right now I’m just experimenting with some niches, but not sure if I’m heading in the right direction.

How did you guys approach keyword research when you were starting out?
Click to expand...
I suggest starting with long-tail keywords that don't have a lot of competition. These are easier to rank for and will help you get started. As your site grows, you can start targeting higher-volume keywords. You don't have to spend a lot of money to get started. Free tools like Ubersuggest, AnswerThePublic, and Keywords Everywhere can help you get started.
 
Beginners usually get better results targeting long-tail, low competition keywords that match specific intent. Once your site gains authority, you can target high-volume terms. Free tools like Ubersuggest, AnswerThePublic and Google Search Console help find them.
 
For beginners, long-tail keywords are usually the smarter play. They have lower competition, convert better, and help you build topical relevance faster. Once you start ranking for dozens of long tails, you’ll naturally build authority and be in a better position to go after higher-volume head terms.

When I started, I focused on questions and intent-driven keywords, stuff like “how to,” “best [product] for,” etc. Those are easier wins and bring in targeted traffic.

As for tools, besides GKP, you can use free versions of Ubersuggest, AnswerThePublic, AlsoAsked, and even just Google’s autocomplete/People Also Ask. For a cheap option, Keywords Everywhere is worth it.
 
Beginners should start with long-tail keywords because they are easier to rank, and also use Google search suggestions and zero search volume keywords from keyword research tools as well.
 
Beginners usually start with low-competition long-tail keywords to build traction faster, then scale up to higher volume keywords as their site gains authority.
 
Long-tail keywords are better because they have low competition and a good chance to rank if you write with user intent in mind.
 
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