Long-tail keywords are a type of keyword phrase that has at least three, and sometimes as many as five words in the phrase. They are used to target niche demographics rather than mass audiences. In contrast to generic, single-word keywords, long-tail keywords are more specific and often less competitive, which means they can provide both a higher conversion rate and a lower cost per click when used in digital marketing campaigns. These keywords are particularly valuable for SEO because they help to attract more qualified traffic to a website; users searching for long-tail terms are often further along in the buying process and are more likely to convert. For example, instead of targeting the highly competitive keyword “shoes,” a company might target a long-tail keyword like “women’s black running shoes size 8,” which is more descriptive and likely to match the search queries of potential customers. By focusing on long-tail keywords, businesses can effectively reach a targeted audience that is looking for specific products or services, which can lead to a more successful online presence and marketing strategy.