How to Use Google to Find Long-Tail Keywords (Free, 2026)

Popular keywords like “running shoes” are almost impossible for small sites to rank for. Long-tail keywords, longer and more specific phrases like “best running shoes for flat feet women”, have less competition and attract visitors who know exactly what they want. Guest author Daniel Offer showed in 2010 how to find them with free Google tools. Those tools have changed, but Google is still the best free source of long-tail ideas in 2026.

Quick answer: Type a topic into Google and note the autocomplete suggestions, “People also ask” questions and “People also search for” phrases. Check volumes in Google Keyword Planner, find queries you already appear for in Google Search Console, then look at the top results: if they’re forums, thin pages or don’t answer the exact question, the long-tail keyword is a good opportunity.

Why long-tail keywords matter

• Less competition: fewer strong pages target specific phrases.
• Higher intent: specific searches often convert better.
• They add up: most searches are long-tail; many small keywords bring big traffic together.
• Voice and AI search: people now type and speak full questions.

7 ways to find long-tail keywords with Google

1. Google autocomplete

Start typing your topic in Google and note the suggestions. Add letters (a, b, c) or question words (how, why, best) after your keyword to reveal more.

2. People also ask

These question boxes are a goldmine. Click one and more appear. Each question can become a section or a whole post.

3. Related searches

Scroll to the bottom of the results page for “People also search for” and related searches.

4. Google Keyword Planner

The old AdWords External Keyword Tool is now Google Keyword Planner, free with a Google Ads account. It shows ideas and search volume ranges. Long-tail phrases often show low volume, which is fine.

5. Google Search Console

Your own data is best. In Search Console’s Performance report, filter queries with more than four words, or sort by impressions where your position is 8 to 20. These are long-tail keywords you can rank for with better content.

6. Google Trends

Google Trends shows rising related queries and seasonal patterns.

7. Check the competition by searching

Daniel’s method of counting competing pages and using allintitle: is less reliable today, because result counts are rough estimates. Instead, look at the top 10 results: forum threads, outdated articles or pages that don’t directly answer the query mean you can do better.

Using long-tail keywords on your page

• Use the exact phrase in your title, first paragraph and a heading, naturally.
• Answer the question directly near the top, then add depth.
• Group related long-tail keywords on one page instead of creating many thin pages.
• Don’t put keywords in your domain name or stuff anchor text; those 2010 tactics no longer help.

Go deeper with these guides: types of keyword research and keyword list strategies.

FAQ

What is a long-tail keyword?

A specific search phrase, usually three or more words, with lower search volume and competition than broad terms.

Are low-volume keywords worth targeting?

Yes. Many tools underestimate long-tail volume, and one good page often ranks for dozens of related phrases.

Do I need paid keyword tools?

Not to start. Google’s free tools and Search Console are enough for most bloggers.

Originally written by guest author Daniel Offer, who wrote about Facebook status tips and online marketing. Updated for 2026 by QuickOnlineTips.