What’s the Difference between Long Tail & Short Tail Keywords?

The majority of people generally believe that long tail keywords are those that have more than three words while short tail keywords have three words or fewer. However, this is not the real difference between long tail and short tail keywords.

Long tail keywords are “More Specific Queries,” and short tail keywords are “General Queries.” Consider that if someone searches for “shoes,” it is impossible to determine their exact needs from the keyword alone. Whether they want to purchase or sell shoes, or perhaps they want to learn how to make shoes. So this is a Short Tail Keyword.

On the Other hand a person searches for “Best Running Shoes for Women”. This query is more precise and expresses the user’s desires.

The keywords shows what the person wants? (Shoes), the type of shoe he wants (Best), the purpose for which they want that shoes (Running) and for whom shoes are required (Women).

So this is Long Tail Keyword.