Long tail or not?

[trioman]

I have been using long tail keywords to get my sites ranked on Google but recently someone told me that using a single keyword is a better strategy. What is the best method to use long tail or single?

[James Schramko]

[cherie27]

Sometimes short tail words tend to be too competitive.

But it all depends what are you targeting.

[Oregon Coast Guy]

Long tail is the way to go, in my opinion. You will get found for them quicker.

The SE's have always found a path up through my sites when using long tail keywords.

Just FYI, here's the general rule when people search:

1-2 words searched on = researching
3 or more words searched on = buying

Tony Thomas

[MrCat]

IMO, longer tail keywords have more probability of conversion versus single keywords. Thoise that employ longtail keyword search are most likely to buy.

[Ron Killian]

[shelbyc]

Use both, long tail for short term rankings and targeted traffic then expand into the short tail keywords as your website grows in rankings.

[Kurt Henninger]

Definately long tail keywords are more specific and you are able to target keywords that convert better. Plus, you are more likely to get on page one for a long tail keyword than a short tail one. It depends on how competitive your keyword you are choosing is.