[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/aokmarketing.com\/zero-search-volume-phrases\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/aokmarketing.com\/zero-search-volume-phrases\/","headline":"Longtail Keywords: When to Target ZERO Search Volume Phrases","name":"Longtail Keywords: When to Target ZERO Search Volume Phrases","description":"High-volume broad keywords are well-known for directing searchers to your website. But they don\u2019t always lead to a corresponding number of conversions. In fact, the more general the phrase, the less likely a web page visitor turns into a paying customer. Which is why any SEO guru worth their weight in gold recommends targeting more … Continue reading Longtail Keywords: When to Target ZERO Search Volume Phrases<\/span><\/a>","datePublished":"2020-03-09","dateModified":"2026-04-16","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/aokmarketing.com\/author\/jana-legaspi\/#Person","name":"Jana Legaspi","url":"https:\/\/aokmarketing.com\/author\/jana-legaspi\/","identifier":8,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ba3039ce7c5eedb92f315518b69aea1d90d5c2076ce893d078c6f29cf6ddd032?s=96&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ba3039ce7c5eedb92f315518b69aea1d90d5c2076ce893d078c6f29cf6ddd032?s=96&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"AOK Marketing","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/aokmarketing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AOK-Marketing-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/aokmarketing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AOK-Marketing-Logo.png","width":126,"height":53}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/aokmarketing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Longtail-Keywords-When-to-Target-ZERO-Search-Volume-Phrases-2.jpg","url":"https:\/\/aokmarketing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Longtail-Keywords-When-to-Target-ZERO-Search-Volume-Phrases-2.jpg","height":487,"width":624},"url":"https:\/\/aokmarketing.com\/zero-search-volume-phrases\/","about":["SEO","Blogging"],"wordCount":1057,"keywords":["Keyword research","keyword strategy","Keywords","Long Tail Keywords","SEO Keywords"],"articleBody":"High-volume broad keywords are well-known for directing searchers to your website. But they don\u2019t always lead to a corresponding number of conversions. In fact, the more general the phrase, the less likely a web page visitor turns into a paying customer.Which is why any SEO guru worth their weight in gold recommends targeting more specific phrases, even going so far as to target ZERO search volume phrases. Such words may have a low search volume but customers using the exact sentence usually want to buy.So, what do we mean by low search volume?Google defines the term as a status given to keywords with very little or no search history.These phrases tend to lack substantial search volume. And are often used when looking for a specific service or a product quality. Making it relevant to your ideal target audience.Amazon is an excellent example of a company taking full advantage of zero search volume phrases. The platform generates as much as 57% of sales from longtail keywords.With such facts, you just have to ask yourself \u2013 what\u2019s more important? Search volume or conversion?Why You Should Target Zero Search Volume Phrasesa.\u00a0\u00a0 For A More Specific AudienceLongtail keywords are more specific to the searcher\u2019s needs than one or two-worded general phrases. Think about it this way: let\u2019s say you run a bakery and one of your best-selling items is the chocolate caramel cupcake.What would searchers interested in buying the said baked good search for?Where to buy chocolate caramel cupcakes with vanilla icing, right?Yes, some may search for \u201cchocolate caramel cupcake\u201d. But many will use longer specific phrases because they either want to learn something, buy a particular item, or go somewhere new.That\u2019s why targeting zero search volume keyword phrases isn\u2019t such a bad thing.b.\u00a0\u00a0 To Get Higher Conversion RatesLongtail keywords have a 36% conversion rate. If someone lands on your site from such a phrase, it\u2019s because you have exactly what they\u2019re looking for.Which makes the individual more likely to perform the desired action. Anything from filling out a form, calling you, or buying the product from your online store.c.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Lower CompetitionIt\u2019s easier to rank higher with longtail keywords than with broad phrases. Mostly because specific phrases return fewer results than more general words.And because fewer websites are pursuing them, those that do tend to have a leg up over the competition.Considering the high rate of conversions, you\u2019re almost guaranteed a sale from every visitor.d.\u00a0\u00a0 More ProfitIn B2B Organic Searches, longtail keywords generate:Higher average time on siteLower bounce ratesHigher conversion ratesIn B2B PPC campaigns, longtail keywords lead to:Lower cost per clickHigher click-through ratesBetter quality scoresHigher conversion ratesThe Best Approach to Using Longtail Keyword with Zero Search VolumeImage by\u00a0isuru prabath\u00a0from\u00a0PixabayWhile longtail keywords may have low or zero search volume. Building a campaign with such phrases shouldn\u2019t be a guessing game.Here are some specifics that make for an effective longtail keyword research strategy:1.\u00a0\u00a0 Focus on Meeting your Target Audiences\u2019 Needs and InterestsYour content and keywords should be relevant to what your targeted clients are interested in. Searchers you\u2019re targeting with longtail keywords are likely to become paying customers when their needs are met.2.\u00a0\u00a0 FeasibilityAs opposed to focusing on search volume, consider the chances of ranking for the longtail keywords you selected. It\u2019ll save a lot of your time and resources.3.\u00a0\u00a0 Buyer PersonaAttracting a lot of traffic from users who aren\u2019t interested in products or services does your business no good.To keep this from happening, design your content to match your targeted buyer\u2019s persona. And use longtail keywords based on research of your ideal customers.4.\u00a0\u00a0 Take an Idea-Based Approach.Don\u2019t just rely on what keyword planners deliver. The behavior of search users varies widely across different demographics and industries. Therefore, you need to stay creative and identify the specific variation that your target audience will use.Search engines autocomplete feature can act as a great starting point.5.\u00a0\u00a0 Use Relevant WordsEvaluate the words automated keyword tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush suggest. They should be relevant to your brand, products, or services. You may get ideas from:PPC historical dataNon-SEO marketing peopleCustomer service\/salespeopleRandom people from your target demographicsCompetitors\u2019 blogs or sites 6.\u00a0\u00a0 Keyword StackingKeyword stacking refers to using low search volume keywords and adding them to the main keyword sets within a content piece. Include it in your strategy, but don\u2019t confuse it with keyword stuffing.7.\u00a0\u00a0 Target LocallyImage by\u00a0mohamed Hassan\u00a0from\u00a0PixabayAbout 43% of Google Search Queries have local intent. Which means you can increase traction with low volume keywords if you add them in your longtail phrases. And optimizing for local searches.8.\u00a0\u00a0 Keyword Difficulty and EffectivenessInstead of focusing on search volume, you can use the Keyword Effectiveness Index (KEI) and Keyword Difficulty Score. Both of which provide insights on how hard it is to rank for certain phrases.9.\u00a0\u00a0 Choose Your Keywords WiselyWhat matters most is if the keyword makes sense and if you think your site can rank for it.Once you come across a phrase whose estimated search volume is almost nonexistent, ask yourself these questions:Does the keyword make sense in a sentence?Was the keyword auto-filled, suggested, or otherwise presented by google?Is it a cluster keyword or an island keyword?Can it compete with top results either by relevance or on authority?\u00a0Since longtail keywords are more specific, they end up being more profitable than more broad phrases. You\u2019ll also have a much easier time appearing on Google\u2019s first page. In addition, zero-volume keywords are invisible to most marketers. Meaning such a strategy will result in less competition for you and more traffic for your website.Keep in mind that SEO is a series of processes. Integrating ZERO search volume keywords in your content without making other optimizations won\u2019t get you optimal results.But if you follow all the basic SEO best practices– meta tags, title in URL, and alt text for images. Then the zero search phrases specific to your line of work will undoubtedly boost your conversion rates."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Longtail Keywords: When to Target ZERO Search Volume Phrases","item":"https:\/\/aokmarketing.com\/zero-search-volume-phrases\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]