What is the definitive guide to using long tail keywords according to Scott Kivowitz?

According to Scott Wyden Kivowitz, a “definitive” approach to long tail keywords looks like this:

• Understand them: Long tail keywords are phrases of three or more words you already rank for (or want to), usually very specific searches like “baltimore wedding venues” instead of just “wedding photographer.”

• Use Analytics to find them: Scott recommends using a custom Google Analytics report to:

  • Discover long tail phrases already bringing you traffic
  • Spot patterns that reveal new topics to write about

• Turn them into content: Once you spot good long tail phrases:

  • Write blog posts and pages that answer those exact searches
  • Use one main keyword per page/post, and structure your site so:
    • Homepage = primary keyword
    • Priority pages = secondary keywords
    • Blog posts = long tail keywords

• Refine with keyword tools: Run your ideas through tools like Google’s Keyword Planner. If no one searches a phrase (e.g., “Maryland landscape and nature prints for sale”), it is not worth optimizing, even if it perfectly describes your service.

If you want, can walk you through how to build that custom Google Analytics long tail report step by step—would that help?