9 Best Long Tail Keyword Generator Tools for SEO

There was a time when I thought ranking for short, high-volume keywords was the only path to success.

I fixated on broad terms, which were essentially the apex predators of the keyword world, without realizing how exposed I was to stiffer competition.

Before long, I learned my lesson: chasing broad keywords with a lower-authority website is like trying to build a skyscraper on shaky ground.

You might look impressive on day one, but the moment a heavy wind (or a large competitor) shows up, you’re gone.

Then the light bulb switched on: Long-tail keywords. They are more specific, face less competition, and better reflect what people want.

In my experience, they consistently bring in traffic that is not only sizable in volume but also more likely to convert.

And the key to finding these hidden gems is having the right long-tail keyword generator.

Let’s talk about the best nine out there.

Why Long-Tail Keywords Work

I always favor quality over quantity. Long-tail keywords fit that idea perfectly because they are:

• Less competitive: Fewer websites chase highly specific phrases, giving you a higher chance of ranking.
• Highly targeted: People using very specific search queries typically have a clear intent to buy, learn, or get support.
• Better for conversions: Attracting smaller volumes of highly relevant, engaged visitors often wins over chasing large volumes of traffic that leave quickly.

Yes, you might miss out on those high-volume, broad-phrase queries.

Guide: The Best SEO tools

But while competitors scramble for them, you can secure a dozen smaller but steady search terms that add up to something remarkable and consistent.

How to Choose the Right Long-Tail Keyword Generator

Here’s my process to narrow down the tools I rely on. When choosing the tool for your business, consider these questions:

1. Do I need more than just keywords? Some tools offer extra features like detailed SEO audits, backlink checks, or content optimization suggestions.
2. How frequently will I use it? If you plan to conduct keyword research regularly, monthly subscription tools might work best. For occasional use, a free or pay-per-use model can do the job.
3. What’s my budget? Smaller agencies or solo content creators might look for free or low-cost options, while larger operations can justify a more expensive plan.

Remember that free tools often have usage limits or offer fewer insights. Paid tools can provide deeper data, but only if you truly require it.

The 9 Best Long-Tail Keyword Generators

Below is a quick snapshot of each tool that I have found to be the most helpful for long-tail keyword research:

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I have used each of these at one time or another. Here is when, why, and how each can help you win with long-tail keywords.

1. SEO.AI

Yes, I work at SEO.AI, so it’s no surprise I’m mentioning it.

But trust me, I only recommend it because I genuinely believe it’s one of the best platforms to help you uncover and optimize for profitable long-tail keywords.

Ranked as the #1 AI SEO platform, SEO.AI streamlines your entire content workflow—from generating initial keyword ideas and drafting articles to optimizing product feeds and analyzing your performance.

What tasks is it good at?

• AI-driven content insights that pinpoint exactly which keywords to include to align with search intent.
• A built-in SEO Score that tells you what to optimize, mirroring the research steps a skilled analyst might do by hand.
• An integrated AI Chat and in-line AI Assistant so you never have to leave the platform for extra tools.
• Advanced product feed optimization, helping you enrich crucial attributes that boost visibility and clicks.

Why I might choose it:

• Join 15,000+ SEOs who leverage data-driven insights to create highly targeted content that resonates with both customers and Google’s algorithm.
• The AI can match your brand’s tone of voice, reducing manual copy edits.
• You can start free and upgrade any time, making it a low-risk, high-value choice—perfect if you produce large volumes of content or product listings.

2. Google Keyword Planner

I’ll start with the staple tool: Google Keyword Planner. It is free (although you do need a Google Ads account, which is free to set up). A quick note: it is largely built for advertisers, but it still does a solid job generating keyword ideas, including long-tail variations.

What tasks is it good at?

• Checking historical search volume to gauge the popularity of keywords.
• Generating suggested keyword ideas directly sourced from Google’s data.
• Estimating cost-per-click (CPC) if paid advertising is in your plan.

Why I might choose it:

• I like having actual search volume estimates straight from the source.
• I often begin with Google Keyword Planner and then cross-reference with other specialized tools for extra insights.

3. AnswerThePublic

Sometimes I know the broader topic but need to figure out the specific angles or questions people are using. AnswerThePublic takes your seed term and displays related queries in a mind-map style. It focuses heavily on question-based keywords.

What tasks is it good at?

• Brainstorming content ideas from real user queries (such as “why,” “how,” “which,” etc.).
• Creating FAQ sections for your site to address the questions your audience is asking.
• Finding question-based long-tail keywords that rank well in featured snippets and voice search.

4. SEMrush

SEMrush is an all-in-one digital marketing suite. I rely on it for SEO, keyword research, competitor analysis, and site audits.

This is a paid platform, but if you are running an agency or managing multiple sites, it is a sound investment.

SEMrush’s strengths for long-tail keywords:

• Extensive database: Their keyword database is huge, which helps reveal niche phrases across various regions.
• Keyword Magic Tool: This lets you filter by question-based keywords, broad matches, or phrase matches.
• Competitor analysis: Find the long-tail keywords that your direct or indirect competitors rank for.

5. Ahrefs Keywords Explorer

If backlinks, domain authority, and overall link profile data matter to you, Ahrefs is a reliable choice. It is known for its enormous backlink database, and its Keywords Explorer stands out because of its reliability and detail.

What tasks is it good at?

• Detailed keyword metrics: Search volume, clicks, CPC, and keyword difficulty are all provided.
• SERP overview: See top-ranking pages, their backlink counts, and understand why they rank.
• Advanced filtering: Focus on keyword metrics that meet your criteria (like low difficulty, high volume, or commercial intent).

I often use their “Questions” filter to locate question-based long-tail keywords. Remember, it is a paid tool. If you manage several SEO projects, the data you get makes it worthwhile.

Here is a quick rule I follow with Ahrefs:

• If you’re new, try their trial to decide if the level of detail justifies the cost.
• If you manage client sites or run a large blog operation, this tool becomes indispensable.

6. Ubersuggest

Originally developed by Neil Patel and expanded later, Ubersuggest has earned its place in keyword research. It is available in both free (with limited daily searches) and paid versions. Its user interface is simple, making it a good starter tool for beginners or a quick check for experienced users.

Key benefits:

• Keyword overview: Offers search volume, SEO difficulty, and paid difficulty.
• Content ideas: Shows top articles for your researched terms, so you can see which headlines and topics perform well.
• Competitor check: Enter competitor domains to see what keywords they rank for.

7. LongTailPro

It is right there in the name, LongTailPro. This tool was built specifically to pinpoint low-competition, long-tail keywords. If you are focusing solely on ranking for long-tail queries for a niche site or blog, it is worth trying out.

Notable features:

• Keyword competitiveness score: A metric that helps you avoid targeting overly competitive terms.
• Bulk keyword import: Upload many seed keywords at once and get suggestions for each.
• Rank tracker: Monitor how your selected long-tail keywords perform over time.

8. KeywordTool.io

If your focus extends beyond Google searches, KeywordTool.io might suit you best. It generates keyword suggestions from multiple platforms:

• Google
• YouTube
• Bing
• Amazon
• eBay
• Instagram
• Twitter
• …and more.

Good choice if:

• You require suggestions from several platforms.
• You run an ecommerce or affiliate site that focuses on product listings.
• You create content in video and audio formats.

The interface is simple to use. Don’t expect detailed domain metrics or rank tracking—KeywordTool.io is mainly about generating ideas. For many, the suggestions are sufficient.

9. AlsoAsked

One of the richest sources for long-tail keywords is the “People also ask” section on Google’s results. AlsoAsked taps into that section and shows the connected questions behind the initial query. It is excellent for revealing how searchers adjust their queries.

Why I like it:

• Finds sub-questions: Great for creating FAQ pages or articles that answer several related user queries.
• Topic clustering: It visually groups related queries so you can see how users shift from one question to another, suggesting additional related topics.
• Content outline inspiration: If you are writing about a topic like “healthy meal prep,” it shows related questions about storage tips, portion sizes, and cost comparisons.

My Personal Process for Effective Long-Tail Research

Generating long-tail keywords is only half the work. The other half is turning those terms into content that ranks well. Here is my process:

1. Gather: I begin with a broad tool like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush to get an initial list of ideas.
2. Refine: Then I move on to specialized tools, such as using Ahrefs for more detailed analysis or LongTailPro for finding lower-competition picks.
3. Expand: I check AnswerThePublic and AlsoAsked to collect question-based keywords.
4. Compare: I cross-check the final list with either SEMrush or Ahrefs to confirm competition levels and search metrics.
5. Create: Once I know which terms suit my niche and goals, I produce targeted content around them.

In short, it is about gathering broad data, focusing in on specifics, and verifying before producing content.

When (And When Not) to Pay

Free tools like Google Keyword Planner or AnswerThePublic can handle the basics when used wisely. But if you find that you need:

• Regular keyword checks for multiple clients or sites,
• Competitor domain analyses, and
• Detailed metrics like keyword difficulty, click potential, or advanced filters,

it might be the moment to upgrade to a paid plan on SEMrush or Ahrefs. I suggest paying only when the return on investment is clear. If you are a one-person operation just starting out, free tools can work well until your traffic calls for more advanced analysis.

Common Mistakes with Long-Tail Keyword Research

I have made a few mistakes myself. Here are some to watch out for:

1. Ignoring search intent: A long-tail keyword with moderate volume doesn’t help if the user is looking for information while your page is purely promotional.
2. Choosing keywords with zero volume: It is nice to have a unique phrase, but if nobody is searching for it, it is not worth your effort.
3. Forgetting to track: It is essential to monitor how your selected keywords perform and adjust your strategy if they do not gain traction.

Remember, metrics only provide part of the picture. You need to actually review the search results to see what is ranking, which helps you decide if you can offer a better response than the competitors.

FAQ

What are long tail keywords?

Long tail keywords are specific, longer phrases that visitors are more likely to use when they're closer to making a purchase or when using voice search. They typically have lower search volume but can lead to higher conversion rates due to their specificity.

Why should I use long tail keywords?

Using long tail keywords can help you target niche markets, improve your search engine rankings, and attract more qualified traffic to your website. They are less competitive and often result in higher conversion rates.

How do long tail keywords benefit SEO?

Long tail keywords benefit SEO by allowing you to target specific queries that are less competitive, thereby improving your chances of ranking higher in search engine results. They also help in attracting more relevant traffic, which can lead to better engagement and conversions.

What are some of the best long tail keywords generators?

Some of the best long tail keywords generators include tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Ubersuggest. These tools help you discover relevant long tail keywords that can enhance your content strategy.

How do I choose the right long tail keywords for my content?

To choose the right long tail keywords, consider your target audience's search intent, analyze keyword difficulty, and assess the potential traffic and conversion rates. Use keyword research tools to find phrases that align with your content goals and audience needs.