Introduction
If you’re trying to promote your hair oil brand online, you’ve probably heard about SEO—Search Engine Optimization. But one part of SEO that often confuses people is the role of keywords. Should you focus on short-tail keywords or long-tail keywords? What’s the difference? And how do you use them to attract the right customers?
In this article, we’ll break it all down in simple terms. We’ll explain why both types of keywords are important for your hair oil business, how to use them the smart way, and how they can help grow your traffic, brand, and sales.
What Are Keywords in SEO?
Keywords are the words or phrases people type into search engines like Google when they’re looking for something. For example, someone might search:
- “Hair oil”
- “Best hair oil for dry scalp”
- “Natural coconut hair oil for hair growth”
When you use the right keywords on your website, blog posts, or product pages, you help search engines understand what your content is about. That makes it easier for your pages to show up in search results.
Short-Tail Keywords: Build Reach and Awareness
1. What Are Short-Tail Keywords?
Short-tail keywords are usually 1 to 2 words long. They are very general and have high search volume. Examples include:
- Hair oil
- Hair care
- Oil for hair
These are broad searches, and millions of people may be typing them into search engines. That’s why these keywords have:
- High competition (many websites trying to rank for them)
- High search volume
- Low specificity (you don’t know what the user really wants)
2. Why Are They Useful?
Short-tail keywords are great for building brand awareness. If your site ranks high for “hair oil,” lots of people will see it. Even if they don’t buy right away, they’ll recognize your brand the next time.
3. Where to Use Them
Use short-tail keywords in:
- Your homepage
- Main product pages
- Branding campaigns
- Social media hashtags (#hairoil)
But don’t rely only on them—ranking for short-tail keywords can be very hard unless your brand is already well-known.
Long-Tail Keywords: Bring In Buyers
1. What Are Long-Tail Keywords?
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific keyword phrases—usually 3 to 6 words or more. Examples include:
- Best hair oil for hair fall
- Herbal hair oil for dandruff
- Buy coconut hair oil online
These keywords may get fewer searches, but they attract people who are ready to act. Someone searching “Buy organic amla hair oil online” knows what they want—and may be ready to purchase.
2. Why Are They Valuable?
Long-tail keywords are:
- Low in competition (easier to rank)
- High in intent (used by people who are closer to buying)
- Great for conversions (turning visitors into customers)
If you want to sell hair oil online, this is where long-tail keywords shine.
3. Where to Use Them
Use long-tail keywords in:
- Blog posts
- Product descriptions
- FAQs
- Landing pages
- Email content
The Power of Combining Both
The real magic happens when you combine short-tail and long-tail keywords in a smart SEO strategy.
Think of It Like a Sales Funnel
- Short-tail keywords attract a wide audience (top of the funnel).
- Long-tail keywords attract people ready to buy (bottom of the funnel).
By using both, you can build brand awareness and drive more conversions.
Keyword Examples for Hair Oil
Here’s a helpful comparison:
Short-Tail Keywords | Long-Tail Keywords |
---|---|
Hair oil | Best hair oil for thick hair |
Natural oil | Organic coconut oil for hair growth |
Hair care | Ayurvedic hair oil for dandruff and itchy scalp |
Herbal oil | Buy herbal hair oil online |
Oil for hair | Hair oil for dry scalp in winter |
How to Find the Right Keywords
Finding the best keywords isn’t guesswork. Use free or low-cost tools to help you research both short and long-tail keywords.
Recommended Tools:
- Google Keyword Planner – Great for search volume and competition.
- Ubersuggest – Easy to use and beginner-friendly.
- Answer the Public – Shows long-tail keyword questions people are asking.
- SEMRush or Ahrefs – More advanced keyword research tools.
- Google Search Bar – Start typing and let autocomplete show suggestions.
Where to Use Keywords on Your Website
Once you’ve chosen your keywords, you need to place them in the right spots:
- Page titles
- Meta descriptions
- Headings (H1, H2)
- Image alt text
- URLs
- Paragraph content
- Product titles and descriptions
- Blog content
Avoid “keyword stuffing” (repeating a keyword too many times). Write naturally for humans, not just search engines.
Content Ideas to Use Long-Tail Keywords
If you’re not sure where to use long-tail keywords, try writing blog posts or guides. Here are a few content ideas for your hair oil brand:
- 10 Best Hair Oils for Hair Growth in 2025
- How to Choose the Right Hair Oil for Your Hair Type
- Why Ayurvedic Hair Oils Work Better for Dandruff
- Coconut Oil vs. Argan Oil: Which Is Best for Dry Hair?
- Real Customer Reviews: The Best Hair Oil for Frizzy Hair
Each of these ideas uses a long-tail keyword and gives value to the reader while promoting your product.
Conclusion
Both short-tail and long-tail keywords are important for building a strong SEO strategy for your hair oil brand. Short-tail keywords help grow awareness and reach, while long-tail keywords bring in highly interested, ready-to-buy customers. By using the right mix of both across your website, blog, and product pages, you can increase your online visibility, attract the right audience, and grow your brand naturally. Don’t just guess—research your keywords, write helpful content, and speak directly to your ideal customer. It’s the smart way to build trust and boost sales.