The Average Search Query Is Getting Longer: Here’s How To Adapt Your Content

Overview

As AI-driven technologies like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini continue to shape search behavior, the length and complexity of search queries are evolving. Consumers are now using longer, more specific search phrases, which presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses. In this blog post, LinkNow Media explores these changes and how you can adapt your content strategy to this new search landscape.

Highlights

What Are Long-Tail Search Terms?
What Aren’t Long-Tail Search Terms?
How Are LLMs Changing Search Behavior?
Transform Marketing Campaigns by Targeting Long-Tail Keywords
Your Content Creation Needs To Be More Comprehensive
How Do You Adapt Your Content Strategy?
Personalize the User Experience
Looking Ahead: The Future of Search in the LLM Era
Thriving in a Changing SEO Landscape

Introduction

One of the most notable trends in SEO is the increasing length and complexity of search queries. Gone are the days when simple, two- or three-word searches dominated. Instead, people now ask detailed, conversational questions, signaling a shift in consumer expectations and technology’s ability to provide precise answers.

Join the digital marketing experts at LinkNow Media as we explore what’s happening in the world of search, why it matters, and how businesses like yours can adapt.

What Are Long-Tail Search Terms?

Long-tail search terms are highly specific, multi-word phrases used in search queries. While general keywords, such as “shoes” or “restaurants,” cover broad topics, long-tail terms narrow the focus to include more detail, context, or qualifiers.

For example, while a more broad keyword would be “shoes,” a long-tail keyword would be “best running shoes for flat feet 2024.”

This added specificity makes long-tail search terms an essential element in today’s search landscape, particularly in the era of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and Google Gemini. These terms reflect how people naturally ask questions, providing a clearer picture of their intent.

Here’s what characterizes long-tail search terms.

They’re Conversational

They often resemble natural language, especially as users become more accustomed to interacting with AI-powered tools.

They’re Intent-Driven

Long-tail terms reveal a user’s specific needs or questions, offering valuable insights into their search intent.

They Have Less Competition

While they attract lower search volumes, they typically face less competition, making them easier to target effectively in content strategies.

Long-tail searches often result in higher conversion rates because they align closely with what users are looking for. With LLMs driving this shift, businesses must rethink how they create and optimize content to meet these nuanced demands.

What Aren’t Long-Tail Search Terms?

While long-tail search terms are a powerful tool for digital marketing, it’s important to understand what they aren’t to avoid confusion and misaligned strategies.

They’re Not Just Synonyms or Keyword Variations

Long-tail search terms are not simply alternate versions of a broad keyword. They go beyond by incorporating intent and context.

For instance, for a broad keyword like “car repair,” a synonym like “auto repair” would not be considered a long-tail search term. Rather, it’d be best to target something like “affordable car repair services near me for Toyota Camry 2015.”

Long-tail terms include additional qualifiers that align with user intent, making them far more actionable.

They’re Not Limited to E-Commerce

While long-tail keywords are often associated with product searches, they apply across industries and content types. Whether you’re a blogger targeting informational searches like “how to build a birdhouse from scratch” or a service provider optimizing for “best HVAC repair services in Austin,” long-tail terms can drive targeted traffic regardless of your niche.

How Are LLMs Changing Search Behavior?

The introduction of LLMs marks a major, major shift in how users and your potential clients engage with the most popular search engines. LLMs excel at understanding and generating human-like language.

This means users are more likely to type or voice-search queries in full sentences, like “What are the best strategies for marketing a small business in 2025?” These detailed queries replace fragmented searches and offer more context.

AI Overviews

Search engines like Google now offer AI-generated summaries at the top of search results. These overviews directly answer complex questions, often eliminating the need for users to click on additional links. While convenient for users, this change means fewer clicks on traditional organic search results.

Enhanced Intent Understanding

LLMs can parse user intent more accurately than ever before. For example, a query like “How to save money on energy bills during winter” might generate results with actionable tips tailored to geographic location, household size, or energy consumption habits.

Shifting Search Term Lengths: The Rise of 7 to 8 Word Queries

Since the launch of ChatGPT and other large language models (LLMs), one of the most significant trends observed in search behavior is the increase in the length of search queries, specifically the rise in 7 to 8 word phrases.

What this means is that users who previously searched with moderately complex phrases are now adding even more specific terms to their queries. This behavior reflects the growing use of conversational modifiers, such as “best,” “affordable,” or “near me,” which help users zero in on the exact information or products they need.

Now that we’ve gone over the fundamentals of long-tail searches and the rise of LLMs, let’s talk about how you can adapt your marketing strategies accordingly.

Transform Marketing Campaigns by Targeting Long-Tail Keywords

Long-tail keywords offer a goldmine of opportunities for digital marketers willing to embrace specificity and intent-driven strategies. Shifting your focus from short, generic keywords to more detailed, conversational terms can transform the effectiveness of your campaigns.

Here’s how targeting long-tail keywords can transform marketing campaigns:

  • •Lower competition and cost-per-click (CPC): Long-tail terms often have less competition, which means your content or ads can rank higher without breaking the bank. For instance, bidding on “affordable yoga mats with extra padding” is more cost-effective than targeting a broad keyword like “yoga mats.”
  • •Higher conversion rates: Users searching with long-tail keywords are typically closer to making a decision. These individuals have already narrowed their preferences and are more likely to take action, whether that’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or booking a consultation.
  • •Enhanced audience understanding: Long-tail keywords often reveal specific user intent. Analyzing these queries provides valuable insights into your audience’s preferences, challenges, and decision-making processes, enabling you to refine your offerings and messaging further.

With the rise of long-tail keywords, consider the following.

Rethink Ads and Click-Through Rates (CTR)

As we mentioned, many users now receive immediate answers to their queries without clicking on ads or organic results, which has led to declining click-through rates (CTR). For digital marketers like us, this means rethinking ad strategies to maintain visibility and engagement.

Our advice? Craft highly targeted, value-driven ad copy. With fewer clicks available, ads need to provide immediate value and clarity. Focus on addressing specific user needs or pain points. For example, an ad for “custom kitchen remodels” might highlight, “Free consultation for luxury kitchen designs tailored to your space.”

Leverage Retargeting Campaigns

Consistency is key. Retargeting allows you to re-engage users who visited your site but didn’t convert. By reminding them of your services or products, you increase the chances of securing a conversion on subsequent interactions.

Diversify Brand Awareness

With fewer clicks on traditional ads, building your brand’s visibility across other platforms is essential. Social media, video content, influencer partnerships, and email campaigns can complement your search strategies. For example, a video tutorial on YouTube about “how to choose the right home insurance” can drive awareness and funnel users back to your website.

Your Content Creation Needs To Be More Comprehensive

With users entering increasingly complex queries into Google Search, content creation must evolve to address these changes. Gone are the days when basic, surface-level content was enough to attract and retain user attention.

In the present age, your content needs to be in-depth, valuable, well-structured, and optimized for semantic search.

Let’s take a look at what all this could look like.

Make In-Depth Content for Long-Tail Searches

Users searching for long-tail terms are looking for specific answers or solutions. Creating content that provides thorough, actionable insights helps you meet these expectations.

For example, a blog post about the “best kitchen fixtures for new homes” should include detailed comparisons, pricing, pros and cons, and use-case scenarios.

The Importance of Well-Organized, Lengthy Content

Long-form content works best when it’s easy to navigate. Use clear headings, subheadings, bullet points, and concise paragraphs to make your content scannable and user-friendly. This approach improves user experience while helping search engines understand your content better.

Semantic Search Optimization

AI algorithms are getting better at understanding natural language and context. While long-tail search terms should take priority, you can also consider incorporating variations of your target keywords in addition, including synonyms and related phrases. This allows your content to align with conversational search trends.

For instance, if you’re targeting “how to grow indoor plants,” include terms like “best indoor plants for beginners” or “tips for indoor plant care.”

This comprehensive approach ensures your content stands out in an increasingly competitive search environment while addressing the nuanced needs of your audience.

How Do You Adapt Your Content Strategy?

The rapidly changing search landscape, driven by AI and evolving user behavior, demands a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to content strategy. Businesses need to adapt by implementing thoughtful strategies that align with modern search trends and user expectations.

Below is a comprehensive guide to future-proofing your content and marketing initiatives.

Leverage Data Insights

Data is your greatest ally in understanding shifts in search behavior and optimizing your strategy accordingly. Using tools like Google Analytics, Google Ads, and search query reports can reveal valuable insights into user preferences and patterns.

One of the best things you can do is pay attention to the length and complexity of search queries. Are users asking more specific questions? If so, adjust your content to cater to these nuanced searches.

Long-tail queries often reveal what users are trying to achieve, as well. For instance, if users are searching “best eco-friendly kitchen appliances for small spaces,” you can create targeted content or product recommendations that directly address this intent.

Optimize for Featured Snippets and AI Overviews

AI-generated answers and featured snippets have become prominent in search results, providing users with instant information.

To stay competitive, your content must be tailored to align with these features:

  • •Directly address common questions: Structure your content to answer frequently asked questions clearly and concisely.
  • •Craft snippet-friendly summaries: Write brief, impactful summaries that encapsulate the essence of your content.
  • •Incorporate schema markup: For longer pieces, use structured data to help search engines better understand and categorize your content. Adding schema markup for FAQs, how-to guides, or reviews increases your chances of being featured in rich results.

Personalize the User Experience

Users today expect content that’s tailored to their needs and preferences. Personalization enhances user satisfaction and boosts engagement and conversions. Here’s how to deliver personalized experiences:

  • •Implement marketing automation: Automation tools can help deliver targeted email campaigns, personalized landing pages, and dynamic content recommendations based on user actions.
  • •Use behavioral data: Analyze data, such as browsing history, location, and past interactions, to create hyper-relevant content. For example, if a user has been researching “best budget-friendly furniture,” provide them with curated lists or deals in their area.

Personalization helps you connect with your audience and fosters brand loyalty and trust, ensuring users keep returning for more. It’s a win-win at the end of the day.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Search in the LLM Era

As LLMs continue to develop, we can expect the following:

  • Search engine result pages will incorporate richer, interactive features powered by AI.
  • Search engines will increasingly prioritize content that aligns with user-specific contexts, such as location or browsing history.
  • With AI tools generating basic content, human-created material must stand out through creativity and authenticity.

Thriving in a Changing SEO Landscape

The shift toward longer, more conversational search queries driven by LLMs presents an exciting opportunity for your business to connect with audiences in meaningful ways. While this trend challenges traditional SEO and advertising methods, it also rewards marketers who are willing to innovate.

By taking the time to understand long-tail search terms, how to optimize for AI-enhanced search engines, and the ins and outs of user intent, you can position your business for success in this new digital era. Stay adaptable, embrace data, and deliver value to your audience.

The future of search is here—ensure your business is ready to meet it head-on. Reach out to LinkNow Media if you’d like to harness the powers of SEO for your benefit.

Tyson Breen

Author: Tyson Breen

About Tyson Breen

Tyson is a content writer and SEO specialist with over half a decade of industry experience. He is an expert on digital marketing and is passionate about providing his clients with powerful content that boosts traffic and engagement. When away from his desk, Tyson enjoys home cooking, comic books, and live music.