Below is a snippet from Google Analytics, including different keywords and how searched and competitive they are.
Let’s say you are a local music shop with a web presence.
Assuming your site could be optimized for any of the following keywords:
Question #1.) Which of the following are long-tailed keywords?
Question #2.) Which is the best long-tailed keyword here and why?
Answer to Question #1: “Beginner electric guitar lessons” and “great guitar strings to use in the winter” are both long-tailed keywords.
Answer to questions #2 and #3: “Beginner electric guitar lessons” is the best long-tailed keyword here! That keyword is great, because it’s getting enough traffic searching for it, but it isn’t too competitive. The word is plenty descriptive and generates enough retail intent. As a bonus, the term’s details prompt Google to give local results a boost. This will work extra if you are a local business, and your local position will influence Google’s results with this kind of search.