Stepping into the world of business means getting familiar with things like “local SEO keyword research for beginners”. It can feel a little overwhelming at first, kind of like trying to learn a new language. But, just like any new skill, with a bit of patience and practice, you can totally master it.
This is especially true with local SEO keyword research. By understanding this, you’re setting a strong foundation to attract more customers to your local brand. Think of it this way — you wouldn’t build a house without a solid blueprint. The same idea goes for your online presence.
Why Is Local Keyword Research So Important?
So, why is local SEO so vital for local businesses? It all comes down to visibility. When people in your area search for a service or product you offer, you want to make sure your business pops up in those search results. Without the right local SEO keywords, your business could get lost in the crowd.
Local SEO focuses on optimizing your online presence so people searching in a specific geographical area will be more likely to find you. This is crucial for businesses that rely on local customers, like restaurants, shops, or service providers. Each step you take to improve your local SEO helps your domain gain better traction in search engines.
Understanding Local Search Intent
Local search intent is about understanding what people really mean when they type something into Google. They’re not just looking for information; they want to find a place to buy or experience something locally.
Think about when you need a plumber. You don’t search for “plumbers in the world”. You want a solution near you. That’s why you search for “plumbers near me” or “plumbers in [Your town/city]”. Those location words show local intent — Google understands the person searching is looking for a business in their area. Competitor analysis is also crucial in understanding how others in your area are attracting traffic and securing top rankings.
A deeper look at local SEO means realizing that Google can pinpoint someone’s location using IP address, previous searches, or if the person has enabled location sharing on their device. Google utilizes these methods and a bunch of others to make sure people see local results whether their searches explicitly mention location or not. These insights offer a unique edge for small businesses looking to climb the local SEO ladder.
Steps to Conduct Local SEO Keyword Research
Local SEO is especially vital for businesses seeking customers locally. When folks search online for products or services nearby, solid keyword research is your business’s ticket to landing on those coveted Google search results pages (SERPs).
1. Know Your Services Inside and Out
This may seem obvious but start by listing out all the products or services you offer. Dig deep. A local business owner should really consider each distinct item or service they provide. Then, list each city, neighborhood, or local landmark where you serve. By doing so, you are building the foundation of your keyword research.
2. Find Your Seed Keywords
These are the broad terms customers might use to find a business like yours. Think simple: “bakery”, “dentist”, “florist”. From there, branch out a bit to other phrases related to those seeds like: “cake shop” “teeth whitening”, or “flower delivery.” Consider how content creation can boost your visibility and incorporate it into your content marketing strategy.
3. Tools and Techniques to Uncover the Gold
Now it’s time to dig into some free tools and get down to the real research part. Some tools to consider are:
- Google Keyword Planner: This popular free tool from Google helps you brainstorm and discover search volumes to find keywords relevant to your business.
- Google Trend: While this tool doesn’t directly reveal search volume numbers, it does show how frequently certain search terms are trending over some time. This data can be a treasure trove of insights for your local SEO strategy. It’ll show if specific keywords are on the rise and becoming more popular.
- Ahrefs and SEMrush: Both of these robust SEO tools come with a variety of options to get started with keyword research.
- SEMrush’s Keyword Magic Tool: You’ll find a ton of local keyword ideas along with detailed data like average monthly search volume, so you’ll see how many folks are searching that term.
- Moz: Moz is a well-known SEO tool known for having features that focus on local SEO for small businesses.
- Kparser: You can even get assistance identifying search terms from YouTube and Amazon to add a different angle to your research.
- Serpstat: This tool lets you easily analyze your competition, unveiling opportunities that others are using.
For deeper insights, running a backlink review can uncover opportunities to enhance your link-building efforts, increasing your authority and rank in local search results.
4. Dig into Your Competition
Search for your seed keywords on Google. Who ranks in those top spots? Carefully study their websites to see which keywords they use, and use an SEO tool to enter their site’s data for a more in-depth look at their keyword strategy. Additionally, don’t overlook the importance of link building as part of your SEO management plan to further strengthen your position in the local search results.
5. Identify Implicit and Explicit Local Keywords to Boost Your Location SEO
To explain implicit and explicit keywords, let’s use this scenario – You run a small, family-owned bookstore. Your customers may type in a simple search like “new books,” expecting to see options near them, even if they didn’t mention a specific location. These general terms, missing a direct location, are your “implicit local keywords”. They’re often high volume and worth considering.
6. Pay Close Attention to the Explicit Local Keywords
These searches use direct location details, for instance, “bakery in Chicago” or “dog groomer near the Alamo”. Someone making these detailed searches wants local results. For example, a pizza shop owner could try including “late-night pizza delivery near me.” To refine local search results, try filtering them based on different criteria, like user device or Google’s understanding of the searcher’s location. These unique angles to conducting local keyword research might reveal insights other small business owners may be overlooking.
As you dive into competitor research, don’t ignore large businesses targeting the broader markets. For example, a national company might target different SEO keywords if your small business focuses on local, vegan dog food delivery. They might focus on “best protein for vegan dogs” and target an international audience with “plant-based food for dogs”. Comparing local versus larger keyword strategies reveals some pretty cool contrasts to consider as a small business owner.
7. Consider Different Search Intents
Search intent boils down to the “why” behind a person’s online search. Google prioritizes understanding what the user wants when conducting research. Are they looking to buy something right this second? Learn something new? Are they hunting down a specific website? You can use the three main categories to better tailor your keywords for a greater impact.
Here’s a table outlining those three categories and how you can utilize each when it comes to local SEO:
| Search Intent Category | Description | How to Use This for Local SEO |
| Informational | The searcher wants to learn something. | Target keywords related to common questions your audience has about your industry. |
| Navigational | The searcher is trying to get to a specific site. | Ensure your business name and location are easy to find on your website. |
| Transactional | The searcher wants to buy something. | Use keywords that indicate someone is ready to make a purchase. |
8. Organize, Prioritize and Implement
As you’re doing all this, build a list. Put together an organized system using a spreadsheet or document. Once you’ve gathered a comprehensive set of keywords, sort them based on those that are high-volume, low-competition, and most relevant to your small business’ offerings. Tools like spreadsheets allow for efficient organization to refine your approach even further.
For a more polished and data-driven strategy, creating search volume reports can be especially useful. These can help monitor how terms are changing and optimize as needed.
Optimize Your Website for Local SEO with Location-Specific Keywords
You’ve completed your local keyword research; now it’s time to use it. Optimize each of your web pages using those target keywords strategically. Your homepage should showcase keywords aligned with your core offerings and location.
This means going beyond stuffing those keywords everywhere. Seo keyword strategies should integrate seamlessly throughout the website. Be sure to include those golden nuggets naturally throughout your page title tags, meta descriptions, headers, and of course, your website content itself.
Beyond Keywords: The Importance of Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free tool Google gives you that helps make managing your online presence simple. Think of it as a storefront on Google – it lets you add details like your business address, photos, website link, operating hours, and customer reviews.
Studies have found that photos on a Google Business Profile listing help you stand out to potential customers. Including a visual element on your GBP can really help generate more interest. In fact, businesses using images have a 42% increase in requests for directions, and see website click-through rates that are 35% higher when compared to businesses skipping this strategy. Optimize your GBP and it can become a solid engine to drive customer engagement and bring in local traffic.
A completed and well-managed GBP boosts local SEO significantly. Here are a couple of ways GBP can boost your visibility:
- Show Up in Local Search Results: GBP is your best bet for having your business included in Google’s “local pack,” those coveted top three listings appearing alongside a map in local searches.
- Appear in “Near Me” Searches: When someone searches “near me,” Google looks at GBP information to show what’s actually nearby.
- Encourage Direct Contact: People can contact your business right from your GBP, giving them instant access to your phone number, email, or website.
Don’t Forget Local Business Directories and Online Reviews
Online business directories, Yelp and TripAdvisor being two popular ones, are still very relevant. Listing your business on these websites increases visibility to a targeted local audience, boosting your ranking in the search engine results. As a small business, it is critical that you claim your Google Business Profile, as doing so creates opportunities to land your business in those coveted local pack results and enhances the chances of connecting with local customers looking for services or products just like the ones your small business provides.
Then there are customer reviews. Encourage your happy customers to leave you those shiny five-star ratings. People trust what others are saying about a business and reviews act like a powerful form of social proof. They build trust and confidence. Google uses this “social signal” to gauge a local business’s reputation, giving more weight to businesses consistently receiving rave reviews.
Other Local Marketing Strategies for Lead Generation
Local SEO and keywords aren’t the only paths to attracting customers in your local area. You’ve also got local marketing strategies – which includes several powerful techniques for increasing your presence within your community.
Here are just a couple that many small businesses use successfully:
- Location-Based Social Media Ads: Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok allow advertisers to target a very specific geographical location with their ads. Consider including visuals on your business listings. People love a photo. It catches their attention. In fact, Google found that listings with pictures see click-through rates jump as high as 42%, which translates to a bigger boost in visits to your website from those pages specifically targeted to converting website visitors into customers.
- Local Partnerships and Sponsorships: Sponsor a little league team. Have a table at community events. Get creative with how you get your business name out there.
Measure the Success of Your Local Keyword Efforts
Like with any marketing campaign, local SEO requires measuring those wins along the way. Consistent tracking is critical to learn what’s working and optimize accordingly.
One important aspect involves monitoring your site’s ranking position for those prized local keywords. Another metric that matters – how much website traffic are you getting from organic searches (those that came directly from Google or other search engines without paying for ads)? Research has shown that 80% of internet users rely on search engines to find the info they’re after when seeking local options. Knowing if that traffic boost to your small business website stems from increased ranking, using those keywords strategically is incredibly helpful when evaluating the success of your strategy.
However, relying solely on traditional SEO ranking data like that shown in Google Search Console (GSC), might not show you the whole story. Even the pros at Ahrefs did an in-depth study of 14 million search queries, only to discover GSC did not give them a complete picture and missed quite a bit of the keywords driving traffic.
Topics of Interest
Advanced Local Keyword Research Techniques
To master advanced local SEO keyword strategies, you need to go beyond basic research methods. Using competitor analysis to uncover high-value local keywords and targeting hyperlocal keywords for niche markets will help you achieve better rankings and outshine your competitors.
Local Keyword Research Tools Comparison
Choosing the right tool for your local SEO strategy is crucial. Our detailed comparison of local keyword research tools explores the features, costs, and usability of top platforms, helping you find the best tools for effective local SEO keyword research.
How to Identify Long-Tail Keywords for Local SEO
Understanding what long-tail keywords are and why they are crucial for local SEO can significantly boost your visibility. Learn how to find the best tools to identify long-tail keywords in local markets and use them effectively to improve your search performance.
Local Keyword Research for Service-Based Businesses
Service-based businesses require a unique approach to keyword research. Discover why local SEO keyword research is essential for service-based businesses and explore best practices for finding keywords in the service industry to optimize your service pages.
Common Mistakes in Local Keyword Research
Avoid the common mistakes people make in local keyword research that can hinder your rankings. Learn how to prevent keyword cannibalization in local SEO and discover proven strategies to fix mistakes in your local keyword research.
Finding Location-Specific Keywords for Local SEO
Targeting the right location-specific keywords can significantly improve your local search visibility. Our step-by-step guide to researching location-specific keywords highlights the importance of geo-specific keywords in local SEO and how to target multiple locations effectively.
Tracking Local Keyword Rankings
Monitoring your keyword performance is essential for local SEO success. Learn why tracking local keyword rankings is key and explore the best tools for tracking local keyword performance, so you can adjust your strategy based on real-time data.
The Role of Search Intent in Local Keyword Research
Understanding how search intent affects local SEO is crucial to developing an effective strategy. By matching search intent with local keywords, you can create a winning approach that resonates with your audience and improves your local search performance.
Local Keyword Research for Small Businesses
Small businesses often face unique challenges in local SEO. Learn why local SEO matters for small businesses and discover simple, budget-friendly local keyword research strategies for small business owners that can help you rank without breaking the bank.
Optimizing Google My Business with Local Keywords
Optimizing your Google My Business profile with local keywords is a key factor in improving visibility. Discover why local keywords are vital for Google My Business optimization and how to use them effectively to increase your local presence.
Local Keyword Research for Multi-Location Businesses
Multi-location businesses require tailored strategies to succeed in local SEO. Learn how to conduct keyword research for multiple locations and overcome the challenges of managing local SEO across different regions with effective keyword strategies for multi-location businesses.
How to Use Local Keyword Research for Content Creation
Using local keywords to guide your content strategy ensures that your material resonates with your audience. Discover how to write local SEO content that addresses the needs of your target audience and improves keyword placement for better search performance.
Mobile Search and Local Keyword Research
As mobile search becomes increasingly important, adapting your keyword research for mobile users is essential. Learn how mobile search changes the way you do keyword research and discover the best ways to optimize for mobile search using local keywords.
Keyword Research for Local Voice Search Optimization
The rise of voice search has transformed local SEO. Learn the importance of voice search in local SEO and discover how to find keywords for voice search queries to ensure your business is optimized for this growing trend.
Conclusion
In the current landscape, with more and more customers flocking online to discover businesses just like yours, taking charge of your online presence has become essential. This makes mastering local SEO keyword research even more valuable for the continued success of your small business. By using it you’re not only adapting to the way folks now look for products or services – but also making sure you stay visible in the bustling digital marketplace.
If you need expert guidance to take your local SEO strategy to the next level, don’t hesitate to contact Techniques Marketing Strategists. Our team is ready to help you optimize your online presence, improve your search rankings, and drive more local traffic to your business. Reach out today and let’s start building your path to success!
