Get Your Business to the Top of Google
Local Keyword Research: 4 Easy Steps to Attract More Customers
At Your Lead Partners, we understand the importance of attracting local customers who are actively searching for your services. Local keyword research is the first step in boost your local SEO, helping your business rank higher in search results and get discovered by more potential customers. By focusing on the right local keywords, you can enhance your online visibility and grow your business.
In this guide, we will walk you through four easy steps for conducting keyword research that will help you target the right audience and improve your local search rankings.
Why Do Local Keywords Matter for Your Business?
Local keywords are essential because they connect you with customers who are searching for services near them. People use location-based terms when looking for businesses in their area, and optimizing your website for these keywords can significantly improve your chances of ranking higher in Google search results.
For example, if a customer is looking for “plumbing services in New York,” they are specifically looking for a plumber in that location. By targeting keywords like this, you can ensure your business appears when local customers need your services.
Why Keyword Research Important for Local SEO
You may determine the search terms people use to look for companies similar to yours by conducting local keyword research. When you optimize your website with the right local keywords, you’re not only improving your SEO but also making sure you’re visible to customers who are ready to make a purchase.
By targeting local keywords, you’ll:
- Appear in front of customers actively searching for your products or services.
- Rank higher in local search results, including Google Maps.
- Increase website traffic from your local area, leading to more conversions.
Key Steps to Perform Local Keyword Research
Local keyword research doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Simply follow these four steps to find the best local keywords for your business:
Step 1: Brainstorm Your Seed Keywords
Start by brainstorming a list of seed keywords that describe your business. These are general terms that represent the products or services you offer. For example, if you’re a plumber in Dallas, seed keywords could include “plumber,” “plumbing services,” or “emergency plumber.”
Once you have your seed keywords, you can build on them by adding location-specific keyword modifiers.
Step 2: Add Location-Based Modifiers
The next step is to add location-based terms to your seed keywords. For instance, change “plumbing services” to “plumbing services Dallas” or “plumber in Dallas.” This helps to target customers who are searching for local services.
Think about the neighborhoods, regions, or cities you serve and include these terms in your keywords. This will help you show up in searches from customers in your specific service area.
Step 3: Use Keyword Research Tools
To take your local keyword research further, use tools like Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and Ahrefs to discover additional local keywords. These tools provide valuable insights into keyword search volume, competition, and relevant keywords that your customers might be using.
By using these tools, you can uncover more opportunities and ensure that your local SEO strategy is based on real data.
Step 4: Prioritize Keywords Based on Search Volume and Competition
Once you’ve compiled a list of potential keywords, prioritize them by search volume and competition. Focus on right keywords that have a good search volume but low competition. These terms give you the best chance of ranking higher in search results, especially if you’re a local business competing against other local companies.
Local Keyword Intent: Explicit vs. Implicit Keywords
Understanding local search intent is vital for effective keyword research. There are two types of intent:
Explicit Local Keywords
Explicit local keywords are clear and direct, such as “best plumber in New York.” These keywords signal to search engines that the user is ready to make a purchase or hire a service in that location.
Implicit Local Keywords
Implicit local keywords, on the other hand, may indicate that the user is still in the research phase. For example, “how to fix a leaky pipe in New York” may suggest that the user isn’t quite ready to hire a plumber yet but is gathering information. Targeting both types of keywords can help you reach customers at different stages of the decision-making process.
How to Use Local Keywords for Local SEO to Increase Visibility
Once you’ve identified the right local keywords, it’s time to implement them across your website. Make sure to include these keywords in:
- Your page titles, meta descriptions, and headers.
- Content for your website, including service pages and blog entries.
- Your Google Business profile to improve your online presence on Google Maps and organic search results.
Optimizing your content with local keywords ensures that your website ranks higher for these terms and attracts local customers.
Ready to Start Local Keyword Research for Your Business?
At Your Lead Partners, we specialize in helping businesses improve their local SEO strategies. Our team of experts can assist you with keyword research, website optimization, and ensuring your business ranks higher in local results.
Take the first step towards improving your local search visibility and attracting more customers by contacting us today.
