Local SEO Keyword Research Quick Guide

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to do local keyword research, local keyword tools, and strategies to dominate location-based keyword research for your industry.

Why Local SEO Keyword Research Matters

Keyword research for local SEO involves finding search terms your target audience uses to discover businesses like yours in their area. Local SEO keywords help search engines understand your relevance to specific geographic locations, ensuring your business appears for customers when they need your products or services most.

Optimizing for the right keywords can:

• Increase your visibility in Google’s Local Pack.
• Improve your rankings in location-specific searches.
• Drive more foot traffic and online inquiries from local customers.

Step 1: Finding the Right Seed Keywords

Start your journey by identifying seed keywords—the foundational terms that describe your business and offerings. For example, a dentist in Seattle might use “dentist Seattle” or “teeth cleaning near me” as their primary terms. These keywords serve as the base for further research into more specific terms.

Pro tip: Pair your seed keywords with modifiers like your city, neighborhood, or zip code for better local relevance.

Step 2: Analyze Competitors’ Keywords

Researching your competitors’ websites is a goldmine for uncovering localized keyword strategies. Tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs can reveal which local SEO keywords competitors are ranking for and how much traffic they generate.

Ask yourself:

• Are they targeting location-based keywords you’ve overlooked?
• Are their blogs optimized for long-tail search terms like “best coffee shop in Austin, TX”?

Step 3: Use Local Keyword Research Tools

Take advantage of tools designed to refine your search. Some of the best local keyword research tools include:

• Google Keyword Planner: Provides search volume and related keywords.
• Moz Local: Tracks your local SEO performance.
• Ahrefs: Analyzes competitors and ranks keyword difficulty.
• BrightLocal: Specializes in location-based keyword tracking.

Step 4: Refine Your Keyword List

A large list of potential keywords is just the start. Narrow your focus to terms that combine:

• High local search volume: Ensure enough people are searching for it.
• Low competition: Target keywords that are easier to rank for.
• User intent: Prioritize keywords aligned with what your audience is actively seeking.

For instance, “affordable roofing Portland” may have lower competition but strong intent, making it more effective than a broader term like “roofing.”

Step 5: Optimize Content Around Keywords

Create engaging content optimized for your chosen local SEO keywords. This includes:

• Writing blogs or guides answering common local queries (e.g., “How to find the best plumbers in Chicago”).
• Crafting landing pages specific to neighborhoods or suburbs you serve.
• Including location-based terms naturally in headers, meta tags, and body text.

Step 6: Track and Adjust Your Strategy

Use a local keyword tracker like SEMrush or BrightLocal to monitor your rankings. Tracking ensures you stay ahead of trends, refine underperforming keywords, and maximize opportunities.

Common Local SEO Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring long-tail keywords: These less competitive terms often drive more qualified traffic.
• Overlooking location-specific keywords: Keywords with city, neighborhood, or zip code information boost local relevance.
• Targeting overly broad terms: Competing for generic terms often wastes time and resources.

Conclusion

Keyword research for local SEO is vital to your business’s success. With the right strategy and tools, you can dominate local search rankings, drive traffic, and grow your business. Start by finding the right keywords, analyzing your competitors, and creating content that speaks directly to your audience.

FAQ

What is local keyword research?
It’s the process of finding search terms relevant to your business and location to optimize for local SEO.

What are the best local keyword research tools?
Google Keyword Planner, SEMrush, and BrightLocal are excellent tools.

How can I monitor my local SEO keywords?
Use keyword tracking tools like Ahrefs or BrightLocal to track performance.