If you have a local business, targeting keywords from international sources may not add much value to your site. This is because when people search for a product, they often include the location. Even when they search a keyword without location, they are likely searching for something they can find close to them.
Google’s high-tech algorithm can detect the location of the user and provide them with the result closest to them. Local keyword research is, therefore, essential.
Importance of Local Keyword Research
Local keyword research is the process of finding keywords for your site or business as part of your local Seo strategy. You will incorporate these keywords in your content to improve your ranking for those terms.
Studies indicate that 50% of all Google searches have a local intent. 28% of these searches result in purchasing decisions. Out of those searches, 88% call or visit the business. Therefore, targeting these keywords can help you in your overall Seo strategy.
Another reason local keyword research is necessary is that these keywords target a small subset of the global population, making them less competitive. By leveraging them, you can increase your chances of appearing on the first page of Google.
Types of Local Keywords
Local keywords cna be categorized into two categories. These are:
Implicit Local Keywords
These are searches done by people who do not include a location in the results. However, Google still shows them local searches. For instance, if you search for the term hospital, google will show you the results closest to you. An example of such a keyword is “chiropractor.”
Explicit Local Keyword
When people search for a keyword while including a location, this is known as an explicit local keyword. This can also include other terms, such as near me, indicating the user is searching for a particular location. An example of such a keyword is a “plumber near me” or “dentist in Utah.”
How To Do Local Keyword Research
There are several local seo tips for organic search ranking. If you are searching for keywords searched by locals in your area and are relevant to your business, you need to:
Identify Your Key Terms And Location
What solutions are your business offering? These can be the seed keywords to begin your local keyword research. Some of the general terms that people can use to search for a dentist are:
- Dentist
- Dental Clinic
Some of the products and services they can use to search for the business are:
- Tooth removal
- Tooth replacement
- Tooth filling
- Teeth whitening
Some of the pain points that can touch your business are:
- Toothache
- Tooth decay
- Implants new york
Use Keyword Modifiers
To make your keyword more specific, user modifiers to your key terms. These keyword modifiers diversify your overall keyword strategy. They can help you get easier search terms that will help you rank better. Keyword modifiers can be categorized into these types:
- Quality. These keywords highlight the quality of your business, products, or services. You can use phrases like “best dentist in Utah” or “top dentist in Utah.”
- Occasion. These local keywords focus on an event, such as Christmas or a point in time. For instance,” winter moving service.”
- Types. These searches include your business’s products or services, such as “eyeglasses in Utah.”
- Special offers. Another way you can modify your local seo keywords is by offering special offers such as “all-inclusive”, “same-day shipping”, and more.
- Landmarks. Remember that people can also search using landmarks. For instance, “restaurants in Salt Lake City” or “chemists in Buffalo Mall”.
Add Location
Now that you have the seed keywords, you can add your location at the end of the keywords. For instance, “dental clinic Utah” can be a good keyword for a dentist operating in Utah. You can add phrases such as nearby, near me, and local.
If you have already installed Google Analytics for your site, you can check the location generating the most clicks. When you do a Google search for a location, you will see other locations that people are searching for in your area under the Google snippets. This can bring the benefits of multiplication SEO.
Organize Your Keywords By Search Intent
You must consider the user’s goal in searching for the keyword. Search intent can be:
- Commercial/transaction. This is when a user is ready to make a buying decision.
- Informational. The user, in this case, is searching for specific information.
- Navigational. The user is specifically searching for your site or a brand name.
When you assign your keywords to one of these categories, you can now decide which ones to use. For instance, if you need keywords that will guide users on brushing their teeth or the cost of braces in Salt Lake City, you should use informational keywords.
Check How Often They Are Searched
Once you have a keyword list, you must determine the keywords’ search volume. This will give you an idea of these keywords’ popularity and monthly searches. A keyword with a low search volume will not be worth targeting as it means few or no people are searching for it.
You can use keyword research tools to help you find the search volume. While their numbers may not be so accurate, they can provide key insights into the popularity of those keywords, including their products or services.
In Conclusion
By following the above steps and local SEO tips, you can get a well-researched and relevant keyword list for your SEO effort. Remember that the keyword list should checked continuously and updated regularly. This will ensure you do not miss great keyword opportunities in your SEO campaign.
But even as you create content targeting local SEO, you should not forget to add your business to Google My Business. This will help make it more visible to people in your location.
