Unlocking Local SEO: A Step-by-Step Guide to Keyword Research
Did you know that 88% of people who perform a local search on their smartphones will visit a related store within a week? If your local SEO strategy isn't up to par, you could be missing out on a significant influx of customers. In this blog post, we’ll explore the essential steps for conducting effective local keyword research, ensuring your business attracts the right audience.
Why Local Keyword Research Matters
Local keyword research is the foundation of a successful local SEO strategy. By identifying the keywords that potential customers are using to find your products or services, you can optimize your website to rank higher in search results. This not only drives targeted traffic to your site but also increases the likelihood of converting visitors into customers.
But how do you find the right keywords? Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: List Your Services
The first step in your keyword research journey is to create a comprehensive list of all the services your business offers. For instance:
- Plumber: Drain unblocking, boiler repairs, radiator installations.
- Dentist: Comprehensive dental exams, teeth whitening, fillings.
Take your time with this brainstorming phase. The more thorough your list, the better your chances of being found online.
Step 2: Expand Your Ideas
Once you have your initial list, it’s time to expand on it. Here are a couple of strategies to consider:
- Competitor Analysis: Visit your competitors’ websites and check their services pages. You might discover additional services that you offer but haven’t listed yet.
- Keyword Research Tools: Utilize tools like Ahrefs' Keywords Explorer. Paste your list of services, set the country to your business location, and explore the matching terms report for more keyword ideas.
Step 3: Check for Local Intent
Understanding local intent is crucial. Local intent refers to search queries where users are looking for local results. To check for local intent:
- Google Search: Search for each service individually and look for map packs or local organic listings. If you see these features, it indicates strong local intent.
- Bulk Check: Use Ahrefs' Keywords Explorer to paste your list of services and filter results to show only keywords with local packs.
Step 4: Analyze Search Volumes
Knowing the search volume for your keywords can help prioritize your efforts. However, local search volumes can be tricky to find. Google Keyword Planner is a reliable source, but it often provides broad ranges unless you’re already advertising with them. Instead, consider checking national search volumes as they can give you a general idea of keyword popularity.
Step 5: Group Keywords by Page
This step is often overlooked but is vital for effective SEO. You need to determine which services require dedicated pages and what type of content will help you rank. Here’s how:
- Analyze Top Results: For each target keyword, look at the current top-ranking pages. If the results are specific to a service (e.g., "oil boiler installation"), consider creating a dedicated page for that service.
- Content Type: Decide on the format of your content. If the search results show a mix of informational and service-oriented pages, you may need to adjust your approach accordingly.
Step 6: Identify Key Points for Service Pages
Avoid the temptation to keyword stuff your service pages. Instead, focus on creating valuable content that addresses potential customer questions. Here’s how to find relevant talking points:
- Competitor Pages: Look at what top-ranking competitors are discussing on their service pages. Identify key terms and topics they cover.
- People Also Ask: Check the "People also ask" section in Google for additional questions related to your services.
- Organic Keyword Rankings: Use Ahrefs' Site Explorer to analyze your competitors' organic keywords. This can reveal valuable insights into what potential customers are searching for.
Conclusion: Rinse and Repeat
By following these steps, you’ll have a solid foundation for your local keyword research. Remember, this process is iterative. As you gather more data and insights, continue refining your keyword list and content strategy.
Actionable Takeaway: Start by jotting down your services and expanding your list using competitor analysis and keyword tools. Then, check for local intent and search volumes to prioritize your efforts.
What strategies have you found effective in your local SEO journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
For more insights on creating optimized content, check out our content writing for SEO video tutorial. Happy optimizing!