Ever wonder why some local businesses show up first when you search on your phone, while others seem invisible? The secret lies in local SEO keyword research – and I'm going to show you exactly how it works, even if you're completely new to digital marketing.
Key Takeaways
78% of local mobile searches result in offline purchases within 24 hours ?️
Local SEO helps small businesses appear in "near me" searches
The right keywords can increase your visibility by up to 93% in local searches
Mobile optimization is crucial - 96.2% of Americans use phones for internet
Simple tools like Google's free Keyword Planner can transform your local presence
Why Local SEO Matters for Your Business
Think of local SEO as your digital storefront sign. Just like you want people walking down the street to notice your business, you want people searching online to find you too!
Here's a real-world example: Imagine Sarah just moved to Austin and needs a haircut. She pulls out her phone and searches "hair salon near me" or "best hairstylist Austin." If your salon doesn't show up in those results, you've just lost a potential customer!
The Numbers Don't Lie ?
46% of all Google searches are looking for local information
88% of local business searches on mobile devices lead to a call or visit within 24 hours
Local searches with "near me" have grown by 150% faster than traditional local searches
See How Digital Marketing Can Drive More Traffic to Your Website
Brand Voice Strategy – Let our team help you create your brand voice to attract your ideal customer.
Market Growth Opp Research – Let our team show you where you can gain additional traffic that you are missing.
Local SEO - unlock more SEO traffic. See real results. Dominate your local market.
Competitive Link Analysis – Know what your competitors are doing.
Geo-Targeting – Let us find your customers in your desired location.
Content Marketing - Our team creates epic content that will be shared, generate links, and attract traffic. We know the secret recipe for success.
Paid Media - effective paid strategies with clear ROI.
Step-by-Step Guide to Local Keyword Research
1. Start With the Basics ?
Think about what your customers might type into Google. For example, if you own a pizza shop in Chicago:
"best pizza Chicago"
"pizza delivery near me"
"deep dish pizza downtown Chicago"
2. Use Free Tools to Find Keywords
Google offers fantastic free tools:
Google Autocomplete: Start typing "pizza in Chi..." and see what pops up
"People Also Ask" boxes
Google Trends to see what's popular in your area
3. Add Location Modifiers
Mix and match these elements:
City name: "Chicago pizza"
Neighborhood: "Loop pizza restaurant"
Landmarks: "pizza near Millennium Park"
Area codes: "312 area pizza delivery"
4. Consider Different Customer Intentions
People search differently based on what they want:
Ready to buy: "pizza delivery now Chicago"
Research: "best Chicago pizza reviews"
Looking for info: "Chicago pizza restaurant hours"
Tools to Make Your Life Easier
Free Tools ?
Google Keyword Planner • Perfect for beginners • Shows exact search volumes • Suggests related keywords
Google My Business • Essential for local visibility • Free to set up • Improves local ranking
Paid Tools ?
Ubersuggest ($29/month) • User-friendly interface • Competitive analysis • Local keyword suggestions
Moz Local ($129/month) • Comprehensive local SEO suite • Rank tracking • Reputation management
Common Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is local SEO? A: Think of it as making your business visible to people searching in your area. Just like putting up a bright store sign, but for the internet!
Q: How long does it take to see results? A: Most businesses see initial improvements within 3-6 months, with 76% reporting increased local traffic within the first year.
Q: Do I need to spend money on tools? A: No! You can start with free tools like Google Keyword Planner and still get great results.
Q: How often should I update my keywords?
A: Regularly updating your keywords is important to ensure that your content remains relevant and competitive. It's recommended to review and update your keywords at least once a month to keep up with any changes in search trends and user behavior.
Ready to transform your local business's online presence? Remember, every successful local business started exactly where you are now. The key is taking that first step. Stay tuned for more information on how to implement the keywords in our next blog.
I hope you enjoy reading this blog post. If you want my team to just do your marketing for you, click here.