97% of search engine users search online to find a local business. If users want to find a local business online, they turn to search engine users first.
If you want local customers to find your business through search engines, you need to speak their language. That means using the exact phrases and terms people in your area are typing into Google when searching for your products or services. These are your local keywords.
Why Local Keywords Hold So Much Power
- Target the Right Audience: People searching with local intent (“plumber near me,” “best bakery Boston”) are ready to buy or visit. Local keywords put your business right in front of those high-value customers.
- Beat the Competition: Generic national search terms are crowded. Local keywords give you a fighting chance to beat out larger, but less locally focused, competitors.
- Improve Your Google Maps Ranking: Consistent use of local keywords helps you land a spot in that coveted Google Maps result section, driving even more visibility.
Finding Your Golden Local Keywords
- Put Yourself in Your Customer’s Shoes: How would someone in your area describe your business or product? Brainstorm those terms and phrases.
- Get Help from Tools: Keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, Semrush, or Ahrefs will show you search volumes and variations for local keywords.
- “Spy” on the Competition: See what phrases your successful competitors are ranking for. Analyze their websites, Google Business Profiles, and online directories.
Example: Local Keywords for a Boston Dentist
A Boston dentist shouldn’t just focus on “dentist.” Instead, they’d want local keywords like:
- Boston dentist
- Emergency dentist near me
- Downtown Boston dental office
- Invisalign Boston
Taking Local Keywords to the Next Level
Choosing the right local keywords is just the starting point. To truly dominate local search results you need to:
- Optimize your website: Infuse local keywords naturally into your content and page titles.
- Build Citations: Get listed on reputable business directories (Yelp, Better Business Bureau) with accurate, consistent information.
- Gather Positive Reviews: Reviews on Google and other sites signal authority.
Don’t Let Competitors Outrank You – Schedule Your Strategy Call Now
Need Help Conquering Local SEO with the Right Keywords?
Finding and effectively using local keywords is a core part of local SEO success. At D&D SEO Services, we specialize in helping businesses just like yours get found by the customers right in your neighborhood. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s put the power of local search to work for you!
