How To Do Local SEO Keyword Research: A Step-By-Step Guide
Local keywords aren’t just strings of text; they’re the secret sauce that can catapult your website to the top of search engine results.
Why do they matter so much? Simple: local keywords connect you directly with your target audience. They’re the digital signposts that guide potential customers straight to your online doorstep. By tapping into your local market’s specific language and search habits, these keywords turn your website into a bustling hub of relevant traffic.
But here’s the catch: uncovering these powerful phrases is like finding needles in a haystack. You need more than just intuition; you require the big guns: precise and strategic research.
Why? Because the right keywords are relevant, competitive, and incredibly specific to your business and location. This isn’t just a matter of chasing the latest buzzwords; you must understand your target audience’s unique language and how they seek out services like yours.
Our blog is about to lift the curtain. We’re serving up a step-by-step guide to local SEO keyword research that’s as straightforward as it is effective. Tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, this guide cuts through the jargon and complexity, offering a clear path to SEO success.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, prepare to gain insights that will transform your online presence. Let’s dive in and turn keyword research for local SEO from a daunting task into your competitive advantage.
Step 1: Understand the Basics of Local Keywords
We know, we know. You’re here to learn how to do keyword research, not learn what local keywords are. But before diving headfirst into SEO keyword research, you must develop a rock-solid understanding of what you’re working with. This isn’t just a preliminary step; it’s the foundation of your entire strategy.
Think of it as learning the rules of the game before playing. Local keywords are unique beasts in the SEO jungle. They require you to think like your customer, understand what they need, and learn how they express those needs in search queries specific to their locale. Without this insight, you’re essentially navigating in the dark.
At their core, local keywords are specific phrases that people use when searching for products or services in a particular geographic area. These aren’t just any words thrown together; they’re carefully crafted combinations that reflect how real people in your community are searching online.
Think “best coffee shop in downtown Austin” or “emergency plumber near Miami Beach.” These phrases are more than search terms; they’re virtual street signs pointing directly to your business.
Why do these geo-targeted nuggets matter so much? One word: precision targeting. By integrating local keywords into your digital presence, you’re directly addressing the needs of your immediate market. You’re not just casting a wide net in hopes of catching a few relevant customers; you’re fishing in the right pond where potential customers are already swimming.
Local keywords are the keys to unlocking targeted visibility. They ensure that your business appears in search results when and where it matters most.
For instance, a person searching for “handmade leather bags in San Francisco” is likely to be more interested in finding a local artisan shop rather than a generic online retailer. By optimizing for local keywords, businesses can attract more foot traffic, phone calls, and specific inquiries.
The outcome? Higher conversion rates compared to more generalized searches.
Local keywords also help in building community connections and brand loyalty. When your business pops up in local searches, it reinforces your presence and commitment to the area. This boosts your local SEO rankings and establishes your brand as a go-to source within the community. It creates a sense of trust and reliability (essential qualities for any business looking to thrive in a competitive market).
Let’s not forget how local keywords are evolving with voice search and mobile usage. Phrases like “Where to buy fresh flowers near me” or “Best Thai restaurant open now” are becoming increasingly common as people continue to use smartphones and voice assistants for location-specific needs. By tapping into this trend, you can reach people located close to your business who can actually shop from you.
The demand is high. And local keywords are the bridge that connects you to potential customers waiting to take action, i.e., read a blog, make a purchase, avail a discount, etc.
Recommended Read: How Local SEO Works and Why It Matters
Step 2: Identify Your Target Audience and Their Search Habits
This step is the cornerstone of effective local SEO keyword research. It’s like knowing your customers’ favorite coffee order: the more specific you are, the more precisely you can cater to their tastes.
This step goes beyond mere demographics; you must delve into your audience’s psyche and carefully unravel their needs, preferences, and behaviors. What are they searching for? How are they phrasing their queries? Are they using desktops or mobile devices? Are they looking for quick answers or comprehensive information? And, most importantly, why are they initiating these searches?
Start by building a customer persona. If your business is a local bakery, your primary audience may be busy professionals looking for quick breakfast options or parents seeking birthday cakes for their kids. Each group has distinct search behaviors. Professionals may search for “quick breakfast spots near me,” while parents may look for “best custom birthday cakes in Miami.” Knowing these nuances will help you tailor your keywords effectively.
How can you build a customer persona? Use this chart as your cheat sheet:
| Aspect | Questions to Consider | Example |
| Demographics | What is their age range? Gender? Occupation? Income level? Education level? | Age: 30–40 Gender: Female Occupation: Professional Income: Middle to high Education: College graduate |
| Interests | What are their hobbies? What type of content do they engage with? What are their lifestyle preferences? | Enjoys outdoor activities, follows travel blogs, prefers eco-friendly products |
| Online Behavior | Which platforms do they use most? What type of content do they consume online? What are their search patterns? | Active on Instagram and Pinterest, frequently reads blogs about sustainability, uses search terms like ‘best eco-friendly products’ |
| Buying Motivations | Why do they need your product/service? What factors influence their buying decisions? | Seeks quality, sustainable products influenced by user reviews and product origin |
| Pain Points | What challenges or problems are they trying to solve? What are their main concerns or frustrations? | Frustrated by the lack of eco-friendly options, wants products that are both sustainable and stylish. |
See what we mean?
Next, analyze search query patterns. Thanks to tools like Google Analytics, you can dive deep into the kind of queries that lead people to your site. Look for patterns in the language used.
- Are your visitors using formal or casual language?
- Are they searching for specific products or broader categories?
This analysis will give you a glimpse into their search habits and help you fine-tune your keyword strategy.
Understanding the ‘when’ and ‘why’ behind searches is vital for tailoring your SEO strategy to align with your audience’s needs at specific moments. Seasonal trends, local events, and time-of-day patterns offer invaluable insights into consumer behavior.
For example, the surge in searches for “flower delivery” around Valentine’s Day reflects a seasonal trend, indicating a prime opportunity for florists to optimize for these keywords. Similarly, local events like festivals or sports games can trigger specific searches related to the event, e.g., “parking near [event venue]” or “fast food near [festival location].”
The time of day significantly impacts search behavior and intent. A restaurant may notice increased searches for “lunch specials near me” during midday, suggesting that office workers or locals are looking for quick dining options. In contrast, evening searches may shift towards “best dinner spots” or “romantic restaurants,” indicating a different customer segment or dining intent.
This pattern recognition allows businesses to optimize their keyword strategy for different times of the day. It’s a great way to ensure your business appears in search results exactly when your target audience is on the hunt.
Understanding these temporal search patterns also aids in content scheduling and ad targeting. By aligning your content release and advertising efforts with these peak search times, you can maximize visibility and engagement.
For instance, promoting special lunch deals on social media just before noon or highlighting dinner menus in the late afternoon can capture the attention of potential customers precisely when they’re making their dining decisions.
Clever, right?
Another aspect is understanding the ‘intent’ behind searches. Are your potential customers in the research phase? Or are they ready to make a purchase? Someone searching for “best Italian restaurant in NYC” may still be deciding, whereas a search for “Italian restaurant NYC reservations” indicates a readiness to dine. Tailoring your keywords to match these intents can significantly impact your conversion rates.
A little too much? Experts can help. This step of the local keyword research process isn’t all fun and games. Instead of taking things into your own hands, turn to SEO keyword research services to make the job easier for yourself. A keyword research agency will streamline the process and turn what may seem like an insurmountable task into a well-orchestrated plan of action.
When you hire keyword research experts, you’re not just outsourcing a task; you’re gaining a partner who brings expertise, tools, and strategies that are essential for success in local SEO to the table. You don’t have to waste valuable resources and time figuring out how to do keyword research. Experts will dive deep into understanding your business, your competitors, and your local market.
Step 3: Analyze Your Local Competition
This is a critical step in mastering local SEO. It’s like playing chess; to win, you need to understand your opponents’ moves. By analyzing your competitors, you gain insights into what works (and what doesn’t) in your specific market. This can help you refine your strategy for better results.
Start by identifying your main competitors. These may not always be the biggest players in your field, but they are those who rank well in local searches. Use search engines to see who appears for your targeted local keywords. Take note of businesses that consistently pop up in these searches; these are the ones you’re up against!
Once you’ve identified your competitors, examine their online presence. Look at their websites and note how they’re structured, the kind of content they’re producing, and which keywords they seem to be targeting.
Pay special attention to their homepage and main service pages. Are they using local keywords effectively? How is their messaging tailored to the local audience? This analysis will give you a clear idea of the SEO tactics they’re employing.
And don’t just stop at their websites. Check out their social media profiles, Google Business Profile (GBP) listings, and any other online platforms they’re active on.
- How are they engaging with their audience?
- What kind of reviews are they getting?
Social media interactions and customer reviews can offer a wealth of information about their reputation and customer service (which are integral to local SEO success).
Another critical aspect to consider is their backlink profile. Search Berg’s tools can help you analyze where their backlinks are coming from. Backlinks from local businesses or publications can significantly boost local SEO. By understanding where your competitors are getting these links, you can identify potential opportunities for your own link building strategy.
We also recommend analyzing their content strategy. Which topics are they covering? Are they focusing on local news, events, or topics relevant to your community? This can give you ideas for your own content strategy and help you identify gaps that your competitors may be missing.
While it’s important to learn from your competitors’ success, it’s equally important to spot their oversights and weaknesses. Think of it as a game where you mirror the good moves and capitalize on the missed opportunities.
Are there local keywords that they’re overlooking? Perhaps there’s a buzz in town about a new community project or a popular local event they haven’t tapped into yet. These uncharted territories are your gold mines.
Let’s say you own a café in Ithaca. You notice that none of your competitors are using keywords related to “dog-friendly cafes in Ithaca.” If your café welcomes furry friends, this is a golden opportunity to target a niche yet passionate segment of the market. By optimizing your online presence with these specific keywords, you can attract dog owners looking for a place to enjoy a cup of coffee with their pets.
Consider the community topics and local happenings that your competitors may be missing out on. Maybe there’s an annual jazz festival in town, and none of the local music shops are talking about it online. If you’re in a related business, creating content around this event could position you as a community-engaged and relevant option for music enthusiasts.
Keep in mind that the goal of analyzing your competitors isn’t to become a carbon copy of them; it’s distilling key insights from both their triumphs and missteps to craft a formidable and customized local SEO strategy for your own business.
This process is like a skilled chef tasting a rival’s dish, not to replicate it, but to understand the flavors and techniques that make it work and try to create something uniquely delectable in their own kitchen.
By thoroughly understanding your competition, you can pinpoint areas where your business can shine. The goal is to find that sweet spot: whether it’s a particular service you offer that others don’t, a unique aspect of your customer service, or a community initiative you’re part of.
This analysis also helps in preempting your competitors’ next moves. By keeping a pulse on their strategies, you can anticipate market trends and adapt faster, staying one step ahead. Instead of just reacting to what they do, you’ll proactively shape your strategy to lead the market.
Learning from your competitors’ failures is just as important. Their missteps can offer valuable lessons on what to avoid and pitfalls to be wary of. This knowledge can save you time and resources.
Recommended Read: Lessons You Can Learn From Your Competitors
Step 4: Utilize Keyword Research Tools Effectively
Google’s Keyword Planner is the crème de la crème of local SEO keyword research tools. It’s integrated within Google Ads and it’s the go-to for many SEO professionals.
This tool allows you to discover new keyword ideas based on exact match and phrase match keywords. By inputting phrases related to your business, you can uncover the volume of searches, competition level, and even the potential cost-per-click for paid campaigns. It’s a crystal ball that helps predict which keywords could drive traffic and conversions!
Beyond the numbers, Google Trends is like the heartbeat monitor of the public’s interest in certain topics. It shows you the ebb and flow of keyword popularity over time and geographically. You can see if certain terms are trending upwards in your local area (which could be invaluable for seasonal offerings or tapping into emerging local interests).
Search Berg’s tools take a complementary approach by focusing on actionable data tailored for local businesses. Imagine a tool that not only suggests keywords but also offers insights on how to integrate them seamlessly into your content.
Search Berg’s toolkit can analyze your website and local online presence; it can then cross-reference this with extensive local search data to provide personalized keyword recommendations. This could include long-tail phrases that have a proven track record of success in your specific area or industry-related terms that are gaining traction among local consumers.
While Google’s tools offer a broad overview of keyword performance, Search Berg’s tools can drill down into the nuances of your local market. They can identify gaps in your current strategy where specific keywords can make a significant impact.
For instance, if there’s a local festival or event that’s unique to your city, Search Berg’s tools can help pinpoint related keywords that are more likely to be used by your community.
Another aspect where Search Berg’s tools excel is competitor analysis. While maintaining ethical research practices, these tools can give you a peek into which keywords your competitors may be targeting successfully and where there may be opportunities for you to edge in. This can help you make strategic decisions about where to focus your SEO efforts.
Search Berg’s tools can also assist with on-page optimization by suggesting keyword placements likely to yield better search engine results. This could mean identifying the ideal spots for your keywords within meta tags, headings, and throughout your website’s content to ensure you’re fully optimized for local search.
Effectively utilizing local SEO keyword research tools often requires more than just a do-it-yourself approach; it’s a craft that benefits greatly from the acumen of seasoned SEO experts. These professionals bring a wealth of experience and context to the table. They can discern patterns and insights from keyword trends that may be invisible to the untrained eye. For instance, they know that a spike in search volume might be a fleeting trend or a sign of lasting change in consumer behavior.
In this symbiotic relationship, tools provide the raw data while keyword research experts craft the narrative to ensure that your business builds a sustainable and effective local presence online.
Step 5: Master the Art of Long-Tail Keywords for Local SEO
Long-tail keywords are specific phrases that people use when looking for detailed information or nearing a purchase decision. They typically comprise three or more words.
Unlike broad terms that draw in high volumes of traffic with varied intents, long-tail keywords are laser-focused queries that speak to a specific need or question. They may draw less traffic individually, but collectively, they have higher conversion rates because they catch users further down the sales funnel.
For local businesses, long-tail keywords often include location-based details that target individuals searching for products or services in their area, e.g., “organic bakery in downtown Denver” or “emergency plumbing services in Queens, NY.” This precision in search intent makes long-tail keywords a critical element for effective SEO and a valuable asset for businesses aiming to capture a targeted audience.
To find these valuable long-tail phrases, start with the core terms that define your business and branch out. For a local bakery, it starts with “bakery” but grows into “gluten-free birthday cakes in Seattle” or “artisan bread in Capitol Hill.” The key is to combine your basic product or service with additional descriptors and local qualifiers.
The next step involves delving into the questions your customers are asking. Tools like ‘People Also Ask’ boxes in search results can be goldmines for discovering long-tail queries. Engage with your audience, conduct surveys, or mine Q&A forums related to your industry for common inquiries. Each question contains the seeds of a long-tail keyword that reflects real-world search behavior.
The goal is to capture the way people speak or type when looking for specific information. This is where integrating local colloquialisms or vernacular can be particularly potent. A term like “hoagies” might be more prevalent in Philadelphia, whereas “subs” could be the go-to in another city. Incorporating these subtleties can dramatically enhance your local keyword targeting.
Step 6: Incorporate Geographic Modifiers into Your Keyword Strategy
Step six in local SEO keyword research involves the strategic use of geographic modifiers. These are location-specific terms that potential customers use when they’re looking for services or products in a particular area. The right geographic modifiers can turn a generic keyword into a local search powerhouse.
The starting point is identifying the geographic terms relevant to your business. For a business with a physical location, this may be as straightforward as the city or neighborhood’s name.
But don’t just stop there. Think about how people in your area talk about locations. Do they refer to specific districts, popular street names, landmarks, or local nicknames? Including these in your SEO keyword research can significantly narrow down the competition and increase your site’s relevance to local searchers.
For example, if you’re a realtor in NYC, rather than targeting the highly competitive keyword “real estate agent,” you could use “Upper East Side condo listings” or “Brooklyn brownstone realtor.” These long-tail phrases with geographic modifiers reduce competition and attract a more focused demographic.
Incorporating these modifiers requires an understanding of how far your business’ influence reaches. A local coffee shop may focus on the neighborhood level while a specialty medical practice could draw patients from across the city or even the region. Use this knowledge to determine the scale of your geographic modifiers from neighborhoods to cities to regions.
It’s also important to consider the various ways people might search for the same location. Some might type “LA” while others may search for “Los Angeles,” and some might even use colloquial terms like “City of Angels.” Including these variations in your keyword research for local SEO ensures you cover the full spectrum of potential searches.
Leveraging tools like Google Business Profile (GBP) can help you understand the geographic areas where your business appears in local searches. This insight allows you to tailor your keyword strategy to match the actual search behavior of users in those areas.
And let’s not forget the importance of data. When it comes to fine-tuning your keyword strategy with geographic modifiers, the data holds the key to unlocking potential growth areas. Start diving into analytics to dissect where your website visitors are geographically rooted.
You’re not just supposed to track dots on a map; you must understand the journey your customers are taking to find you. Tools like Google Analytics offer a treasure trove of information. They break down traffic sources by region, city, and sometimes even neighborhoods.
This data serves as a compass; it directs you to the geographic terms that are successfully drawing visitors. Perhaps it’s the “downtown” prefix or the inclusion of a well-known local park that’s channeling traffic your way. Conversely, the analytics may reveal untapped regions. Areas with less traffic could indicate a need to amplify your presence there with additional targeted geographic terms.
Work with an experienced keyword research agency to master the use of geographic modifiers.
Step 7: Leverage Local Events and Trends for Keyword Inspiration
Tapping into local events and trends for keyword inspiration is like unlocking a treasure chest of opportunities for your local SEO efforts.
These community happenings are focal points of interest and conversation that shape your local audience’s search behaviors.
By aligning your keyword strategy with these events and trends, you’ll gain access to a wealth of terms that your community is actively searching for.
Tune into the local calendar. Every community, big or small, is a tapestry of events that define its cultural and social landscape. From the buzz of the annual county fair to the excitement surrounding high school football derbies, these events are pivotal moments that shape search behaviors. Think of them as seasonal peaks in the online search world.
These local events act as magnets for search queries. When the county fair rolls into town, for instance, the focus isn’t just on the fair. Surrounding services and topics also become highly relevant.
People might start searching for “best parking near [county fair]” or “family-friendly restaurants near [fairgrounds].” These keywords, tied closely to the event, capture a specific audience looking for practical information or related experiences.
Similarly, high school sports events can trigger a flurry of localized searches. Keywords like “[high school name] football schedule” or “best spots to eat after [high school name] games” become hot commodities. These terms target an audience that’s already engaged and looking for additional resources or activities.
In a fascinating twist of events, Taylor Swift’s attendance at Travis Kelce’s matches became a unique opportunity for savvy local SEO strategists. This intersection of sports and pop culture set off a notable spike in local search queries: a trend that astute businesses swiftly capitalized on.
Source: https://www.dispatch.com/
Local eateries and entertainment venues near the stadium recognized the potential and adapted their SEO strategies to include keywords like “Taylor Swift at [Highmark Stadium]” and “Travis Kelce game highlights.” These targeted keywords perfectly captured the excitement of the moment; they cleverly drew in fans and onlookers who were eager to be part of the buzz.
Local restaurants, in particular, saw a golden opportunity and introduced keywords like”pre-game dinner before Taylor Swift appearance” or “best spots to watch Travis Kelce’s game near [location].” This strategic move increased their visibility in search results and connected them with a crowd looking to enjoy the game and perhaps catch a glimpse of the pop star.
Such instances exemplify how local businesses can leverage current events and popular trends to enhance their local SEO efforts. By staying attuned to what’s happening in their community and responding with timely, relevant, and engaging keywords, they can tap into the public’s interest and see a substantial uptick in local engagement and traffic.
Social listening is a critical tool here. Platforms like X can provide real-time insights into what’s trending locally. A food festival, for instance, might inspire searches for “best street food vendors” or “food festival tips.” By identifying these trends early, you can incorporate relevant keywords into your content ahead of the curve.
Don’t overlook the local influencers and news outlets, either. What they talk about often sets the agenda for local searches. If a local blogger raves about the burgeoning art scene, terms like “contemporary art galleries in [Boston]” or “art classes near me” might see a spike.
Similarly, if the local news features a segment on a community garden project, searches related to “community gardening in [Seattle]” or “volunteering for green projects in [Chicago]” could rise.
Also, think about the local issues that are important to your community. Is there an ongoing development project that’s the talk of the town? Or perhaps a historical restoration that’s capturing everyone’s attention? Keywords related to these topics can draw traffic and demonstrate your engagement with local matters.
Keep in mind that your business doesn’t always have to be directly involved in these events or trends. As long as you’re part of the local dialogue, you’re on the right track. For example, even if you’re a digital marketing firm, using keywords like “marketing tips for [local event vendors]” during the festival season can put you right in the middle of the local buzz.
Want to find the right keywords around local events and trends? SEO keyword research services will come in handy here.
Recommended Read: Real-Time SEO Content Writing: A 7-Step Process for Everyone
Step 8: Optimize “Near Me” Search Queries
Embracing the “near me” phenomenon in search queries is a game-changer for local businesses seeking to maximize their digital footprint.
This seemingly simple phrase has revolutionized how customers find products and services in their immediate vicinity; it offers a direct channel to connect with potential clients who are ready to engage.
The first step in optimizing “near me” searches is understanding how, when, and why your potential customers use them. This is where you dive into local SEO keyword research tools to analyze the popularity of different “near me” queries related to your business.
Are people searching for “coffee shops near me” more often than “cafes near me”? This data can guide you in tailoring your website and content to meet these specific searches.
Pay attention to the variations in these queries. Some users may search for “best pizza near me,” while others may look for “pizza delivery near my location.” Each variation presents a unique opportunity to capture a different segment of the market. By incorporating a range of these phrases into your SEO strategy, you’ll cover a broader spectrum of potential searches.
Location accuracy plays a big role in helping you make the most of “near me” searches. Ensure your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistently listed across all online platforms (including your website, social media, and local directories). This consistency helps search engines confidently associate your business with local search queries.
Leveraging local landmarks can also be a smart tactic. If your business is near a well-known location or landmark, include references to it in your content. For example, a boutique near Central Park might benefit from using keywords like “boutique near Central Park” or “fashion stores near Central Park.”
Step 9: Assess Keyword Difficulty and Search Volume
Keyword difficulty, often referred to as competition, is a measure of how hard it would be to rank for a particular keyword.
High difficulty means lots of competition (typically from well-established sites). On the other hand, low difficulty suggests an easier path to the top of search engine results pages (SERPs). For local businesses, assessing this factor is key to identifying achievable targets in the SEO landscape.
Conversely, search volume reflects the number of searches a particular keyword receives. High search volume indicates a popular keyword but also often comes with higher competition. Low volume keywords might be easier to rank for, but they won’t bring as much traffic.
The trick lies in finding that sweet spot: keywords that have a decent volume but aren’t so competitive that ranking for them is a Herculean task.
To assess these metrics, start by using local SEO keyword research tools. Many of these tools provide a difficulty score and search volume data for each keyword. For local SEO, you must look at these metrics from a local perspective. A keyword may have high competition globally but could be less competitive in your specific area.
Analyze the keywords your competitors are ranking for (especially those with a strong local SEO presence). This can give you insights into which keywords may be worth pursuing and which ones may be too challenging to tackle.
For example, a small boutique might find that “women’s clothing store” is highly competitive, but “artisanal women’s boutique in [San Francisco]” might be a more achievable target.
It’s also important to consider the relevance of the keyword to your business. Sometimes, a keyword with lower search volume but high relevance can be more valuable than one with high volume but low relevance. These keywords may bring in less traffic, but the traffic they do bring is more likely to convert.
Does it seem a little overwhelming? Hire keyword research experts who can take the reins for you. These professionals will utilize a suite of sophisticated tools and their in-depth knowledge to discern which keywords will effectively boost your local SEO efforts.
Take your time and carefully do your research to find the right keyword research agency that’s right for you.
Step 10:Monitor and Adapt Your Keyword Strategy
This is where local SEO keyword research strategy meets agility.
The first part of this process is monitoring. You need to keep a close eye on how your chosen keywords are performing. This involves regularly checking your website’s ranking for each keyword, analyzing traffic patterns on your site, and observing how these patterns correlate with changes in your keyword strategy.
Tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console can be indispensable for this purpose. They can show you how much traffic you’re getting, which search queries are bringing people to your site, and how users are engaging with your content.
Monitoring should also include keeping tabs on your competition.
- Are they ranking for new keywords that you haven’t considered?
- Have they made changes to their website that are improving their SEO?
Competitive analysis tools can provide insights into the keywords your competitors are targeting and their relative success. This is a great way to generate ideas on how to adjust your strategy.
Another critical aspect of monitoring is staying up-to-date with changes in search engine algorithms. These algorithms can change frequently; what works today may not work tomorrow. Staying informed about these changes can help you understand shifts in your site’s performance and prompt you to make necessary adjustments to your strategy.
Adapting your keyword strategy is the next critical step. Based on the insights you’ve gathered from monitoring, you may need to revise your choice of keywords. This could mean shifting focus to more effective keywords, abandoning those that aren’t performing well, or even capitalizing on new keywords based on emerging trends or new products/services in your business.
The goal of adapting your strategy isn’t just chasing the latest trends but aligning your efforts with your target audience’s evolving needs and interests.
For instance, if you’re a local retailer and you notice an increasing number of searches for sustainable products in your area, you may start targeting keywords like “eco-friendly apparel in [Atlanta]” or “sustainable fashion brands near me.”
Seasonal trends can also play a significant role in how you adapt your strategy. A landscaping business, for example, might focus on keywords related to lawn care in the spring and snow removal services in the winter. By adapting your keywords to the season, you’ll ensure that your website is always relevant to what your potential customers are looking for at that time.
User feedback and interactions can also provide valuable insights into how you may need to adjust your keywords. Pay attention to the questions customers ask in emails, social media, and reviews. This feedback can reveal what your customers are really looking for and how they describe their needs (which might differ from the keywords you’re currently targeting).
Content refreshes are an integral part of adapting your strategy. Updating your website and blogs with new keywords, based on your ongoing analysis, can help maintain or improve your search rankings. It’s also an opportunity to keep your content relevant and engaging for your audience.
Adapting your strategy also involves experimenting with different types of content and seeing how they perform in terms of keyword rankings. You might find that certain types of posts, e.g., how-to guides or listicles, perform better for your target keywords than others.
Finally, it’s important to set regular intervals for reviewing and adjusting your keyword strategy. This could be monthly, quarterly, or bi-annually (depending on your resources and the level of competition in your industry). Frequent reviews ensure that your strategy remains aligned with your business goals and responds effectively to the ever-changing digital landscape.
Start Working with the Local SEO Whizzes!
Starting your local SEO keyword research journey can be daunting (especially when you’re aiming for top-notch results).
This is where the value of working with experts truly shines.
Local SEO is a complex field that requires a deep understanding of search engine algorithms, local market trends, and effective keyword strategies. Tackling it alone can be overwhelming, and even with the best intentions, you may miss out on key opportunities or nuances.
This is where Search Berg enters the picture. Our team of local SEO experts brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. We understand that local SEO isn’t just a matter of inserting keywords into content; it’s the art of crafting a strategy that resonates with your local audience and aligns with how they search and engage online.
With Search Berg, you’re not just getting basic keyword research for SEO. You’re tapping into a suite of local SEO services that are tailored to your specific market and business needs. Our approach is thorough and data-driven; we focus on what works best in your industry and for your audience. Our experts stay updated with the latest SEO trends, and algorithm changes to ensure that your strategy remains effective and ahead of the competition.
Are you ready to experience the sheer power of local SEO keyword research? Our digital doors are open! Sign up for our SEO keyword research and local SEO services today. We’ll start off with a free consultation and craft a hyper-specific plan that meets your business’ unique requirements.
