Choosing the Right Local SEO Keywords in 2023

Of Google’s 2 trillion yearly searches, local queries account for two-thirds of them.

If your small business is going to thrive in 2023 and beyond, you need to take local SEO very seriously. Whether or not local SEO helps or hinders you will come down to content, social media, customer reviews, etc.

What needs to be noticed, however, is your keyword strategy. In this post, we’re going to tell you the why’s and how’s of choosing local SEO keywords in 2023. A lot goes into choosing SEO keywords, so keep reading, and we’ll make sure your keyword research tactics are on point.

Why Keyword Research is Important for Local SEO

Keyword research is important for SEO in general. It helps businesses understand what and how consumers search for products and services. A business that doesn’t do this research is completely in the dark about how to appeal to the right search terms.

The base-level strategy for a local business is to pinpoint search terms that consumers are using. With local SEO, keywords work in conjunction with other aspects of local SEO.

For instance, you have to fill out your Google My Business profile for the search engine to locate your company properly. If you properly rank for certain business-related keywords, your GMB profile will help Google rank you accordingly.

Think About Your Services

Keyword research starts at home. To come up with the right keywords for your content, ads, and landing pages, you need to brainstorm which terms you want to rank for. Often, this will have to do with the products and services you’re trying to promote.

One easy way to come up with keywords is to come up with one main one, then type it into Google and scroll down to find “related searches”. This will give you a number of Google SEO keywords to choose from.

Modifiers in Local SEO Keywords

Another thing that distinguishes local keywords from normal SEO keywords is something called a “keyword modifier”. Modifiers allow you to zero in on something more specific on top of the industry-related keyword.

Location-based modifiers are terms like “near me” or “in my area”. If you run an auto shop in Reno, you might want keywords like “auto shop near me” or “auto shop Reno”.

Local Intent

It’s imperative to consider the intent of local SEO keywords as well. What is the purpose of the search? Is it to learn more about your services, buy your product, or browse your site?

Having an idea of what people want will help you formulate a local keyword strategy. Try going on Google and using the auto-suggest feature to get an idea of what people are searching for.

Use Keyword Research Tools

Lastly, make use of the many keyword research tools that are available these days, especially Google’s Keyword Planner. It can be tricky to zero in on the right keywords in a competitive local marketplace, but these tools take a lot of the guesswork out of the equation.

FAQs about local SEO keywords

Choosing the right local SEO keywords is crucial for attracting targeted traffic to your website and improving your local search visibility. In this FAQs section, we’ll provide answers to some common questions about how to choose the right local SEO keywords and how to effectively use them in your online marketing efforts.

How do I choose the right local SEO keywords?

When choosing local SEO keywords, it’s essential to consider the language and terms your potential customers use when searching for businesses like yours in your area. You should also consider the specific products or services you offer and any unique aspects of your business that set you apart from your competitors.

How do I find the right local SEO keywords for my business?

One way to find the right local SEO keywords for your business is to use a keyword research tool, such as Google’s Keyword Planner. This tool can help you identify popular keywords and phrases related to your business and location. You can also use the autocomplete feature in the Google search bar to see what suggestions come up when you start typing in relevant keywords.

Can I use the same keywords for my local SEO that I use for my national SEO?

While it’s possible to use some of the same keywords for both local and national SEO, it’s generally more effective to focus on specific, location-based keywords for your local SEO efforts. This will help you rank higher in search results for people searching for businesses in your area.

How many local SEO keywords should I use?

There’s no hard and fast rule for how many local SEO keywords you should use, but it’s generally a good idea to include a variety of keywords and phrases in your website’s content, meta tags, and other on-page elements. It’s also important to use your keywords naturally and avoid keyword stuffing, as this can hurt your search rankings.

Can I use branded keywords for my local SEO?

Yes, branded keywords can be an important part of your local SEO strategy. These keywords or phrases that include your business name or brand can help you stand out in search results and improve your local visibility.

Can I use long-tail keywords for my local SEO?

Yes, long-tail keywords can be useful for your local SEO strategy. These are more specific, longer phrases that are less competitive and can help you attract more targeted traffic to your website. Long-tail keywords can also help you rank for a wider range of relevant search terms, which can increase your chances of attracting customers.

Choosing the Right Keywords

Successfully choosing a keyword for a landing page or piece of content might not seem like a big deal, but it can work wonders for your small business. Now that you know why and how to find local SEO keywords, it’s time to start doing your research. Local SEO is a lot of work, but it pays huge dividends when done correctly.

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