Introduction
In this highly competitive digital world, staying ahead of competitors has become very important. And this is especially true for local business that depends on walk-in traffic from nearby locations. But does that mean that they cannot use SEO to drive their growth? Not at all!
Localized keyword research can help businesses grow their online reach and attract targeted audiences. A recent survey has shown that 91% of consumers usually look at a business profile online before visiting the physical store.
Localized keyword research is finding keywords people use to search for a business in a specific location. This type of research is undoubtedly crucial for companies that wish to appear in local search results. Local search can be typically displayed in a map format, with the businesses that are close in distance appearing higher in results.
Following are examples of Local search queries that users make daily:
- Restaurant near me
- Hospital near me, etc
The local search results are based on factors like the user’s location, keywords, ratings, and reviews. Out of all these factors, the only one we have full control over is “Keyword”. Therefore, optimizing keywords to increase brand awareness and attract customers is of utmost importance. Let us learn more about it!
What is Localized Keyword Research?
Like generic keyword research, localized keyword research also refers to identifying and analyzing keywords. This research is targeted toward a specific geographical location and audience. However, generic keyword research has a comparatively broader scope, while local keywords cater to the interests of local audiences.
Furthermore, by relying on local keywords, businesses can create content according to the preferences of local customers. To better understand how localized keywords can help, we first need to understand what local keywords are.
What Are Local Keywords?
Locals keywords are queries people use to search for businesses or services in a particular location. These keywords include location qualifiers like
- “Coffee shops near me” or
- “Bakery near me”, etc.
Surprisingly, statistics state that 46% of all searches on Google are related to location. Therefore, businesses must rely on localized keyword research to optimize their site for local search and gain more traffic.
Implicit Keywords vs Explicit Keywords
There are two main types of local keywords:
| Implicit Keywords | Explicit Keywords |
| These are search terms users use to look for a specific location without explicitly mentioning their location. | Explicit keywords, on the other hand, include specific location indicators in the search query. |
| The search intent is typically border and less specific to a particular location. | The search engine is clearly defined. |
| Implicit keywords have a higher local keyword search volume. | Conversely, explicit keywords tend to give a lower search volume. |
The implicit and explicit keywords are significant for an excellent SEO strategy. Businesses should carefully mix both to satisfy various user intents.
Benefits of Localized Keyword Research
Local SEO is critical to gain visibility, organic traffic, brand awareness, and viable lead generation. Following is the list of benefits of localized keyword research:
- Increased visibility: Businesses with high-ranking local search results will attract more potential customers.
- Increased Traffic: Local search results can drive traffic to local businesses, leading to increased sales.
- Improved Customer Acquisition: Local Keyword research and optimization will help businesses gain new customers. This is especially important for companies that rely on walk-in traffic.
- Enhanced Brand Awareness: Businesses can increase brand awareness in their local community by topping local searches.
As a business owner, you must understand the value of Local SEO and Localized Keyword Research. By optimizing your site based on best SEO practices, you can grow your business significantly!
Step-by-Step Guide for Localized Keyword Research
Conducting local SEO requires a thorough approach to identifying relevant keywords. You can also work with a specialized agency like Gigde to help you.
Following is a step-by-step method of effectively conducting localized keyword research:
1. Define Your Target Location
Begin by recognizing the specific location or the geographic area you wish to target. Make sure you have a good understanding of your target location so you focus your keyword research accurately.
2. Understand Your Business and Service
Thoroughly understand and research the nature of the business, the industry, and the services and products they offer. Take note of unique aspects, specialties, or variations that could become potential localized keywords.
3. Brainstorm Localized Keyword
A crucial step of local SEO is to create a list of potential localized keywords related to the business. Start with broad terms and gradually refine them to be more targeted. Ensure to include keywords that include the city name, regional identifiers, and phrases like “near me,” etc.
4. Utilize Keyword Research Tools
Rely on Keyword Research Tools to expand your list of potential localized keywords. Tools like Google Keyword Planner can help you discover local keywords search volumes, relevant keywords, and their competition level.
5. Analyze Your Competitors
Go through the website of the local competitors and try to recognize the keywords they are targeting. This analysis can provide significant insight into refining your keyword strategy.
6. Evaluate Keywords Intent
Distinguish between implicit and explicit keywords to understand each keyword’s intent.
7. Prioritize Keywords
Prioritize keywords from your list based on their relevance, search volume, and competition. Focus on keywords that align closely with your business’s products and services.
8. Map Keywords to Content
Map each keyword according to its relevance to the pages or content on the site. At the same time, make sure that each piece of content matches the intent of the localized keywords and provides the users with valuable information.
9. Optimize On-Page Elements
Use the localized keywords strategically in your website’s on-page elements, including meta title, meta description, etc., for a seamless user experience.
10. Monitor and Refine
Track the performance of the keywords regularly using website analytics and SEO tools. Monitor any changes in search rankings, traffic, and conversion rates, and adjust as needed.
11. Localize Off-Page SEO
Beyond on-page optimization, also consider off-page SEO to increase the business’s local presence. Try to list your business on local directories, review sites, etc.
By carefully following these steps, you can conduct comprehensive Localized Keyword Research that aligns with your goals.
Conclusion
Localized keyword research helps significantly boost your visibility and reach local users. In addition, it serves as a successful strategy for successful online marketing. Localized keyword research can help business dominate their specific geographic areas. By aligning content, products, and services with the unique demands of local customers, companies can easily succeed online.
Delving deep into the field of Localized Keyword Research and relying on industry best practices will empower businesses to leave a good impression on the users.
FAQs
Q. How do I find a keyword for a location?
A. By Following these simple steps, you will find relevant localized keywords:
- Specify your location,
- Focus on business-related keywords,
- Include keyword modifiers
Q. What are localized keywords?
A. Localized keywords are search queries that users use to find local businesses in a particular location or geographic area.
Q. What is Local SEO?
A. Local SEO is a local search engine optimization that includes optimizing websites to appear in the local search results.
