In the ever-evolving digital era, it has become imperative for local businesses to harness the potential of search engine optimization (SEO) in order to amplify their online presence.
Among the fundamental elements of SEO lies the pivotal practice of conducting comprehensive keyword research.
This article aims to provide a meticulous, step-by-step elucidation of the process for local SEO keyword research, as articulated by the esteemed Yash Desai of SEO Unleashed Yash in his illuminating YouTube video entitled “A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Conduct Keyword Research for Local SEO.”
Understanding Local SEO Keyword Research
Local SEO keyword research differs from national SEO keyword research. The approach is more focused on the specific location of the business. The goal is to identify the most searched keywords in a particular location related to the business’s industry or services.
Tools Required
To conduct local SEO keyword research, you will need two tools:
- Google Keyword Planner: This is a free tool provided by Google that allows you to find keywords related to your business or industry.
- Ahrefs or Mongools: These are paid tools that provide more in-depth keyword analysis. Mongools also offers a 10-day free trial.
The Process
Step 1: Using Google Keyword Planner
Start by entering a category (or service) plus the city into Google Keyword Planner. For example, if you are a dentist in Fairfax, you would enter “dentist Fairfax”. This will help you identify the most searched keywords in your location related to your business.
Step 2: Analyzing the Results
After getting the results, identify the most searched keyword. For instance, “dentist Fairfax” might be the most searched keyword for the dentist niche in Fairfax.
Step 3: Using Ahrefs or Mongools
Next, search the most searched keyword on Google and copy the link of the first URL that appears in the search results. Paste this URL into the site explorer dashboard of Ahrefs or Mongools. This will provide a list of all the keywords that the particular website is ranking for.
Step 4: Filtering the Keywords
Apply filters to get rid of non-search or very low-volume search keywords. If your website is new, you can target keywords with minimum volume as they will have less competition. If your website has some authority, target keywords with at least 10 searches per month.
Step 5: Utilizing the Keywords
Use the keywords in your website content, anchor text, and meta tags to increase your website’s relevancy. Make sure to have a separate service page for each service that you offer. This will help you rank for different keywords.
Conclusion
Local SEO keyword research is a gold mine for local businesses. It can help you identify the best keywords to target in your local area, boost your online presence, and ultimately increase your business’s visibility. However, it requires time and effort. If you don’t have the time or expertise to do it yourself, you can hire an SEO consultant to do it for you.
Remember, the ultimate goal of local SEO keyword research is not just to increase your website’s ranking on search engines but to attract potential customers to your business. So, make sure to choose keywords that are relevant to your business and that your potential customers are likely to use when searching for your services.
