How to Do Local Keyword Research

[matt.nails]

I am familiar with how to do regular keyword research, finding opportunity based on competition, search volume, etc.

For local search, do I go to all the trouble of finding hidden gems or just pick higher volume terms that have local intent. For instance: A search for "physical therapy" is a high volume term that Google thinks has local intent.

If i pick a low volume national term, that has 11-50 avg searches per month, I have lower chances...and even less chance that someone is searching locally.

What say ye?

Nails

[Roman-Delcarmen]

Start with some good local keyword data

Before you start, make sure you are setup for success by doing some preliminary keyword research in your niche.

This tool can help you
http://www.localmarketingsource.com/local-keyword-research-tool/

Check your analytics and see what keywords are already bringing traffic. There may be opportunities to increase your visibility on something that's already preforming.

Make sure that you always focus on converting keywords that provide the searcher with the proper intent.

Anothers keyword tools:

Wordtracker
SEO Book Keyword Tool
Ubersuggest
Keyword Eye
SEMrush

Other option is Google Trends for regional interest

http://www.google.com/trends/

Another good tips is use schema markup for local businesses injected into contact pages to give clear indications to search engines of your shop's physical location

[matt.nails]

Roman,

Thanks for your response. I guess i should have explained a little more:

1. My keyword research includes analysis of GSC search data, competitor kw analysis using SEMRush and using Moz's KWE to find the best oportunities.

2. Unfortunately, the website was created by an SEO who spammed keywords and the GSC data is a bit off and unrealitic.

3. Yes, I have found kws with local search modifiers, for instance "Physical therapy California".

Thanks for the other advice and tools...I need to look into them.

[Roman-Delcarmen]

Ok so I as can you know what are you talking about, Is good beacause you know what is wrong or at least you have an idea, and is bad beacuse the obivous solutions can help you.

If you share the URL of the website that you want to optimize I can run an audit and can give some specific advice or even better maybe I change the perspective of the problem

In some cases I get stuck in a problem and suddenly someone suggest some idea (stupid, basic and obvious) that I simple ignored

Regards

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Matt,

The problem of longstanding with kw research in Local SEO is that tools are unlikely to give you an accurate geographic search volume. If your client is in a major city, something like the Adwords Keyword Planner may give you some data that can be useful, or if they're next to a major city, you can look up keywords+that city name for an idea of how people search in that part of the country, but I wouldn't say the numbers should be viewed as set in stone.

So, for the most part, yes, you'll do your keyword research without geomodifiers and then just add them back in when you're optimizing the website or outreach for the business.

I also highly, highly recommend that you teach clients to document the EXACT language of the FAQs they receive continuously from consumers. The way those queries are worded really matters. Do customers in New Orleans phone a sandwich shop to ask about a submarine sandwich or a po' boy? Do people at your restaurant order soda or pop? Do you clean gutters or troughs? Regional language difference matter, particularly in Local and particularly in a large country like the US.

I recommend taking a look at Britney Muller's most recent Moz Blog post as her ideas are highly applicable to this subject: https://moz.com/blog/30-minute-keyword-research

Hope this helps!

[matt.nails]

Roman,

You have been very generous with your time and offer to help...I'd prefer not to publish the client website, though.

Miriam,

As always, you're such a great resource!

Thank you both,

Nails

[MiriamEllis]

My pleasure, Nails. Good luck!

[Roman-Delcarmen]

Dont worrie Matt is ok