Local Keyword Research: How to Find High-Converting Search Terms

Published On: March 11th, 2025Categories: SEO - Search Engine OptimizationBy

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Are You Targeting the Right Local Keywords? Here’s Why It Matters.

Imagine running a bakery in Austin, Texas, and optimizing your website for “best pastries” instead of “best pastries in Austin” or “custom cakes in Austin.” Without local keyword targeting, you’re competing with national brands instead of ranking for searches from nearby customers ready to buy.

Local keyword research is the foundation of high-intent, location-based SEO strategies. If you’re not optimizing for geo-specific terms and local search behavior, you’re missing out on qualified traffic and potential customers.

This guide walks you through how to find, analyze, and implement local keywords that drive real results.

What is Local Keyword Research?

Local keyword research focuses on identifying and optimizing for location-specific search terms that help businesses rank in Google’s Local Pack, Google Maps, and local organic search results.

Unlike general SEO, local SEO prioritizes queries that include geographic intent, such as:

  • “best Italian restaurant near me”
  • “roof repair in Dallas”
  • “emergency plumber Miami”

Google prefers serving users results based on location, meaning businesses that optimize for local search terms have a greater chance of appearing in relevant searches.

Why Local Keyword Research is Critical for SEO Success

  • Higher Conversion Rates: 76% of people who search for a local business visit within 24 hours (Google).
  • Improved Local Rankings: Google prioritizes businesses that match local search intent.
  • More Qualified Leads: Users searching for local services have high purchase intent compared to broader, informational searches.

How to Find the Best Local Keywords for Your Business

1. Use Google’s Auto-Suggest & People Also Ask

Google’s Autocomplete feature and People Also Ask (PAA) section reveal real-time search queries that customers are actively using.

Try this:

  1. Start typing your service into Google (e.g., “dentist in …”).
  2. Let Google’s autocomplete suggestions show popular local searches.
  3. Scroll down to the “People Also Ask” section for commonly asked questions related to your industry.

  • Example: A Miami-based HVAC company found “24-hour AC repair in Miami” through Google’s suggestions and optimized their site for it—leading to a 20% increase in local leads.

2. Leverage Google Keyword Planner for Location-Based Search Data

Google Keyword Planner allows businesses to filter keyword searches by city, state, or region, providing accurate search volume data for local markets.

Steps to use it:

  • Enter a broad term like “plumber” or “landscaping service”.
  • Apply location filters to see keyword variations in your target area.
  • Identify high-volume, low-competition local keywords to prioritize.

3. Analyze Competitor Keywords for Local SEO Gaps

Your competitors are already ranking for valuable local keywords—why not learn from them?

Tools to use:

  • Ahrefs’ Site Explorer – See which local keywords competitors rank for.
  • SEMrush’s Keyword Gap Tool – Compare your keyword profile with top-ranking businesses.

  • Example: A law firm in Los Angeles discovered a competitor ranking for “best car accident lawyer LA” and optimized its content to outrank them. Within three months, it saw a 32% increase in organic traffic.

4. Optimize for “Near Me” Searches & Voice Search

“Near me” searches have skyrocketed as users rely on mobile and voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant.

How to optimize for “near me” searches:

  • Ensure Google Business Profile is fully optimized with updated NAP details.
  • Use natural, conversational phrases in content (e.g., “Looking for a top-rated coffee shop near you? Try our local roastery in Boston!”).
  • Add schema markup to enhance local search visibility.

How to Implement Local Keywords on Your Website

1. Optimize Core Pages for Local Keywords

  • Homepage: Clearly mention location and services in headers and meta descriptions.
  • Service Pages: Target specific local keywords for different services (e.g., “emergency roofing in Denver”).
  • Location Pages: Create dedicated pages for each service area or city.

  • Example: A Dallas-based moving company created separate landing pages for “Long-Distance Movers in Dallas” and “Apartment Movers in Dallas”—resulting in a 45% increase in local search rankings.

2. Use Local Keywords in Blog Content

A blog isn’t just for thought leadership—it’s an SEO powerhouse when done right.

Local Blog Ideas:

  • “The Best Neighborhoods in [City] for New Homeowners”
  • “How to Prepare Your Home for Winter in [City]”
  • “The Most Common Pest Control Problems in [City]”

Regularly publishing localized blog content helps establish topical authority and trust.

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3. Add Local Keywords to Google Business Profile (GBP)

Google scans GBP descriptions, reviews, and posts for relevant keywords.

How to optimize GBP for local keywords:

  • Write a keyword-rich business description (e.g., “We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services in Nashville.”)
  • Encourage customers to mention location in reviews (e.g., “Best dentist in Chicago!”)
  • Post regular updates with local keywords.

Frequently Asked Questions About Local Keyword Research

At least every 3-6 months, or whenever there’s a major Google update affecting local search rankings.

Yes, if you want to rank in multiple locations—but ensure each page has unique content (no duplicate pages).

Local intent matters more. A keyword with fewer searches but higher buying intent (e.g., “best emergency plumber in NYC”) is better than a high-volume, generic term.

Let Ad Genius Help You Target the Right Local Keywords

If you’re not ranking for local searches, you’re missing out on ready-to-buy customers.

At Ad Genius, we specialize in:

  • Advanced local keyword research tailored to your market
  • Optimized content & landing pages that drive conversions
  • Google Business Profile strategies to dominate local rankings

Want to boost your local search visibility? Contact Ad Genius today and start attracting more customers in your area!

About the Author: Brett Williamson

Brett Williamson is the founder and CEO of Ad Genius, a thriving digital marketing agency in Phoenix, AZ. What began as a quest to market another business led Brett to become an "accidental agency owner" when he discovered his innate marketing talent. With over 20 years of experience in building successful businesses, he now leads Ad Genius in fostering a strong team culture and creating innovative, collaborative marketing strategies. Brett's expertise spans leadership, buyer psychology, AI development, SEO, and digital advertising. He is passionate about helping others build great businesses and sharing valuable industry insights. Outside of work, Brett is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys archery, hunting, fishing, and digital photography. His guiding principle is to "love people when they least expect it and least deserve it.