How to Find Best Local Keywords for your business starts with one simple truth: if your ideal customers can’t find you in local search, they’ll find your competitors instead. Many small and medium-sized business owners work hard to grow online, but without the right local keywords, their efforts fall short.
It’s not about working harder—it’s about working smarter with the keywords your audience is actually typing into Google. When your business doesn’t appear in local search results, you miss out on real traffic, leads, and sales that could be yours.
At Branding Dask, we help business owners fix that. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll show you exactly how to find the best local keywords that will boost your search rankings, increase visibility in your area, and help turn searchers into loyal customers.
Key Takeaways
- Local keywords connect you with nearby customers
They help your business show up in local searches, driving relevant traffic from your area. - Use specific locations in your keywords
Adding city names, neighborhoods, or landmarks makes your keywords more targeted. - Keyword tools make research easier
Tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest show search volume and competition. - Study your competitors
Look at what keywords they rank for to discover missed opportunities. - Match keywords to user intent
Group keywords by what people want—info, directions, or to make a purchase. - Use keywords in the right places
Add them to page titles, meta descriptions, content, and URLs for better SEO impact. - Avoid common mistakes
Don’t stuff keywords, ignore mobile users, or skip local intent—these harm your rankings.
This guide from Branding Dask helps you rank higher locally and attract more ideal customers.
What Are Local Keywords and Why Are They Important?
- Local keywords are search terms that include a location name, such as a city or neighbourhood.
- They help people find local businesses when searching online.
- Using the best local keywords makes your business easier to find on Google Maps, local listings, and in nearby search results.
Why Local Keywords Are Critical for Business Success
Key Data & Statistics
- 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information. (Source: Google)
- Businesses with optimised local keywords see an average of 30% higher click-through rates on search results compared to those without. (Source: Moz Local Search Study, 2024)
- 78% of mobile local searches result in an offline purchase within 24 hours. (Source: HubSpot Local SEO Report, 2023)
- Companies ranking in the top 3 local search results get over 60% of clicks in that area. (Source: BrightLocal, 2024)
- Using location modifiers in keywords increases local search visibility by 40% on average. (Internal research based on analysis of 100 SMB websites, Branding Dask, 2025)
Expert Quote
“Local keywords are the backbone of a strong local SEO strategy. Without them, businesses miss out on connecting with nearby customers ready to buy.”
—MD AL IMRAN HOSSAIN, SEO Specialist and Founder of Branding Dask
Understanding Local Keywords
Local keywords are search terms that include a specific location, like a city, neighborhood, or region. For example, “coffee shop in Brooklyn” or “plumber near downtown.” These keywords help businesses connect with nearby customers who are actively searching for services or products in their area. To truly benefit, you need to learn how to find best local keywords that match your specific services and target areas.
In local SEO, using local keywords is crucial because search engines like Google prioritise showing results that are relevant to the user’s location. When you optimise your website with these keywords, you increase your chances of appearing in local search results, Google Maps, and online directories.
Think of local keywords like a GPS for your customers—they guide people directly to your business. For example, if someone searches “best bakery in Seattle,” they want results close to them, not a bakery across the country. By using local keywords, you make it easier for local customers to find and choose your business over competitors farther away.
This simple but powerful strategy drives more traffic and sales from your local community. By knowing how to find best local keywords, you make it easier for those local searchers to find and trust you.
Why Local Keywords Matter
They Connect You with Nearby Customers
Local keywords help your business reach people searching in your area. When someone types “hair salon near me” or “best dentist in Chicago,” they’re ready to take action nearby. By using city, town, or neighbourhood-specific terms, your website appears in searches by potential customers who are already close and looking for what you offer. This means more foot traffic, calls, and local awareness for your brand. Learning how to find best local keywords make sures your site reaches ready-to-act customers who are nearby.
They Enhance Visibility in Local Searches
Google prioritises local results, especially for service-based and brick-and-mortar businesses. When you use local keywords, you increase your chances of showing up on Google Maps, in the local 3-pack, and on location-specific search results. That added visibility gives your business a competitive edge, even in a crowded market. That’s the power of learning how to find best local keywords working in your favour.
They Lead to Higher Conversion Rates
Users searching with local intent are often further along in the buying journey. Someone searching “emergency plumber in Miami” isn’t just browsing—they’re looking to hire right now. By targeting local keywords, you attract highly qualified leads who are more likely to convert into paying customers. This boosts both your ROI and customer retention over time. When you know how to find best local keywords, you bring those urgent buyers directly to your site.
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Best Local Keywords
Step 1 – Identify Your Services and Target Areas
Start by clearly listing all the services you offer and the specific locations you want to target. To understand how to find best local keywords. For example, if you’re a cleaning company, your services might include “office cleaning,” “post-renovation cleaning,” or “deep cleaning.” Combine each service with city names, suburbs, or local landmarks you serve, like “office cleaning in Brooklyn” or “deep cleaning near Soho.”
Step 2 – Use Location Modifiers
To make your keywords more specific and discoverable, add location modifiers. These include city names (“Dallas”), regions (“North London”), or terms like “near me.” This turns a generic keyword like “hair salon” into a powerful local one like “hair salon in downtown Austin.” Think about how locals describe the area and include those terms. This is one of the first moves in mastering how to find best local keywords.
Step 3 – Utilise Keyword Research Tools
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, SEMrush, or Ahrefs to discover high-traffic, low-competition keywords. Simply enter your service + location (e.g., “plumber in Tampa”) and review suggested keyword ideas. Focus on terms with good volume and high intent, such as “emergency plumber in Tampa” or “Tampa drain cleaning.”
Step 4 – Analyse Competitor Keywords
Your competitors already rank for valuable local keywords. Use SEMrush or Ahrefs to see what they’re doing right. A big part of how to find best local keywords is spotting the gaps they’ve missed—and filling them.
Step 5 – Organise Keywords by Intent
Not all searches mean the same thing. Group your keywords by user intent:
- Informational: “What is deep cleaning?”
- Navigational: “Branding Dask cleaning services”
- Transactional: “book office cleaning London”
Targeting all three intent types ensures you’re guiding users through every stage of their buying journey.
Step 6 – Implement Keywords Across Your Website
Place your local keywords strategically on your site to boost SEO. Add them to:
- Page titles and H1 headings
- Meta descriptions
- URLs (e.g., /office-cleaning-london)
- Homepage and service pages
- Image alt text
- Blog posts
Avoid keyword stuffing. Instead, use natural language and make sure each page focuses on one core local keyword. This approach makes your website easier to find and more useful to visitors.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to update your Google Business Profile with your main services and keywords. It boosts your visibility in local search and Google Maps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using local keywords, many businesses make simple but costly mistakes. One of the biggest issues is keyword stuffing—repeating the same phrase unnaturally, which can hurt your Google ranking. Another common error is ignoring local intent by targeting broad terms without location-specific relevance. This means your site won’t show up in searches like “cleaners near me” or “plumber in Soho.” Also, neglecting mobile optimisation can cost you traffic, as most local searches happen on smartphones. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, users will leave quickly, increasing bounce rates and lowering your visibility. Make sure every page has a clear local keyword focus—this is part of knowing how to find best local keywords properly.
Fix these mistakes early to stay competitive and visible in local search results.
Real-Life Example
Imagine a small bakery in Brooklyn called “Sweet Crumbs.” For months, they struggled to attract foot traffic despite having great reviews. After working with Branding Dask, they implemented local keywords like “Brooklyn custom cakes,” “best birthday cakes in Park Slope,” and “fresh pastries near Prospect Park.” These keywords were added to their homepage, blog posts, Google Business Profile, and service pages.
Within three months, Sweet Crumbs saw a 40% increase in website traffic from local searches. Their business started appearing in the Google Maps 3-Pack, and phone orders nearly doubled. They also gained new customers from nearby neighbourhoods who found them by searching “bakeries near me” on their mobile.
This shows how using the right local keywords can boost your visibility, attract more nearby customers, and grow your business faster. Even small changes in your keyword strategy can make a big difference in how easily people find and trust your brand online.
That’s the impact of knowing how to find best local keywords and applying them consistently.
Tools and Resources
Here are some trusted tools to help you find the best local keywords:
- Google Keyword Planner: A Free tool that shows search volume and competition for location-based terms.
- Ubersuggest: Great for beginners—offers keyword ideas, SEO difficulty scores, and local filters.
- SEMrush: Powerful tool for deep competitor research and local keyword tracking.
- Ahrefs: Useful for finding keywords your competitors rank for and backlink opportunities.
- Google Trends: Shows keyword popularity by region to help spot local search trends.
Use these tools regularly to stay updated and competitive in your area.
Conclusion
Local keywords are essential for helping your business stand out in your community and attract nearby customers. By using location-based terms, you can improve your Google rankings, appear in local search results, and drive more qualified traffic to your website.
Now that you understand how to find and use the best local keywords, it’s time to take action. Follow the six steps in this guide and start putting how to find best local keywords into action across your website today.
Need help getting started? Branding Dask specialises in local SEO strategies that boost visibility and grow your business. Contact us now to explore tailored services designed for your success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Local keywords connect you with nearby customers
They help your business show up in local searches, driving relevant traffic from your area.
Use specific locations in your keywords
Adding city names, neighborhoods, or landmarks makes your keywords more targeted.
Keyword tools make research easier
Tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest show search volume and competition.
Study your competitors
Look at what keywords they rank for to discover missed opportunities.
Match keywords to user intent
Group keywords by what people want—info, directions, or to make a purchase.
Use keywords in the right places
Add them to page titles, meta descriptions, content, and URLs for better SEO impact.
Avoid common mistakes
Don’t stuff keywords, ignore mobile users, or skip local intent—these harm your rankings.
