Building a Comprehensive List of Local Phrases
If you own a business, you likely want to attract customers from your local community. After all, they are the ones who are most likely to become repeat customers and refer your business to others. That’s where local SEO comes in – optimizing your website and content to appear in search results for people in your specific geographic area. And one crucial factor in local SEO is using targeted local keywords or phrases. In this article, we will explore how to build a comprehensive list of local phrases to enhance your local SEO efforts.
Understanding Local Phrases
Local keywords, also known as local phrases, are any search terms that include a specific location. These phrases typically contain a city, town, county, state, or region. For example, “coffee shops in New York City” or “best Italian restaurant in San Francisco” are popular local phrases. These phrases show search engines that the user is looking for results in a particular area, making it easier for businesses to target their local audience.
The Importance of Local Phrases for Local SEO
According to Google, over 46% of searches have local intent, meaning users are actively seeking information about local businesses. Also, 76% of people who conduct a local search on their smartphones visit a local business within 24 hours, and 28% of those searches result in a purchase. This data highlights the significance of optimizing for local phrases and the potential impact it can have on your business.
Factors to Consider When Building a List of Local Phrases
1. Location
The first step in building a list of local phrases is determining what location(s) you want to target. If you have a physical storefront, your primary focus should be on your city or town. If you are an online-based business, your target area may be broader, such as a particular county or state.
2. Relevant Keywords
Think about the products or services that your business offers and what makes it unique. Use relevant keywords that describe your business and are associated with your location. You can also research keywords that your competitors are using to gain insights into what your target audience may be searching for.
3. Search Volumes and Competition
When selecting local phrases, it’s essential to consider the search volume and competition for each term. You want to target phrases that have a decent search volume but are not highly competitive. Using tools like Google Keyword Planner can help you determine the search volume and competition for specific local phrases.
4. Relevance to Your Business
While it may be tempting to target local phrases with high search volumes, it’s crucial to ensure that the phrases are relevant to your business. You want to attract the right audience and not mislead potential customers with unrelated keywords.
Ways to Generate Local Phrases
1. Use Google Suggest
One easy way to generate local phrases is by using Google Suggest. When you start typing a phrase into the search bar, Google will suggest popular searches related to your query. Use these suggestions as inspiration for relevant local phrases.
2. Look at Google’s “People also ask” section
Another way to come up with local phrases is by looking at the “People also ask” section on Google search. This section displays questions related to your search, which can help you identify common local queries.
3. Use Online Tools
There are various online tools, like Ahrefs and SEMrush, that can help you research local phrases. These tools provide keyword ideas and insights into search volume and competition.
4. Analyze Your Website Analytics
Reviewing your website analytics can also help you identify popular search terms that are driving traffic to your site. Look at the “Organic Keywords” section in Google Analytics to see which local phrases are bringing in the most visitors.
Implementing Local Phrases into Your Content
Now that you have a comprehensive list of local phrases, it’s time to implement them into your website and content. Here are a few places where you should include your targeted local phrases:
1. Website Content
Incorporate your local phrases naturally into your website’s content, including your homepage, about page, and service or product pages.
2. Meta Descriptions and Title Tags
Include your local phrases in your meta descriptions and title tags. These elements appear in search engine results, making them an essential part of optimizing for local SEO.
3. Image and Video Descriptions
Don’t forget to add your local phrases in the descriptions and tags for your images and videos. This can help your content appear in image and video search results.
4. Google My Business Profile
Ensure that your Google My Business profile is complete and includes your local phrases. This will help you appear in local search results and Google Maps.
Final Thoughts
Building a comprehensive list of local phrases is crucial for any business with a physical location or target audience in a specific area. By optimizing your content with local phrases, you can increase your chances of appearing in local search results and attract more local customers. Remember to regularly review and update your list to stay relevant and competitive in your local market. Happy optimizing!
