Did you know that 80% of people turn to a search engine when they’re hunting for local businesses? Yep, that means your next customer is probably typing “best tacos near me” or “plumber in Sacramento” right now. If your site isn’t optimized with local keywords, you might as well be invisible to them.
So, how do you get your business to pop up in these searches? It’s all about understanding and using local keywords the right way. These location-specific search terms are the backbone of your local SEO strategy. Let’s break down how you can find them, choose the right ones, and use them to dominate local searches.
What Are Local Keywords (and Why Do They Matter)?
Local keywords are exactly what they sound like—search terms that tie your business to a specific area. Think phrases like “wedding planner in Los Angeles” or “best dentist near Wilmington.” They’re the GPS coordinates that guide local searchers straight to your door.
By using local keywords, you increase your chances of showing up in front of the people who actually matter—those nearby who are ready to buy from you.
Step 1: How to Find Local Keywords
To find keywords for local search, you need to conduct local SEO keyword research.
Keyword research is the process of identifying popular key terms that will help you appear in search results relevant to your business and target market.
Ready to rank locally? Here’s how you dig up those goldmine keywords:
- Use a keyword tool. Tools like KeywordsFX, Google Keyword Planner, or even Google Search suggestions can spark ideas. Type in your core service + location and see what pops up.
- Spy on your competitors. A quick peek at what keywords other businesses are ranking for can give you a head start.
- Check your own performance. Tools like Google Search Console let you see which local terms you already rank for—and which ones need work.
For example, if you’re an event planner in Los Angeles, start with terms like:
- Event planner in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles party planner
- Wedding planner Los Angeles
- Best event coordinator in Los Angeles
Step 2: How to Pick the Best Local Keywords
Some companies will try to rank for keywords that aren’t relevant to their business because they have high search volume and drive traffic. The issue with this approach is that those keywords won’t drive qualified leads to your page.
Keyword lists can get long—and overwhelming. Here’s how to filter down to the gems:
- Specify your service area. Don’t just target your city—include suburbs or nearby towns you serve. If you’re in Los Angeles, add Santa Monica, Venice Beach, or Pasadena.
- Stay industry-specific. Don’t waste time on unrelated high-volume keywords (e.g., “talent agent Los Angeles” when you’re an event planner). That only increases your bounce rate—and makes Google side-eye your site.
- Use keyword modifiers. These spice up your phrases and catch more searches:
- Quality: best, top, trusted
- Occasion: birthday, wedding, Christmas
- Type: catering, venues, same-day
- Special offers: all-inclusive, 24/7, free consultation
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Step 3: Go Beyond Local Keywords
Local keywords are powerful, but they’re just one part of the local SEO puzzle. Pair them with these strategies for maximum impact:
1. Claim & Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is prime real estate. Fill it out completely—add photos, write a killer description, and make sure your contact info matches everywhere online. Fun fact: businesses with photos get 42% more direction requests and 35% more website clicks than those without!
So, if someone searches local keywords like “event planner in Los Angeles” or “Los Angeles wedding planner,” it will generate these listings at the top of the search results.
If you want searchers to choose your company, start by claiming your business’s listing.
2. Run Local PPC Campaigns
Pay-per-click (PPC) ads help you jump straight to the top of search results. The key? Keep them hyper-local. People love ads that call out their exact city or zip code. Match your ad copy to your landing page for maximum conversions. For example, if your ad says “Wedding Planner in Los Angeles,” your landing page better scream “Wedding Planning in Los Angeles” too.
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Start Using Local Keywords Today
If you’re not using local keywords yet, you’re leaving money (and leads) on the table. By weaving location-specific terms into your site, you’ll attract more local visitors, boost your rankings, and ultimately grow your business.
Not sure where to start? That’s what we’re here for. At Blumoo Creative, we’ve been helping businesses like yours climb local search rankings for over a decade. From finding the right keywords to building out your Google Business Profile and running PPC ads, we’ve got your back.
Ready to capture more local leads? Contact us online or call us at (916) 223-0367 today and let’s start building your local visibility.
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