A Beginner’s Guide to Keyword Research for Local Businesses

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Keyword research is one of the most critical steps in any local SEO strategy. If you want your business to rank higher in local search results and attract more customers, you need to target the right keywords. This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through the essential steps, tools, and best practices for conducting keyword research for your local business.


1. Why Keyword Research Matters for Local SEO

Local keyword research helps businesses understand what potential customers are searching for online. Using the right keywords ensures your business appears in Google Search, Google Maps, and local directories when people look for services like yours.


2. How to Find the Right Keywords

Step 1: Brainstorm Seed Keywords

Start by listing general terms related to your business. For example, if you run a plumbing service in Cornwall, your seed keywords might include:

  • Plumber in Cornwall
  • Emergency plumbing services
  • Local boiler repair

Step 2: Use Keyword Research Tools

Once you have your seed keywords, use keyword research tools to find variations, search volumes, and competition levels. Some of the best tools include:

  • Google Keyword Planner (free) – Great for finding search volumes and new keyword ideas.
  • Ubersuggest (freemium) – Provides keyword suggestions, competition levels, and content ideas.
  • SemRush (paid) – Offers in-depth keyword insights, including keyword difficulty.
  • Google Search Autocomplete (free) – Type your seed keyword into Google and note the suggestions.
A Beginner's Guide to Keyword Research for Local Businesses


3. Focus on Long-Tail Local Keywords

Long-tail keywords are more specific and less competitive, making them easier to rank for. Instead of targeting broad terms like “electrician,” use:

  • Affordable electrician in Cornwall
  • 24/7 emergency electrician near me
  • Best-rated electrician in Cornwall

These keywords indicate purchase intent, meaning people searching for them are more likely to become customers.

A Beginner's Guide to Keyword Research for Local Businesses


4. Analyse Competitor Keywords

Check what keywords your competitors are ranking for to identify gaps and opportunities. Tools like Ahrefs and SEMrush allow you to enter a competitor’s website and see their top-ranking keywords.


5. Optimising Your Website with Keywords

Once you’ve chosen the best keywords, you need to integrate them naturally into your website. Focus on:

  • Page Titles & Meta Descriptions – Ensure primary keywords appear in the title and description.
  • Headings (H1, H2, H3) – Structure content properly using keywords.
  • URL Structure – Use keyword-friendly URLs (e.g., /cornwall-boiler-repair instead of /page123).
  • Google Business Profile – Optimise your GBP listing by adding relevant keywords in your business description and services.


6. Tracking Keyword Performance

After implementing your keywords, track their performance to see what’s working. Use tools like Google Search Console to monitor rankings and Google Analytics to track organic traffic.

A Beginner's Guide to Keyword Research for Local Businesses

Need Help with Local SEO?

For expert keyword research and local SEO services, visit Tide Digital.

By following these steps, local businesses can find and target the right keywords, improving visibility and attracting more customers.