Choosing a keyword for optimalization, it is one of the most difficult and important part of the optimalization process:
take your time when doing this
try not to change main keywords too often (when optimalization is alley started)
Choosing the perfect keyword is not just about picking terms that seem relevant—it's about selecting the words and phrases your potential customers are actually using to find businesses like yours. With Localo, this process becomes more strategic and data-driven. Here's how you can make the most of Localo’s tools to boost your visibility in local search results:
1. Understand Your Customers' Search Behavior
Begin by thinking like your customer. What would someone type into Google if they needed your service?
Identify Your Services and Location: Combine the specific services you offer with your geographical location. For example, instead of vague or brand-focused terms, use more actionable phrases like "emergency plumber Chicago" or "best sushi Los Angeles."
For 2 or 3 main keywords: (keep them in two variations)
Use Keywords Without a Location Modifier for Broader Visibility: Generic keywords like "coffee shop," "hair salon," or "dentist" tend to have high search volumes. However, they also pit your business against a wide range of national and even global competitors, which can make it harder to rank unless your SEO is very strong.
Use Keywords With a Location Modifier for Local Grounding: Keywords that include geographic indicators—such as "coffee shop San Diego," "hair salon Austin," or "dentist Miami"—are more targeted and reflect your business's relevance in local searches. These phrases tend to attract customers who are actively looking for a nearby provider, making them more valuable for local SEO.
Avoid Brand-Specific Terms for Discovery: While it's fine to rank for your business name, new customers typically search using generic terms. Focus on keywords that describe what you offer and where you're located.
2. Analyze Existing Keyword Performance
Before venturing into new keyword territory, evaluate how your current keywords are performing:
Access Google Business Profile Performance: Head to your Google Business Profile, click on "Performance," then "search breakdown" and check which queries are bringing traffic to your profile already. This gives a solid foundation for understanding your organic visibility.
Leverage Existing Visibility: If you're already showing up for certain searches, optimizing those keywords further can often yield faster improvements than starting from scratch.
3. Utilize Localo's Keyword Tools
Localo is built to simplify the keyword selection process. Here's how you can use its suite of tools to make more informed decisions:
Search Volume: Enter your chosen keyword into Localo's keyword analyzer. You’ll receive a detailed breakdown of monthly search volumes, how they fluctuate over time, and comparisons with similar keyword alternatives. This lets you prioritize terms with consistent or growing demand.
Keyword Difficulty and Competition Levels: Localo helps you assess how difficult it might be to rank for a specific keyword by showing competition levels. For small or newer businesses, this is critical in avoiding overly competitive terms and instead focusing on opportunities with lower difficulty scores.
Long-Tail Keyword Discovery: These longer, more specific phrases such as "24-hour vet Brooklyn" or "vegan bakery open late" might have fewer searches, but they’re highly targeted and often lead to better conversion rates. Localo’s algorithm suggests these gems based on your main keywords and your business type.
Local Intent Indicators: Localo flags keywords that carry strong local intent—terms often used when customers are looking for a nearby business. Prioritizing these keywords helps align your content with what people are actually searching for in your area.
With these capabilities, Localo empowers you not only to find keywords, but to craft a full-funnel strategy tailored to your specific market and goals.
4. Target Keywords That Trigger the Local Pack
Appearing in the Google Local Pack—the box that displays the top three local business listings alongside a map—is one of the most impactful ways to increase your business's visibility online. These top spots are highly prominent in search results, giving your business greater screen space and a higher chance of being clicked by users.
Being featured in the Local Pack also signals credibility. Customers often view businesses in this section as more trustworthy or authoritative, especially when paired with high ratings and a well-maintained Google Business Profile. This perception can significantly influence user behaviour and lead to more conversions.
Moreover, keywords that trigger the Local Pack usually indicate strong local intent. When someone searches for a term like “plumber near me” or “Italian restaurant in Chicago,” they are often ready to take action. These users are more likely to visit your location, call, or make a booking. Capturing this intent by optimizing for Local Pack-triggering keywords can directly contribute to your business growth.
Use Localo to identify which of your keywords activate the Local Pack, then focus your content, business profile, and citations around these terms to improve your chances of being featured.
5. Use Google Trends and Monitor Your Strategy Continuously
Google Trends is a powerful, free tool that shows how interest in a keyword changes over time. It’s an essential step to understand whether a term is gaining traction or losing relevance. Some services or products have seasonal peaks—for example, “AC repair” is most popular in the summer, while “gift shop” trends during the holidays. Understanding these patterns helps you prepare your content and promotional efforts in advance.
Another advantage of Google Trends is the ability to compare different keywords to determine which is more popular in your area or nationally. For instance, if you're unsure whether to focus on “dog groomer” or “pet spa,” Google Trends can show which term users are searching more frequently. This insight allows you to choose the term that resonates most with your target audience.
Moreover, the tool can highlight rising or emerging keywords—terms that are starting to gain momentum. Spotting these early gives you a chance to capture traffic before your competitors do. Once you’ve used Google Trends to validate and understand keyword interest and timing, you’re ready to move into deeper, performance-based tracking.
Have more questions?
🎥 See our video about Local SEO Keyword Tracking
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