blog

Ranking for Location-Based Keywords: Best Practices

Introduction:
Location-based keywords are one of the most crucial aspects of local SEO. These keywords help ensure that your business appears in local search results when potential customers are searching for products or services in your area. Properly optimizing for location-based keywords will not only improve your local search rankings but also drive more qualified, high-intent traffic to your website. In this guide, we’ll explore how to effectively rank for location-based keywords and increase your local visibility.

Step 1: Conduct Local Keyword Research

The first step in ranking for location-based keywords is to identify the right keywords that are relevant to your business and location. Here’s how to do it:

  • Use Google Keyword Planner: Start by using Google Keyword Planner to search for keywords related to your products or services, then filter them by location to find the most relevant local terms.
  • Target Long-Tail Keywords: Long-tail keywords, which include both the product/service and location, are valuable for local SEO. For example, instead of just targeting “plumber,” target “best plumber in [City]” or “emergency plumber [City].”
  • Analyze Competitors: Look at your local competitors’ websites and see which keywords they’re targeting. Tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush can help you find competitor keywords.
  • Use Local Variations: Consider common variations in how people search in your area. For instance, in some regions, users may search for “near me,” while in others, they may use specific neighborhood names or local terms.

Step 2: Optimize Your Website for Location-Based Keywords

Once you’ve identified your target location-based keywords, the next step is to optimize your website content and pages. Here’s where to focus:

  • Optimize Title Tags and Meta Descriptions: Incorporate your location-based keywords into your title tags and meta descriptions. For example, if you’re a dental practice in Los Angeles, use “Best Dental Practice in Los Angeles | [Your Business Name].”
  • Add Location to H1 and H2 Tags: Use location-based keywords in your headings (H1, H2) to help Google understand the primary topic of each page.
  • Integrate Keywords Naturally into Content: When writing your website content, naturally incorporate your location-based keywords in a way that flows well and makes sense for the user. For example, a restaurant might mention “award-winning pizza in [City]” in their about section or menu description.
  • Location-Specific Landing Pages: If your business serves multiple locations, create separate landing pages for each city or region. Each page should have unique content, including location-specific keywords, to target that area more effectively.

Step 3: Optimize Your Google My Business Profile for Location-Based Keywords

Google My Business (GMB) is a powerful tool for local SEO. Here’s how to optimize it with location-based keywords:

  • Business Name: Ensure your business name on GMB is consistent with your website, but if possible, consider adding the location to your business name if it’s a natural fit (e.g., “Joe’s Pizzeria, New York”).
  • Categories: Select the most relevant category for your business and include location-based keywords in the description and services section. This helps Google understand your business type and the area you serve.
  • Business Description: In the “Business Description” section of GMB, include location-specific keywords and details that describe your business’s location, services, and how you cater to the local community.
  • Service Areas: If your business provides services in multiple locations, list all relevant areas in your service areas section to improve visibility in different parts of the city or region.

Step 4: Use Structured Data (Schema Markup)

Schema markup is a form of structured data that helps search engines better understand your website and its content. It’s especially important for local businesses looking to rank for location-based keywords. Here’s how to use it:

  • Add Local Business Schema: Use the to provide detailed information about your business, including your name, address, phone number, business hours, and location-based keywords.
  • Add Location Information to Schema: If you have multiple locations, you can use schema markup to add location details to each page, making it easier for search engines to understand your regional relevance.
  • Event Schema: If you’re hosting an event, use Event schema to mark up the event details. Include the location and event dates to improve local search visibility for the event.

Step 5: Build Local Backlinks

Local backlinks are an important ranking factor for location-based keywords. When other local websites link to your business, it signals to search engines that your business is relevant to that area. Here’s how to build local backlinks:

  • Sponsor Local Events: When you sponsor a local event, you’ll often receive a backlink from the event’s website or blog. These local, high-quality backlinks can improve your rankings for location-based keywords.
  • Get Featured in Local Directories: Ensure your business is listed in local online directories and business listings, such as your city’s Chamber of Commerce, Yelp, or industry-specific directories.
  • Collaborate with Local Influencers and Bloggers: Reach out to local bloggers or influencers who write about your industry or area. Offer them free services or products in exchange for a review or feature, with a backlink to your website.
  • Press Mentions: If you get featured in local media outlets, it can lead to valuable backlinks. Reach out to local news websites, radio stations, or TV stations with story ideas that are relevant to your business.

Step 6: Optimize for “Near Me” Searches

“Near me” searches are extremely common in local SEO. To optimize for these types of searches:

  • Use “Near Me” Keywords: In addition to location-based keywords, consider targeting keywords like “near me” or “in my area” by including them in your content. For example, “best pizza near me” or “affordable plumber in my area.”
  • Mobile Optimization: Many “near me” searches are conducted on mobile devices, so ensure your website is mobile-friendly and loads quickly. Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in mobile searches, so responsive design is critical.