Digital marketing agencies assisting businesses to stand out by incorporating local keyword research are an essential part of their overall SEO strategy. As much as local keyword research is a powerful marketing tool, it is also underrated and sometimes overlooked.
In essence, local keyword search is the process of finding and analysing specific search terms people use when they look for businesses, products, or services in a particular area. The inclusion of a location or local indicator — such as best pizzeria in Brisbane or florist near me — is what separates these terms from regular keywords.
However, audiences should also know that local keyword search is more than adding a city name to a keyword. It’s about understanding their target customers, how they search, and what words they use — and most importantly, the intent behind those searches.
It helps businesses connect their online presence with what their customers are looking for, effectively cutting out the middleman.
How to Use Google’s Autocomplete
Google’s Autocomplete and People Also Ask sections are invaluable tools for geo-specific keyword search.
Begin by creating a seed keyword list relevant to your brand, product, or service. Additionally, note unique features locals may search for, like open late, pet-friendly, or near the beach.
Open Google and start typing these phrases. The search engine automatically suggests queries based on what real users are searching for. For example, a customer searching for florists might type florist near…, and Google provides suggestions like florist near me, bridal florist near me, florist open now, florist in Brisbane, or florist in Queensland.
Google bases these suggestions on actual user searches, giving you a realistic snapshot of audience behaviour. Each prompt can generate around ten related suggestions, which can then be analysed or saved.
The People Also Ask section can further reveal frequently searched questions. Save these for later use — they can become the foundation for your local keyword strategy or inspire your next piece of content.
(If you’re creating social content to accompany your SEO posts, check out Instagram character limits to optimise captions for readability and engagement.)
Discovering Keyword Gems with Google’s Autocomplete
Google’s autocomplete suggestions give businesses a goldmine of insights into local searches, helping shape smarter keyword strategies.
Start by incorporating location-based terms like city names, suburbs, or landmarks — for example, best plumber in Fremantle or cafés near Bondi Beach. Adding urgency or comparison words like best, cheapest, closest, or open now signals strong buying intent.
Question-based searches are another powerful method. Try starting with who, what, where, or how to find long-tail queries that show user intent, such as Where can I find the most affordable florist in Perth CBD?
Also, explore proximity variations like near me, nearby, or near [landmark]. For instance, gluten-free pizza near the Perth Aviation Museum can reveal new keyword opportunities and audience segments.
Use this information to update old blog posts, refresh your Google Business profile, or even improve your Instagram presence — for example, by testing geo-targeted shoutouts as explained in how Instagram shoutouts work.
Essential Tools for Local Keyword Research
To maximise your keyword research efforts, you’ll need the right tools. Platforms like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, and Ubersuggest help identify location-based keywords, analyse search volume, and assess competition in specific regions.
Another effective approach is SERP analysis (Search Engine Results Page). This means studying what currently ranks when you search a local phrase, such as best pizza restaurant near Kings Park Perth.
By reviewing the top results — their titles, keywords, and content style — you can identify what’s working locally and how to refine your strategy.
And remember: keyword data means little without visibility. Pairing SEO insights with a strong social presence (for example, optimising how your brand appears in posts or Reels) ensures consistent discovery. If you’re just starting out, here’s a helpful guide on how to create an Instagram account for business.
How to Measure Keyword Success
Evaluating your keyword performance is a crucial part of maintaining strong SEO visibility. Businesses can track and measure results using various analytics tools and techniques.
- Monitor keyword rankings using platforms like Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to measure how you rank for specific local terms.
- Analyse search volume trends to see how user interest evolves over time. High search volume indicates opportunity, helping guide content adjustments.
- Review your performance across different locations — tracking your visibility in Google Maps and search results can highlight strengths and gaps in your strategy.
- Measure conversions and engagement such as click-through rate (CTR), bounce rate, and time on page to see how well your optimised content performs.
To take your optimisation further, consider working with professional local SEO services that specialise in keyword tracking and local visibility improvements. Partnering with experts can help identify which keywords truly drive business and conversions in your target area.
Local Keyword Search FAQs
Why is Local Keyword Search Important?
Local keyword research helps businesses reach customers in their target region. By identifying how people search locally, companies can tailor content that appears where it matters — in Google local results and map listings — driving qualified traffic to their websites.
How Do I Choose the Right Local Keywords?
Start by brainstorming relevant terms tied to your product, service, or location. Then use keyword tools to evaluate search volume, competition, and intent. Focus on keywords that match your goals — ones that attract your audience and reflect what you offer locally.
How Often Should Keywords Be Updated?
Local search trends evolve quickly. To stay competitive, update your keywords regularly — at least quarterly. Monitor search volume and user behaviour to spot new opportunities and adapt to shifting interests.
Final Thoughts
Building a strong local keyword strategy is essential for any business looking to improve visibility in its area. When done correctly, it increases website traffic, attracts nearby customers, and strengthens brand credibility in local searches.
The key is to combine data-driven SEO with genuine, customer-focused content. Understand how your audience searches, provide value that answers their intent, and continuously refine your strategy based on results.
With consistency and insight, your local keyword research will do more than improve rankings — it will connect your business directly with the people who matter most.
