SmallBusinessOnlineCoach.com

Using relevant keywords for your business is very important when it comes to search engine optimization for local businesses.  For example, lets say you are a Plumber in Chicago.  A lot of small businesses would think ranking well  in the search engines for the keyword ‘plumber‘ would be a good keyword to focus on, but in reality that is not the keyword that would be best to focus on.

You have to keep in mind the intent of the searcher.  “plumber” is way too broad.  It could mean 1000′s of different things (plumber supplies, plumber license, plumber school, etc) and most importantly 99% of all searches for that keyword would be people who do not even live near that Plumber’s business.

Better keyword(s) to rank for would be:

• Chicago Plumber
• Plumber Chicago
• Plumber in Chicago

You get the point.  These GEO target keywords are better for two reasons:

1. They are specific and they hold buying intent
2. Easier to rank well for within the search engines

Now because these GEO targeted keywords are easier you will have more time to find more variations that local searchers are using to find plumber services in Chicago.

Searchers use 100′s if not 1000′s of different variations when searching, which means there are a ton of great keywords a local  Plumbing business can rank well on in the SERP’s to increase business.

Just look at all the different variations I pulled after taking (literally) 15 seconds with the Google Keyword Tool.

The moral of this keyword research tip is make sure you are looking at relevant keywords that have the intent of searching for your services and/or products in your local area.