How do I find traffic for local keywords?
-
We're having trouble finding reliable traffic numbers for long-tail local keywords (ex. - "computer repair green bay"). We tried using Google Insights but it doesn't display long-tail keyword information, only broad keyword keywords searched for in a certain locale.
We also tried using Wordtracker, but that hasn't been too reliable either.
Is there a single tool that provides real traffic for local long-tail keywords?
-
You are very welcome, Brandon. Thanks for using Q&A!
Miriam
-
Thanks Miriam! That was very helpful.
-
Hi Brandon,
The short answer to your key question is - no, there is not currently a tool that provides reliable geo terms. Even if you are in a major city, like LA, you cannot really rely on any tool for this. The reason for this involves data centers, IP addresses, etc.
So, how to Local SEOs conduct keyword research, then? Good question! Here is how I do it, and how the other Local SEOs I know handle this task:
-
Perform your keyword research without any geo modifiers. Search for your brand, your services and products and create a spreadsheet of the terms you discover.
-
From this list, create a second list including your geo terms. These might include city names, county names, neighborhood names, regional names and zip codes. They might also include modifiers like 'in' (i.e. computer repair in green bay).
-
You now have the most reliable list of keyword terms to target.
While there isn't a kw tool that can take the place of this method, I recently became aware of an interesting free tool that helps you generate geographic terms, by themselves. You might like to check this out in helping you determine good geo keywords to add into your list in step 2:
http://www.localmarketingsource.com/local-keyword-research-tool/
Google Insight does provide some help, but don't overlook the most important factor - listening to what your customers call who you are and what you do. If you've been in business for a long time, you may have become aware of interesting terms your customers use that aren't necessarily in-house terms for things. Definitely, look those terms up to see if people are using them to search.
Good luck with the task ahead!
Miriam
-
-
I use Market Samurai. This is the tool that I use on a regular basis and I like the results.
Got a burning SEO question?
Subscribe to Moz Pro to gain full access to Q&A, answer questions, and ask your own.
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
How to Find a Competitor's Target Keyword for a Particular Webpage
I understand how to do basic keyword research and how to review a competitor's code (meta tags, etc.). But what is the best method for finding out what a competitor's target keyword is for a particular web page? For example, the URL www.example.com/about-us, what is the best method for finding out what their target keyword is? I have been using a keyword density tool to run the URLs and find the keyword or phase that appears most often but would think there is a better way?
Keyword Research | | rx3000 -
Keywords
i have found proper keywords for my site. The site is www.anavasis.gr what is the proper way to have them in my site? Make articles in my site and link them from the homepage like: www.anavasis.gr/keyword-article and put all those links in the footer of my homepage? Which is the best way? thanks in advance
Keyword Research | | anavasis0 -
Tool for wildcard keyword suggestions
Like others, I have also been oblivious to the options which were uncovered in this article, using stars or underscores to uncover more keywords suggestions. However, I am trying to find a way to avoid the manual labour. Did any of you find a successful tool that automatically adds all the possible combinations of these wildcards to give a comprehensive lists of suggestions? I am looking for a tool that also included my country (.nl).
Keyword Research | | Entertainment0 -
Optimize the ranking with the right keyword
Hi, I would like to know the processs if i want use in the same time 2 keywords. "géolocalisation véhicule" and " geolocalisation vehicule " As you can see the diffence is just the accent and i would like have the same ranking for both Thank for your help Steve
Keyword Research | | fleurya1 -
Local Keyword Strategy
Good morning! I'm working on building out a new website for a regional insurance agency specializing in auto insurance for high risk drivers (ex. Tickets, Accidents, Dui's, etc.). Due to the competitive nature of our industry, I believe it is best to focus on very localized long tail keywords, instead of broad terms I don't have any chance of ranking for. Our keyword research indicates that there is an opportunity to optimize and potentially rank for keywords that include geographic modifiers for towns and cities within a roughly 50 mile radius. The problem is, there is only so much you can say about auto insurance. On the one hand, I would like to have individual landing pages for each keyword phrase. On the other hand, I don't want to look manipulative to Google or hurt user experience by creating a bunch of pages with relatively similar content. Can anyone offer some advice on how I can structure the site/content to optimize for each geographic modifier without having lots of pages that are very similar? Thank you!
Keyword Research | | matthewbyers0 -
Optimizing for two nearly identical keywords.
Hi Mozzers, So in one of my campaigns I'm trying to optimize for "Personal Trainer Minneapolis" and "Minneapolis Personal Trainer". Would the best tactic be: Develop and optimize two pages. One for each of these similar keywords. (Clearly not the best UX). or Try to optimize a single page for both. Thanks for your thoughts!
Keyword Research | | JesseCWalker0 -
Search Traffic down 50% but rankings same?
One of my client's sites is experiencing a major decrease in search traffic (by 50%) but the main terms she usually gets traffic for, she's ranking the same or even better over the period of time that the traffic has decreased. What could cause this?
Keyword Research | | bvrob0