How to Find High-Volume Keywords for Your Small Business: Local Keyword Research Hacks

A step-by-step guide to selecting the right keywords for a local business,

Step 1: Understand Your Business & Target Audience

Before looking for keywords, you need clarity on:

What exactly do you offer? (e.g., plumbing services, vegan bakery, digital marketing)Where do you offer it? (city, neighborhood, region)Who is your ideal customer? (homeowners, tourists, small businesses)

Example: If you run a plumbing business in Austin, your audience is likely homeowners searching for “emergency plumber in Austin” or “leak repair near me.”

Step 2: Brainstorm “Seed Keywords”

Start by making a simple list of terms your customers might type into Google.

Think of service + location

Think of problem-based searches

Think of solution-based searches

Example for a bakery in Chicago:

“Birthday cakes in Chicago”

“Custom wedding cakes near me”

“Best bakery in Chicago”

Write down 10–20 basic ideas to start.

Step 3: Spy on Competitors

Check what keywords local competitors are ranking for.

Google “your service + city” and see which businesses show up.

Look at their website titles, headings, and service pages.

Use free tools like Ubersuggest, SEMrush (free trial), or Google Keyword Planner to see their keyword list.

Example: If “custom cakes Chicago” appears a lot on competitors’ sites, that’s probably a keyword people search for.

Step 4: Use Google Autocomplete & “People Also Ask”

Google gives you free keyword ideas!

Type “plumber Austin” and see the autocomplete suggestions.

Scroll down and check “People also ask” and related searches at the bottom.

Example:

Typing “plumber Austin” might show:

Plumber Austin 24/7

Plumber Austin TX reviews

emergency plumber Austin

These are real searches from locals.

Step 5: Add “Near Me” & Local Modifiers

Most local searches include:

Near me

City/Neighborhood name

Best/top/affordable

So, combine your main keyword with:

City name → “Best bakery Chicago”

Neighborhood → “Bakery in Lincoln Park Chicago”

“Near me” → “Cake shop near me”

Step 6: Check Keyword Volume & Difficulty

You don’t want keywords that nobody searches for or keywords too competitive for a small business.

Use Google Keyword Planner (free) or tools like Ubersuggest, Ahrefs, SEMrush to check:

Monthly search volume (look for 30–1,000/month for local)

Keyword difficulty (aim for low-medium difficulty)

Example:

“Plumber Austin” → High competition, but good main keyword.

“Emergency plumber Austin 24/7” → Lower competition but still valuable.

Step 7: Look for Service Variations & FAQs

Don’t just target one keyword—create a list of service variations.

“Vegan bakery Chicago”

“Gluten-free bakery Chicago”

“Birthday cake delivery Chicago”

Also note common questions customers ask and turn them into keywords:

“How much does a wedding cake cost in Chicago?”

“Where to buy gluten-free cakes in Chicago?”

Step 8: Prioritize Keywords with Buyer Intent

Not all keywords are equal. Some bring browsers, others bring buyers.

Good (High Buyer Intent): “Buy custom cake Chicago” → Ready to purchase

Medium: “Best bakeries in Chicago” → Still researching

Low: “Cake recipes Chicago style” → Not a buyer

Always prioritize keywords that show they want to book/order now.

Step 9: Create a Keyword Map

Organize your keywords by service + location + intent and decide which page they belong to:

Homepage: Best bakery in Chicago | Bakery near me

Service Page: Custom wedding cakes Chicago | Vegan cakes Chicago

Blog: How to choose the best wedding cake in Chicago

This way you don’t stuff all keywords on one page.

Step 10: Keep Updating & Tracking

Track which keywords bring you calls, messages, or visits

Use Google Search Console to see what people actually type

Update your list every 3–6 months as trends change

Quick Example: Local Bakery in Chicago

Main Keywords:

Best bakery in Chicago

Cake shop near me

Custom birthday cakes Chicago

Secondary/Service Keywords:

Vegan bakery Chicago

Gluten-free cakes Chicago

Wedding cake delivery Chicago

Long-tail / FAQ Keywords:

How much does a wedding cake cost in Chicago?

Where to order custom cakes near Lincoln Park?

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