The best keywords for a local business are simply the words your customers actually type into Google — and you can find most of them without any fancy tools, just by thinking like a customer.
Start with how customers describe their problem
People don’t search in industry jargon — they search their problem in plain language. A customer doesn’t search “residential electrical reticulation”; they search “electrician Te Puke” or “fix power point”. List the everyday ways people ask for what you do, and you’ve started your keyword list.
Add the local angle
Local intent usually means a place name or “near me”. Combine your services with your areas — “plumber Tauranga”, “cafe Te Puke”, “builder Bay of Plenty”. These location + service phrases are gold because the people searching them are nearby and ready to act.
Free ways to find more
- Google autocomplete. Start typing your service and see what Google suggests — those are real searches.
- “People also ask” and “related searches.” Scroll a results page for the questions and phrases people use.
- Your own enquiries. The words customers use when they call or email are exactly the words to target.
- Competitor sites. Note the terms similar businesses lead with.
Then use them naturally
Once you know the phrases, weave them naturally into your page titles, headings and content — one main topic per page. Don’t stuff them; write for humans, using the words they actually search. Give each main service its own page so each can target its own terms.
Want this done thoroughly, with the search data to back it? That’s part of our SEO and content work. Get a keyword and content plan.
FAQ
Do I need paid keyword tools?
Not to start. Google autocomplete, related searches and your own enquiries reveal most of what a local business needs.
Should I target lots of keywords on one page?
No — focus each page on one main topic and a small cluster of related terms. Separate services deserve separate pages.
What about very competitive keywords?
Local, specific phrases (“service + town”) are usually easier to rank for and convert better than broad, competitive terms.
