What is a Local Keyword?

A local keyword is a search term that includes a specific geographic location, such as a city, region, or neighbourhood. These keywords are used by users who are looking for products or services in a particular area and by businesses aiming to target those local searches.

Examples of local keywords include “SEO agency Berlin,” “best Italian restaurant in Manchester”, or “plumber near me”.

Why Local Keywords Matter

Local keywords help businesses connect with nearby customers who are actively searching for relevant offerings in their area. They are essential for local SEO, enabling companies to appear in both organic search results and local listings like the Map Pack.

Key benefits include:

  • Higher relevance for geographically targeted searches
  • Increased visibility for local users
  • More qualified leads from nearby searchers
  • Better alignment with user intent
  • Stronger local brand awareness

Optimising for local keywords ensures your content speaks to the needs of a specific audience in a defined location.

Example in Use

A marketing agency wants to attract clients in Dublin. They optimise their homepage and blog posts using phrases like “digital marketing agency Dublin” and “SEO services Dublin.” As a result, they start to rank higher for searches coming from that region, attracting traffic and enquiries from local businesses.

Local keyword optimisation may also include location-based title tags, meta descriptions, and internal links.

Related Terms

  • Local SEO
  • Geo-Targeting
  • Local SEO Landing Page
  • Map Pack
  • Search Intent