How to Do Local Keyword Research

30 June 2026·1 min read

Quick answer: Local keyword research means finding the search terms your local customers use — usually your service plus a location, like “hair salon Gold Coast” or “plumber near me.” Find them with Google autocomplete, by adding your suburbs and regions to service terms, and by checking what competitors rank for. Local keywords have strong buying intent, so they’re especially valuable for local businesses. 📈

Local searches come from people ready to buy nearby. Here’s how to find the words they use. 💖

How to find local keywords

Service + location — “service in suburb”
“Near me” terms — high intent
Use autocomplete — real local searches
Add your suburbs — and surrounding areas
Check competitors — what they target

💡 Local intent is buying intent. Someone searching “day spa Gold Coast” is ready to book nearby — that’s gold. Combine your services with your suburbs and regions to find local keywords with strong intent that bigger national sites often ignore.

Frequently asked questions

How do I do local keyword research?

Combine your services with locations (like “hair salon Gold Coast”), include “near me” terms, use Google autocomplete to find real local searches, add your suburbs and surrounding areas, and check what competitors rank for.

What are local keywords?

Local keywords are search terms that include a location or local intent — like “plumber Brisbane” or “cafe near me.” They’re used by people looking for businesses in a specific area, usually with strong buying intent.

Why are local keywords valuable?

Because they have strong buying intent — someone searching “service in my suburb” is often ready to act. They’re also less competitive than broad national terms, making them ideal for local businesses to rank for.

Keep reading 🤍

Written by

Kate, founder of Chronically Online

I help Gold Coast and Brisbane businesses grow with branding, websites and marketing that actually works.

Work with me ✦