18 Feb How to Search Keywords Locally in SEMrush

When conducting keyword research, it’s crucial to understand how search terms perform in specific locations. If you’re targeting a particular city, region, or country, a general keyword search may not be enough to get accurate data. Fortunately, SEMrush provides a powerful way to search for keywords locally, helping you refine your SEO and PPC strategies.

Why Local Keyword Research Matters

Understanding how people search in different locations can give you an edge over competitors. Here’s why local keyword research is important:

• More relevant results: Keywords that work well in one city might not be as effective in another.
• Better audience targeting: Helps businesses like restaurants, real estate agencies, or local service providers attract nearby customers.
• Improved advertising efficiency: PPC campaigns perform better when targeting location-specific keywords.

How to Search Keywords Locally in SEMrush

SEMrush makes it easy to refine keyword searches based on location. Here’s a step-by-step guide to conducting local keyword research:

1. Access the Keyword Overview Tool

The first step is to navigate to the Keyword Overview tool in SEMrush. Follow these steps:

1. Log into your SEMrush account.
2. Go to the Keyword Overview section.
3. Enter your desired keyword in the search bar.

By default, SEMrush will display data for a global or national level, but you can refine it further.

2. Select Your Target Location

Once the keyword results appear, look for the option to change the location. SEMrush allows you to filter by:

• Country – View keyword data for an entire country.
• State or Region – Focus on a specific state or province.
• City – Dive deep into city-specific keyword trends.

Click on the location dropdown, and enter or select the desired target area.

3. Analyze Local Keyword Metrics

Once you’ve set the correct location, SEMrush will show keyword metrics based on that area, including:

• Search Volume: The number of times the keyword is searched in your chosen location.
• Keyword Difficulty: How hard it is to rank for this keyword in the selected area.
• CPC (Cost-Per-Click): The estimated price for PPC ads targeting this keyword locally.
• Search Intent: Whether the keyword is informational, navigational, commercial, or transactional.

4. Use the Keyword Magic Tool for More Insights

The Keyword Magic Tool is another powerful feature in SEMrush. It enables you to generate a list of related keywords, sorted by topic and relevance. Here’s how to use it:

1. Go to the Keyword Magic Tool
2. Enter your keyword and select your location.
3. Browse through the suggested keyword variations and filter by difficulty, volume, or cost-per-click.

5. Analyze Local Competitor Keywords

Checking what keywords your competitors are ranking for can provide additional insights. Use the Organic Research Tool to:

• Enter a local competitor’s domain.
• Filter results by the target location.
• Identify which keywords bring the most traffic to their website.

This can help you discover new keyword opportunities that you may not have considered.

Best Practices for Local Keyword Research

To make the most of SEMrush’s local keyword research tools, keep these best practices in mind:

• Use long-tail keywords: Adding location-specific terms like “best coffee shop in Chicago” can improve your visibility.
• Monitor keyword trends: Pay attention to seasonal changes in local search behavior.
• Combine with Google My Business: Optimizing your Google My Business profile with local keywords can boost your ranking in local searches.

Final Thoughts

Local keyword research is essential for businesses targeting specific geographic areas. With SEMrush, you gain access to valuable insights that can help refine your SEO and PPC strategies. By selecting the right location, analyzing competitor data, and utilizing the Keyword Magic Tool, you can improve your rankings and drive more targeted traffic.

Start implementing these techniques today and watch your local search visibility grow!