If you run a local business, your first priority in search engine optimization should not be to focus on the most popular, universal keyword phrases, but to focus on local keyword phrases that get fewer searches.  While it is a good idea to invest some time in optimizing for those popular keyword phrases throughout your seo campaign, you should first be concerned about getting visitors to your site, and, especially if you service a local area, you should be interested in bringing in local clients. 

Essentially, there are two types of search engine optimization: universal search engine optimization and local search engine optimization.  The importance of each depend greatly on the nature of your business.  If you offer a service or product that clients throughout the country, and perhaps the world, are interested in, then you should optimize for universal keywords.  Example:  You sell laptop computers on the internet and ship throughout the world.  Your primary interest would be to rank highly for terms such as 'laptop computers'.  If you run a local small business such as a flower shop, law firm, or car dealership, you want to attract local patrons, and it does no good to bring in customers from California if your business is in Maryland.  If you run a car dealership you should be interested in terms such as 'baltimore ford dealer' or 'maryland ford dealership'. 

A well-planned seo strategy first identifies which type of search engine optimization you require: universal or local.  If you require local search engine optimization, here are a few helpful steps you can follow.

1. Analyze keywords on Wordtracker or Trellian and determine which are the most popular universal terms.

2. Log on to Google Adwords keyword phrase suggestion tool.

3. Enter local search engine optimization keyword phrases in the box provided (check Descriptive words or phrases).  Utilize the most popular universal keyword phases and localize them.  If the most popular universal term is 'ford dealer' then search for 'baltimore ford dealer.  All try searching for local counties and other local cities from which customers may come to your business.

4. Google will provide information regarding that particular keywords level of advertiser competition and both last month's and this month's search frequency.  If the local keyword phrase has been searched, record that phrase and continue to the next one.

5. Once you've developed a substantial list of local search engine optimization phrases, you can continue on with your internet marketing campaign.

If you have any questions regarding local search engine optimization, or would like a Free Consultation, please contact us.

Dragonfly SEO is a Baltimore, MD based SEO company.