Ultimate Guide to Free Keyword Research for Small Business SEO

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Keyword Research is Important
3. Using the Performance Icon in your Google Business Profile
4. Finding Potential Keyword Opportunities
5. Creating Content on your Website and Google Business Profile
6. Using the Edit Service Icon in your Google Business Profile
7. Tidying up the List of Services in your Google Business Profile
8. Using Competitor's Services to Discover Keyword Ideas
9. Using Google Keyword Planner
10. Using Google Search Console for Keyword Research
11. Conclusion

Introduction

In order to rank your small business on Google search and maps, it is crucial to perform keyword research. Understanding what your target audience is searching for will enable you to create relevant content on your website and Google business profile. In this article, we will explore the fastest, simplest, and most efficient method to conduct keyword research using free tools. By following these steps, you'll be able to optimize your online presence without spending a penny.

Why Keyword Research is Important

Keyword research is the foundation of any successful SEO strategy. It allows you to identify the search terms and phrases your target audience is using to find products or services similar to yours. By incorporating these keywords into your website and Google business profile, you increase your chances of ranking higher in search results. Without keyword research, you are essentially guessing what your audience is searching for, which can lead to missed opportunities and wasted resources.

Using the Performance Icon in your Google Business Profile

Many business owners overlook an incredible tool that is readily available in their Google business profile - the performance icon. By logging into the Google account linked to your business profile and accessing the search interface, you can utilize this tool to gain insights into the keywords your listing is currently ranking for. Scroll down the performance window until you reach the searches breakdown section. Here, you will find a comprehensive list of keywords your listing appears for in search results.

Finding Potential Keyword Opportunities

Once you have accessed the list of keywords your Google business profile is ranking for, it's time to dig deep and identify potential keyword opportunities. By analyzing this list, you can uncover keywords that are relevant to your business but may not be present on your website or Google business profile. For example, if you notice that people are searching for same-day services for your specific industry, but you don't have it listed on your website, it would be wise to create a dedicated page for it. Additionally, you can leverage these keywords to create more content such as posts and FAQs on your Google business profile.

Creating Content on your Website and Google Business Profile

While incorporating keywords into your website and Google business profile won't directly boost your listing's rankings, it will effectively match visitors' search intent. By providing content that aligns with what your target audience is searching for, you enhance the user experience and increase the likelihood of attracting and retaining potential customers. Unfortunately, Google does not offer the option to download the full list of keywords, but there is a workaround. By using a Chrome extension called Table Capture, you can export the keywords to a Google sheet for future reference.

Using the Edit Service Icon in your Google Business Profile

If you are fortunate enough to have the "edit service" option available in your Google business profile, you can further optimize your content. By clicking on the edit service icon, you can review and refine the services listed on your profile. Some services may have been automatically populated by Google based on information found on the web, including your website. While not all of these services may be relevant, they can serve as inspiration for creating additional content on your website.

Tidying up the List of Services in your Google Business Profile

To ensure your Google business profile accurately represents your offerings, it is essential to review and tidy up the list of services. By clicking on the edit option, you can remove any services that are not applicable. Additionally, check if Google suggests any predefined services based on your business category. By adding relevant services and creating matching content pages on your website, you can enhance your online presence and attract targeted traffic.

Using Competitor's Services to Discover Keyword Ideas

To uncover more keyword ideas, take a look at your competitor's list of services. By using an extension called GMB Everywhere, you can perform a basic audit for your competitor's Google Maps listing and view the services they are associated with. This can provide valuable insights into keywords you may not have considered. By adding these keywords to your growing list from the Google business profile, you can expand your keyword repertoire and stay competitive in the digital landscape.

Using Google Keyword Planner

An invaluable tool for keyword research is Google Keyword Planner. While you need to create a Google Ads account to access the tool, it is free to use. Google Keyword Planner is especially useful if your Google business profile is new and not showing many ranking keywords. By entering up to 10 product or service-related keywords and applying location filters, you can discover the average monthly search volume, competition level, and Google's suggested keyword ideas. Review the generated list carefully, giving preference to high search volume and low competition keywords.

Using Google Search Console for Keyword Research

Google Search Console is a powerful tool that provides comprehensive insights into your website's performance in search results. With Google Search Console, you can check how your site is ranking, identify specific page issues, and analyze the queries or keywords your website is ranking for. By exporting this list of keywords, you can uncover opportunities for optimization and new content creation. Filter the list by impressions to identify keywords that are already performing well and consider optimizing your content further for increased rankings and traffic.

Conclusion

Keyword research is the backbone of a successful SEO strategy. By understanding what your target audience is searching for, you can create and optimize content that meets their needs. Utilizing free tools such as the performance icon in your Google business profile, Google Keyword Planner, and Google Search Console, you can uncover valuable keyword opportunities and enhance your online visibility. Incorporate these keyword research techniques into your marketing efforts to rank on Google search and maps, driving targeted traffic and boosting your small business's growth.

Highlights

• Keyword research is essential for small businesses to rank on Google search and maps.
• The performance icon in your Google business profile provides valuable insights into ranking keywords.
• Analyzing the list of ranking keywords helps identify potential keyword opportunities.
• Creating relevant content on your website and Google business profile improves user experience.
• The edit service icon allows you to refine the services listed on your Google business profile.
• Checking competitor's services can offer keyword ideas for your business.
• Google Keyword Planner provides data on search volume and competition level for keyword research.
• Google Search Console offers detailed insights into your website's keyword performance in search results.
• Optimizing your content based on keyword research can improve rankings and attract more traffic.

FAQ

Q: How can keyword research benefit my small business? A: Keyword research helps you understand what your target audience is searching for, enabling you to create content that aligns with their needs. By incorporating relevant keywords into your website and Google business profile, you can improve your chances of ranking higher in search results and attracting targeted traffic.

Q: Are there any free tools available for keyword research? A: Yes, there are several free tools you can use for keyword research, such as the performance icon in your Google business profile, Google Keyword Planner, and Google Search Console. These tools provide valuable insights and data to enhance your SEO efforts without any additional cost.

Q: How can I utilize competitor's services for keyword research? A: By using the GMB Everywhere extension, you can perform a basic audit of your competitor's Google Maps listing and discover the services they are associated with. This can provide inspiration for new keywords and content ideas for your own business.

Q: Can Google Search Console help with keyword research? A: Yes, Google Search Console is a powerful tool for keyword research. It provides data on the keywords your website is ranking for, including impressions and click-through rates. By exporting this data, you can identify opportunities for optimization and content creation.

Q: Is it necessary to perform keyword research for a small business? A: Yes, keyword research is crucial for small businesses to improve their online visibility and attract targeted traffic. By understanding the search terms and phrases your target audience is using, you can optimize your content and increase your chances of ranking higher in search results.