
Targeting local keywords for your eCommerce website is essential if you're aiming to attract customers in specific geographic areas. Whether you have physical locations or just want to rank in specific regions, local SEO can bring high-converting traffic. Here's a step-by-step guide to effectively target local keywords:
1. Research Local Keywords
Start with understanding what your target audience is searching for in your area.
Tools to Use:
Google Keyword Planner
Ubersuggest
Ahrefs / SEMrush
Google Trends
Google Search / Autocomplete / People Also Ask
Yelp / Google Maps (to find local competitors' keywords)
Examples of Local Keywords:
“buy running shoes in Austin”
“organic skincare Los Angeles”
“affordable furniture store near me”
Look for:
Geo-modifiers (city, neighborhood, zip code)
“Near me” searches
Product + Location combos (e.g. "Bluetooth headphones Dallas")
2. Optimize Key On-Page Elements
Title Tags
Include the local keyword in the title:
“Affordable Laptops in Denver | Shop Now”
Meta Descriptions
Use your primary local keyword with a call to action:
“Shop premium laptops in Denver at unbeatable prices. Fast shipping available!”
H1 / Headings
Incorporate local terms in headers (H1, H2, etc.).
URL Slugs
Structure URLs clearly:
yourstore.com/denver-electronics/
Image Alt Text
Include local keywords in image descriptions if appropriate.
3. Create Localized Landing Pages
For each city or region you serve, build individual landing pages.
Example:
yourstore.com/san-diego-fitness-gear/
yourstore.com/houston-gaming-accessories/
Include:
City-specific content
Testimonials from local customers
Google Maps embed (if physical store)
Local events or news (optional for relevance)
4. Google Business Profile (GBP)
Even if you’re eCommerce-focused, if you have any physical presence, claim and optimize your Google Business Profile.
Add correct business categories
Use local keywords in your description
Encourage reviews with geo-specific language
Keep your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistent
5. Local Link Building
Try to get backlinks from local sources:
Local blogs
News sites
Chamber of commerce listings
Local directories (Yelp, BBB, local niche sites)
6. Publish Local Content
Start a blog that features:
Local buying guides (e.g., “Best Winter Jackets for Chicago Weather”)
Community-focused topics (e.g., “Top Fitness Trends in Miami”)
Local event tie-ins (“Gear Up for the NYC Marathon 2025”)
7. Schema Markup
Use LocalBusiness Schema on your site to help Google understand your local relevance. Add schema for:
Business address
Opening hours
Service areas
Reviews
Use Google’s Rich Results Test to verify implementation.
8. Local Shipping/Delivery Pages
If you offer local delivery or faster shipping in certain areas, highlight that with specific pages or banners like:
“Next-Day Delivery in Los Angeles – See Eligible Products”
Bonus: Monitor & Adjust
Track performance of local keywords using:
Google Search Console
Google Analytics (GA4)
Ahrefs / SEMrush for local keyword tracking