Local SEO

Local Keyword Research

/local-keywords

Find location-specific keywords for local SEO campaigns. Generates geo-modified keyword variations, maps local search volume, and identifies service-area opportunities.

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curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/ccforseo/seo-skills/main/install.sh | bash

Or install this skill manually:

$ git clone https://github.com/ccforseo/seo-skills.git
$ cp -r seo-skills/local-keyword-research ~/.claude/skills/local-keyword-research
View on GitHubFree · MIT License · 8 skills included

What it does

The Local Keyword Research skill generates comprehensive keyword lists for local SEO campaigns. It creates geo-modified variations of your service keywords (e.g., 'plumber Austin TX,' 'emergency plumber near me'), maps local search volume by city and neighborhood, and identifies service-area keywords your competitors target. The output is a prioritized keyword plan for local content and GBP optimization.

Key features

  • Generates geo-modified keyword variations by city and neighborhood
  • Maps local search volume for service + location combinations
  • Identifies 'near me' and implicit local intent keywords
  • Analyzes competitor local keyword strategies
  • Prioritizes keywords by local search volume and competition

How to use Local Keyword Research

  1. Run the command

    Type /local-keywords with your service category, primary location, and service area radius. Optionally add competitor domains.

  2. Review the keyword list

    The output groups keywords by type: service + city, service + neighborhood, near me variations, and long-tail local queries. Each includes local search volume.

  3. Apply to your strategy

    Use high-volume keywords for GBP optimization and landing pages. Use long-tail local keywords for blog content and FAQ sections.

When to use it

Building a local keyword strategy for a new service area

Expanding keyword targeting to surrounding cities

Finding neighborhood-level keywords for hyper-local targeting

Creating location-specific landing pages at scale

Frequently asked questions

What are geo-modified keywords?

Geo-modified keywords combine a service or product term with a location: 'dentist Chicago,' 'best pizza Brooklyn,' 'emergency plumber near me.' These signal local intent and are essential for local SEO campaigns targeting specific service areas.

Should I create separate pages for each city I serve?

Yes, if each page offers unique, valuable content about your service in that specific location. Thin location pages with only the city name swapped provide poor user experience and may be flagged as low-quality. The skill helps you identify which locations have enough search volume to justify dedicated pages.

How does 'near me' search behavior affect local keyword research?

Google handles 'near me' searches based on the user's physical location, not your page content. You cannot optimize for 'near me' directly. Instead, optimize for explicit location terms and ensure your GBP listing is accurate so Google associates your business with nearby searches.

Can I use local keyword research for Google Ads?

Yes. The keyword list works for both organic local SEO and Google Ads local campaigns. The search volume data helps you set bids and budgets for location-targeted ad groups.

Related skills

Content SEO

Keyword Clustering

/keyword-cluster

Group keywords by search intent and topical relevance. Turns a raw keyword list into organized clusters ready for content planning and page targeting.

Local SEO

GBP Audit

/gbp-audit

Audit your Google Business Profile for completeness, accuracy, and optimization. Checks categories, attributes, photos, posts, and Q&A for local ranking factors.

Local SEO

Local Competitor Analysis

/local-compete

Analyze local competitors' SEO strategies. Compares GBP optimization, local rankings, review profiles, citation counts, and content strategies across your service area.

Content SEO

Content Brief Generator

/content-brief

Generate data-driven content briefs with target keywords, heading structures, competitor analysis, and word count recommendations. Ready to hand to a writer.

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