Want to attract more local customers to your Shopify store? Local keywords are the key to reaching your audience in specific areas. Here’s what you need to know:
- What are local keywords? They combine business terms with location details (e.g., “Brisbane bakery” or “Gold Coast swimwear“).
- Why use them? They improve visibility in local search results and drive targeted traffic.
- How to use them effectively? Optimise your store content, meta tags, and product descriptions with Australian-specific terms, suburb names, and long-tail keywords like “Broadbeach plus size swimwear.”
- Tools to help: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner and Google Trends to find the best local search terms.
- Beyond your website: Set up Google My Business, list your store on Australian directories, and build local backlinks.
Pro tip: Keep your content updated with local events, seasonal trends, and accurate business details like ABN, AEST hours, and local phone numbers.
Want to stand out in local searches? Start incorporating local keywords today and watch your Shopify store grow!
Finding Local Keywords
Choose Target Locations
Start by pinpointing the areas you serve and want to target. These might include:
- Key cities (e.g., Gold Coast, Brisbane)
- Nearby suburbs (e.g., Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise)
- Larger regions (e.g., Southeast Queensland)
- State-wide targeting (e.g., Queensland, New South Wales)
Think about where your customers are and how far your services can reach. For example, if you’re based in Gold Coast but ship across Australia, focus on local terms for your immediate area while also adding broader keywords to attract a national audience. Incorporate these location-based keywords into your Shopify content to boost local search rankings.
Keyword Research Tools
Use specialised tools to find local search terms that matter most:
| Tool | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Google Keyword Planner | Search volume data | Location-specific insights, seasonal trends |
| Google Trends | Regional interest | Compare interest across states, cities, and regions |
| Google Search Console | Current performance | See actual search queries by location |
When using these tools, focus on:
- Search volumes for your target locations
- Seasonal trends in searches
- Competition levels for geographic keywords
- Related local search terms
This data will help you refine your keyword list and prioritise terms that align with your goals.
Long-Tail Local Keywords
Long-tail keywords combine specific services or products with location details. While their search volumes are lower, they often lead to higher conversions because they attract users who are ready to buy.
Instead of broad terms like “swimwear Gold Coast”, try more specific phrases, such as:
- “Gold Coast sustainable swimwear”
- “Broadbeach plus size swimwear”
- “Surfers Paradise designer bikinis”
- “Queensland eco-friendly swimwear”
When crafting long-tail keywords:
- Use Australian spelling and terminology.
- Consider seasonal relevance (e.g., summer-related terms).
- Include suburb names or detailed location modifiers to match local search habits.
These strategies can help you connect with customers who are actively searching for exactly what you offer.
Adding Local Keywords to Your Store
Page Content Optimisation
Incorporate local keywords into your Shopify store to improve visibility in local searches. Focus on these areas:
Meta Elements:
- Title tags: Add your city or region alongside your main keyword (e.g., “Sustainable Swimwear Gold Coast | Eco-friendly Beachwear”).
- Meta descriptions: Use location terms naturally (e.g., “Shop premium sustainable swimwear in Gold Coast. Visit our Broadbeach boutique or order online with Australia-wide shipping”).
- Image alt text: Include location details when relevant (e.g., “sustainable bikini Gold Coast store”).
Product Pages:
- Use location modifiers in product titles for region-specific items.
- Add geographical references naturally within product descriptions.
- Enhance category pages with location-specific content.
To further strengthen your local presence, consider creating dedicated location pages.
Location Pages
Dedicated location pages can help your store rank better for local searches. Here’s what to include:
What to Add:
- Content tailored to specific locations.
- Testimonials from customers in the area.
- Promotions targeted to the region.
- Details about regional shipping.
- Information about your local store.
If you serve multiple areas, such as Southeast Queensland, mention the key suburbs and regions you cover. Make sure the content feels natural and relevant to your audience.
Business Information
Consistent business information is critical for local SEO success.
Where to Display NAP Details:
- Footer section.
- Contact page.
- About Us page.
- Store locator.
Include these Australian-specific details:
- ABN number.
- Trading hours in AEST/AEDT.
- A local phone number with the +61 prefix.
- Address formatted in the Australian style.
Use the 24-hour clock format for trading hours, and include time zones when needed. For instance: “Trading Hours: 09:00-17:30 AEST, Monday to Friday”. Ensure your business details are consistent and kept up to date across all pages.
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Off-Site Local SEO Tasks
Once your on-site content is in good shape, it’s time to focus on strategies outside your website to strengthen your local presence.
Google My Business Setup
Set up and optimise your Google My Business profile to improve local search rankings. Make sure your business name, address (formatted for Australia), and operating hours are accurate. Add high-quality photos and choose the right categories for your business. Stay active by replying to reviews and sharing updates about your products, promotions, or local happenings.
Australian Business Directories
List your business on well-known Australian directories to improve local SEO. Keep your name, address, and contact details consistent across all platforms. Regularly update your business hours and other key details to maintain accuracy.
Local Link Building
Earn backlinks from local sources to boost your credibility. Partner with local organisations, work with influencers, write guest posts for regional blogs, or create location-specific content like customer success stories or community resource pages. These efforts can help build strong connections within your area.
Measuring Local SEO Results
This section covers how to keep track of your local SEO performance effectively.
Keyword Rank Tracking
Use tracking tools to monitor how your local keywords are performing. Focus on location-specific phrases that bring in local traffic. For instance, if you’re targeting “Gold Coast jewellery stores” or “Brisbane handmade soaps”, ensure you’re tracking these phrases and their variations.
Key areas to monitor include:
- Primary location keywords: Your main target terms.
- Suburb or region-specific phrases: Keywords tied to smaller areas within your target market.
- “Near me” searches: Variations like “jewellery stores near me.”
- Local business categories: Keywords related to your industry.
Also, make sure to track rankings across different postcodes in your target areas, as rankings can differ depending on the location.
Once you’ve got your keyword data, check how your local SEO efforts influence user engagement on your website.
Local Traffic Results
Use Shopify analytics (or your preferred analytics tool) to evaluate the results of your local SEO work. Pay close attention to:
- Geographic data: Identify where your visitors are located to confirm you’re reaching the right regions.
- Landing page performance: Analyse how your location-specific pages perform in terms of traffic and engagement.
- Conversion rates: Compare how well local visitors convert compared to your overall site traffic.
To dig deeper, create custom segments in your analytics for specific Australian regions. These insights can guide you in fine-tuning your local SEO strategy.
Content Updates
Keeping your content current shows search engines that your business is active and engaged with the local community.
Regular updates ensure your content stays relevant and competitive. Here’s a breakdown:
| Content Type | Update Frequency | Key Elements to Review |
|---|---|---|
| Location Pages | Monthly | Operating hours, seasonal offers, local events |
| Product Descriptions | Quarterly | Local pricing, shipping details, regional availability |
| Business Information | Bi-annually | Contact details, service areas, local certifications |
When updating content, include recent local news, new customer testimonials, and trends specific to your area. This approach keeps your business relevant in local search results and provides useful, updated information for your customers.
Wrapping It Up
Using local keywords effectively in your Shopify SEO can help attract customers from specific Australian regions. To succeed, you’ll need to combine both on-site and off-site optimisation strategies. Make sure your store has well-optimised location pages, accurate business details, and local keywords naturally woven into your content.
For Australian Shopify store owners, keeping your Google My Business profile up-to-date and listing your business in trusted Australian directories can significantly improve your local search visibility. Pair these efforts with local link-building strategies to create a strong SEO foundation.
Keep an eye on your performance by regularly checking keyword rankings, analysing local traffic, and updating your content to reflect market changes. Staying proactive ensures your store remains relevant and competitive in local search results.
Take a close look at your current local presence and start implementing these SEO strategies step by step. With consistent effort and regular tweaks, your Shopify store can secure strong visibility in your target local markets.
Are you thinking about transitioning to Shopify? Alinga makes transferring effortless, safe, and easy. We manage every aspect, from data and product transfers to design copy and SEO maintenance, so your store operates seamlessly. Don’t allow your fear of technology to restrict you. You can have confidence in Alinga to offer an effortless transition to Shopify and to prepare your business for significant growth. To start the transformation, contact us right away!
