[Guide] How to analyze Competition in Local SERPs

Hi,
Local SEO is a bit less discusses topic here, so I thought why not share something that will benefit anyone starting with Local SEO or Lead Gen. We will try to analyze the competition level of a given search term.

• But keep in mind that, most of the keyword research tools don't have enough data for local search terms, so most of the time they will it as zero, which is just false. You should work with population estimates. Any location with a population greater than 40,000+ will work fine.

Keyword = Carpet Cleaners Horseheads, NY

GMB Competition -

• The first listing doesn't have any reviews.​
• The other two listings have 1 and 2 reviews.​
• Pretty low competition​

Low Competition in the SERPs -

• Many directory sites are ranking. It's a good sign for the lack of locally relevant sites.
• Most of the local sites are ranking with very poor authority [DR = 0] and very little content.
• HomeAdvisor is ranking on spot #7 and #8, which again shows the lack of locally relevant sites.
• We can definitely beat the current ranking sites with great on-page.

This is the perfect type of Local keyword hat you should look for.
In this case, the sites ranking on position #1 and #10 are local companies. And they just look like shit -


I hope it helps.
Till then,
Good Luck.

RealDaddy

Always coming in hot, thanks pal, bookmarked!

Very good definitive guides on local lead gen

GVald said:

Always coming in hot, thanks pal, bookmarked!

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nahid133 said:

Very good definitive guides on local lead gen

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I appreciate the comments.

Yes, the competition in most of the cities under 100k is very low. The problem isn't about ranking the site, it's about generating an income from it. Some of theses areas may not have any good tradesmen/companies operating a specific service.

I've actually built a couple websites in smaller cities as a test and they started getting calls within a week of going live.

It's crazy how few tradesmen build an online presence. Maybe they don't realise the benefit, or maybe they're just not bothered because they already get plenty of work..who knows.

An ideal scenario would be Opening up an actual business In these areas And it's SO EASY to get work within days/weeks with a good online presence (Nice website, GMB, directories)

I believe that the competition In some of these niches and cities is So low for a reason and that's because there aren't enough trained people providing the work

I am going to start calling you...Mr.Local

Thanks for this. Very informative!

Roger Marquez said:

I am going to start calling you...Mr.Local

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localdaddy

Nice stuff as local seo is not discussed as you rightly said

That's a wonderful guide. But in local niches gmb always gets the most calls especially in cities with low population. Is is worth building websites in low population cities