How to Find Keywords for Local SEO

Remember August 2024? Simpler times. We were still debating whether ChatGPT was going to replace copywriters, and now we’re over here in 2025 talking about Gemini, Perplexity, and AI citations like they’ve always been around.

And that’s the point: the keyword game has changed…fast. What worked last year? Cool. What works now? Completely different.

So, buckle up. This guide isn’t just an update... it’s a playbook for how to stay relevant in a world where AI is making content decisions. And yeah, there’s a BONUS SECTION at the end that just might get you cited in AI-generated content like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity. Stay tuned.

What Are Local SEO Keywords? (And Why Should You Care?)

Local SEO keywords are specific phrases or terms that people in your area use when searching for products or services like yours. But here’s the kicker:

• In 2024, we were obsessed with city-based keywords like “plumbing services Hoboken.”
• In 2025, it’s all about hyperlocal, conversational, and problem-solving keywords.

Think:

• “Best brunch spots near Washington Square Philly”
• “Cheap plumber open now South Philly”
• “Best coffee shop for remote work near me”

AI is obsessed with context, intent, and specificity. And if your keywords aren’t reflecting that, you’re missing out.

Why Are Local SEO Keywords Important?

You might be wondering, “Why can’t I just use general keywords?” Well, think about it: If someone in your town is looking for a pizza place, they’re not interested in a restaurant on the other side of the country. They want something nearby, and they want it now. Local SEO keywords help you connect with these ready-to-buy customers who are searching for exactly what you offer, right in your area. Understanding the significance of SEO for your business can help you grasp why these keywords are crucial.

Using local keywords:

• Boosts Your Visibility: By optimizing for local search, your business is more likely to appear in the coveted Google “Local Pack,” the map listing that shows up for nearby searches.
• Increases Foot Traffic: More local visibility means more people finding your business online and coming through your doors.
• Builds Community Presence: The more locals see your business in search results, the more they’ll recognize and trust your brand.

Now that we understand the importance of local SEO keywords, let’s explore how to find them.

How to Find Keywords for Local SEO in 2025

Start with a Hyperlocal Keyword Brainstorm

What to Do:

• List out the most popular services or products you offer.
• Break them down by neighborhoods, landmarks, and street names in your service area.
• Think seasonally. What’s hot in your area in summer vs. winter?

Example: If you own a bakery in Philly, your brainstorm list might look like:

• “Best wedding cakes near Rittenhouse”
• “Gluten-free bakery near 9th Street Market”
• “Bakery open late South Street Philly”

Pro Tip: Use Google’s Autocomplete feature to refine your list. Type in phrases like “best bakery in…” or “cakes near…” and let Google tell you what people are actually searching for.

Use AI-Driven Tools for Hyperlocal Insights

What to Do:

• Fire up Surfer SEO, Jasper, or ChatGPT.
• Input your business type and location (e.g., “bakery in South Philly”).
• Ask for long-tail keywords, question-based searches, and local slang that people are using in your area.

Example:

• Jasper: Generate a list of the top 10 bakery-related queries in South Philly.
• Surfer SEO: Analyze competitors for phrases like “best bakery South Street Philly” or “vegan cakes Rittenhouse.”
• ChatGPT: Ask, “What questions are people asking about bakeries in South Philly right now?”

Optimize for Voice Search Keywords

What to Do:

• Identify common questions and natural language queries that align with your business.
• Focus on phrases that start with who, what, where, when, why, and how.
• Include keywords that reflect urgent or immediate needs, like “now,” “open today,” or “24/7.”

Example:

• Instead of “chiropractor Hoboken,” use “Where can I find a chiropractor open now in Hoboken?”
• For a bakery, try “What bakery in Philly has vegan cakes?”

Pro Tip: Use Google’s People Also Ask (PAA) box to uncover more question-based queries.

Scout Your Competitors (Stealth Mode Activated)

What to Do:

• Open SEMrush or Ahrefs.
• Enter the URL of a top local competitor.
• Analyze the keywords they’re ranking for, especially those in service pages and blog content.
• Identify gaps or underserved areas where you can introduce new keywords.

Example: If your competitor ranks for “affordable wedding photographer Hoboken,” target “best wedding photographer in Hoboken” or “Hoboken wedding photography packages.”

Monitor Social Media and Review Platforms

What to Do:

• Search for local hashtags on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.
• Monitor review platforms like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google Maps.
• Pay attention to how people describe your products or services.

Example:

• If a customer posts about “best coffee shop for remote work near Main Street,” that’s a keyword to target.
• On Yelp, look for phrases people use to compliment or criticize similar businesses.

Optimize for Visual Search (Yes, Really)

What to Do:

• Use Google Lens to see how people are finding local businesses through images.
• Optimize images on your site with descriptive file names and alt text.
• Include hyperlocal keywords like street names, neighborhoods, and unique product descriptions.

Example:

• Instead of naming an image “IMG_1234.jpg,” rename it to “blueberry-pancakes-South-Philly.jpg.”
• Alt text: “Stack of blueberry pancakes at South Philly Diner on South Street.”

Long-Tail Keywords: Your New Best Friend

What to Do:

• Use tools like AnswerThePublic and Ubersuggest to find long-tail keywords that reflect local intent.
• Focus on phrases that solve specific problems or answer questions.

Example:

• “Affordable gluten-free bakery near Rittenhouse Square”
• “Best family-friendly coffee shop Hoboken”
• “Emergency plumber 24/7 Hoboken”

Pro Tip: Long-tail keywords may get fewer searches, but they often convert at a higher rate because they’re so specific.

BONUS: Get Cited in AI Overviews (ChatGPT, Perplexity & Gemini)

Alright, you made it to the bonus round. So, you want to get mentioned in AI-generated content? Here’s how to play it smart:

What to Do:

Create Expert-Level Content: Write long-form, authoritative content that answers high-intent questions.

Think:

• “What’s the best way to find a plumber near me right now?”
• “How to choose the best wedding photographer in Hoboken?”

Optimize for Schema Markup: Use FAQ, HowTo, and LocalBusiness schemas. AI loves structured data, and it makes your content easier to pull into overviews.

Leverage AI-Driven Content Platforms: Submit articles to platforms that AI scrapes regularly, like Medium, Quora, or industry-specific directories.

Monitor Your Brand Mentions: Set up Google Alerts for your brand name. If ChatGPT or Gemini starts referencing your content, you’ll know.

Why It Matters: AI-generated content is increasingly shaping search results. If you’re not being referenced, you’re invisible. So, get ahead of the game by positioning your content as the go-to source for local insights.

Taking Action on Your Local SEO Keywords in 2025

The keyword game has changed, evolved, and hit warp speed in the past year. If you’re not adapting to AI-driven search, voice search, and hyperlocal keywords, you’re falling behind.

Ready to dominate your local market with a 2025-ready SEO strategy? JDS1 Marketing is here to help. Let’s talk about how to get your business seen by more locals, more often.