If you're a freelancer in the Valencian Community and want your clients to find you on Google, it all starts with choosing the right local keywords. There's no point having the best website in the world if nobody finds it when searching for 'plumber in Elda' or 'dentist in Alicante'.
What are local keywords and why are they your best investment
Local keywords are the terms people type into Google when searching for a service in a specific area. Many searches have local intent, and people who search on their phone for a nearby service often want to act quickly.
The 4 types of local keywords you need to know
Service + City (plumber Valencia), Service + Neighbourhood (electrician Ruzafa), Service + Modifier (urgent locksmith Alicante) and Informational queries (how much does a bathroom renovation cost in Elda). Each type attracts clients at different decision stages.
How to find local keywords for free: step-by-step guide
Use Google Autocomplete in incognito mode, related searches at the bottom of Google, the 'People also ask' section, Google Keyword Planner (free with an Ads account) and analyse what your competition does. In less than an hour you'll have your list.
Where to place your keywords so Google ranks you
The 7 key places: page title, H1, meta description, H2 headings, first paragraph, URL and image alt text. Don't repeat the same keyword — use natural variations.
Mistakes that ruin your local keyword strategy
Choosing overly generic terms, not including your city, using the same keyword on every page, ignoring long tail keywords and not measuring results with Google Search Console.
Choosing the right keywords is the first step in any local SEO strategy. Start with 5 service + city terms, expand with neighbourhoods and variations, and measure results with Search Console.