Google Insights for Local Search

I don't often write about SEO as there are companies and people better equipped to do so.

However, in working with a local client in the landscaping business to develop their Social Media Marketing plan, I came across something worthwhile in using Google Insights. If you haven't checked it our before I highly recommend you do.

Local Keyword Search 

This tool provides trending data on the use of specific search keywords within a defined geographic area. As you can see from the example below we were looking at landscaping related keywords used within British Columbia.    

Looking at this you're probably getting a sense for how you can use the tool to check search keywords specific to your business or category. Depending on your market share and position in the local market you may want to go after the most popular terms, or perhaps the longtail terms that could possibly have a higher ROI. If you have experience using the tool or if you have a question I'd love to hear from you.