Do you wonder why some small businesses show up on Google and others don’t? The answer is often simple. They use the right words. This is called keyword research, and it helps your business get found online by the people who need you.
You don’t need to be a tech expert to do this. In this post, we will show you easy steps to find the right words for your website. Let’s get started.
What Are Keywords and Why They Matter
Keywords are the words people type into Google when they search for something. For example, someone might type “cafe near me” or “best plumber in Perth”. These words tell Google what the person wants.
When your website uses the same words your customers use, Google can match you to their search. This means more people find your business. It also means the right people find you, not just anyone.
Start With Simple, Everyday Words
Think like your customer, not like a business owner. Your customer may not know fancy business terms. They just want an easy answer to their problem.
Ask yourself, “What would I type into Google if I needed this service?” Write down every idea, even simple ones. This list is your starting point for keyword research.
Use Long-Tail Keywords for Better Results
Short keywords like “shoes” or “plumber” are very hard to rank for. Big companies with big budgets already own those spots. Instead, use longer, more specific phrases called long-tail keywords.
Long-tail keywords, like “coffee shop near Miami Beach” or “emergency plumber in Brooklyn”, are easier to rank for and tend to attract highly qualified leads. The same works for Australian businesses. Try phrases like “wedding photographer in Newcastle” or “dog groomer Sunshine Coast”.
These phrases have less competition. They also bring people who are ready to buy, not just browsing.
Don’t Forget Local Search
If you run a local business, local keywords are very important. Many people search with a suburb, city, or the words “near me” added to their search.
In 2026, 46% of all Google searches have local intent. That’s almost half of all searches. If your website does not include your suburb or city, you could be missing out on a lot of customers.
Add your location to your page titles, headings, and content. For example, instead of “Web Design Services”, try “Web Design Services in Brisbane”.
Use Free Tools to Find Ideas
You don’t need to guess your keywords. There are free tools that show you what people are actually searching for.
- Google Search – type your service and see what suggestions pop up
- Google’s “People also ask” box on the search results page
- Google Keyword Planner (free with a Google Ads account)
- AnswerThePublic – shows real questions people ask
Free SEO tools can help identify opportunities by analyzing what terms people use to find businesses like yours, then let you sprinkle these naturally throughout your site. Start small. Even a list of 10 to 15 good keywords is a great start.
Build Your Keyword List
Once you have some ideas, put them together in a simple list. A good place to start is to develop a list of around 20 to 50 keywords and phrases that relate to your business. You don’t need this many to begin, but it helps to have options.
Group similar words together. For example, “cheap wedding cake Sydney” and “affordable wedding cake Sydney” can be grouped and used on the same page.
Where to Use Your Keywords
Now that you have your list, use them in the right places. This helps Google understand what your page is about.
- Page titles and headings
- The first paragraph of your page
- Your Google Business Profile description
- Image file names and alt text
- Blog posts and service pages
Use your keywords naturally. Write for real people first, not just for Google. If it sounds strange or forced, rewrite it in a simpler way.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many small business owners make the same mistakes with keywords. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using the same broad keyword on every page (this confuses Google)
- Stuffing too many keywords into one sentence
- Forgetting to add your suburb or city
- Never updating your keywords as your business grows
Keyword research is not a one-time job. Check in every few months and update your list as trends change.
The Takeaway
Good keyword research helps the right customers find your business online. Start with simple words your customers actually use. Add your location. Use free tools to guide you, and place your keywords naturally across your website.
Small steps like these can make a big difference over time. If you need help finding the right keywords or building a website that gets found, the team at Edge Tech Digital is here to help. Get in touch with us today and let’s grow your online presence together.