If you’ve tried tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs for local keyword research in Kenya, you’ve probably hit a wall.
SEMrush doesn’t have Kenyan data, and while Ahrefs does, it’s too pricey for many.
Other tools, like Ryan Robinson’s keyword tool, promise Kenyan keyword ideas but miss the mark.
For example, when I searched “SEO services” with Kenya selected, it suggested terms like “SEO services Seattle.” Clearly, that’s not helpful.
But don’t worry—there’s an easier, accurate, and free way to find the right keywords: your Google Business Profile.
Let me show you how.
Understanding the Role of Google Business Profiles
Google Business Profiles isn’t just a listing platform; it’s a goldmine for local keyword research, especially in Kenya.
Think of it as a backstage pass to see what your audience is searching for and how they find your business. It’s simple, free, and gives you real data based on actual user behavior.
If you go into the Performance Tab, you can uncover specific keywords your profile is ranking for, complete with the number of times people saw your business for those searches.
This insight can guide you in creating or optimizing content that directly targets what potential customers in Kenya are looking for.
Let us walk through how to do it step by step.
Guide to Finding Keywords in Google Business Profiles
Google Business Profiles makes it straightforward with its built-in Performance Tab. This tool gives you real, actionable data based on what people are already searching for to find your business.
Step 1: Access the Performance Tab
The first step is super easy. Log into your Google Business Profile account and look for the Performance Tab. It’s right there on the interface.
Click it, and you’re already halfway there!
Step 2: Review the Searches Breakdown Section
Once inside the Performance Tab, scroll down until you see the Searches Breakdown Section. This is where the magic happens.
Click on “See More”, and a detailed list of keywords will appear.
These are the exact search terms people used to find your profile, along with how many times your business showed up for each term.
Step 3: Analyze the Data
Take a closer look at the list. Which keywords are driving the most views? Which ones seem relevant to your services or products?
For example, if you run a bakery in Nairobi, you might see terms like “best cakes in Nairobi” or “wedding cakes near me.” These are golden opportunities to refine your strategy.
With this information in hand, you are ready to start optimizing your website and content. Let’s look at how you can do that in the next section.
Using Keyword Insights to Optimize Your Website in Kenya
Now that you’ve got your list of keywords, it’s time to put them to work.
There are two main ways to use these insights to boost your website’s performance: creating new content or optimizing existing pages.
Option 1: Create New Pages for Identified Keywords
If you’ve discovered keywords that aren’t yet addressed on your site, consider creating fresh content tailored to them.
For example:
- Location-specific pages: If “affordable wedding cakes in Nairobi” is a top search term, create a page dedicated to showcasing your wedding cake options in Nairobi.
- Service pages: Let’s say “emergency plumbing services Kisumu” appears frequently. A new page highlighting your emergency services in Kisumu can target this term effectively.
This approach not only helps you rank higher for those terms but also makes your site more relevant to your audience.
Option 2: Optimize Existing Pages
If some keywords match content you already have, it’s time for a refresh. Here’s how:
- Update titles and meta descriptions: Incorporate the exact keywords naturally into these elements for better visibility in search results.
- Enhance content: Add sections or paragraphs addressing the specific keyword. For example, include a FAQ section with questions like “How much does plumbing in Kisumu cost?” if that matches your target term.
- Headers and subheadings: Use keywords in your H2 and H3 tags where it feels natural.
You should strategically add these keywords to your site to increase your chances of ranking higher and capturing more local traffic.
Effectiveness of this Strategy for Keyword Research in Kenya
This Google Business Profile strategy is a game-changer for businesses in Kenya, and here’s why:
Localized Relevance
Unlike generic tools that might suggest keywords unrelated to your region, this method uses real data from actual searches made by people in Kenya.
This ensures that the keywords you focus on are highly relevant to your audience.
Tailored to Kenyan Search Behavior
Kenyan consumers often search with specific local terms, like “affordable tailoring in Mombasa” or “computer repairs in Eldoret.”
These hyper-localized queries are captured perfectly through your Google Business Profile, giving you insights that generic tools might miss.
Budget-Friendly and Accurate
SEO tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush can be expensive, and some even lack comprehensive Kenyan data. This method, on the other hand, is free and delivers accurate results.
It’s a practical solution for Kenyan businesses looking to grow without breaking the bank.
Improves Visibility in Local Markets
By creating or optimizing pages based on these insights, your business becomes more visible to local searchers. This means more people find you, visit your site, and potentially become customers.
With this simple yet effective strategy, you’re not just guessing what your audience is searching for—you’re basing your efforts on real data.
Local keyword research in Kenya doesn’t have to be a frustrating or expensive process. By leveraging your Google Business Profile, you gain direct access to real, localized search data—completely free.
This strategy ensures your efforts are laser-focused on what Kenyan customers are actually searching for. It has lots of use cases, from uncovering high-performing keywords to creating new content or optimizing existing pages.
Don’t let generic tools or irrelevant suggestions hold you back.
Log into your Google Business Profile today, explore the Performance Tab, and start transforming your online visibility with insights tailored to your business.
The best part? It’s easy, effective, and accessible to everyone. Give it a try—you’ll see the results!
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