Hi everyone. I run a small web design business that gets roughly 1 new client a month. It's something that I do on the side to help pay off some school loans, although I want it to grow to where I'm getting 3-5 new clients each month. I've done some SEO and achieved fairly good results so far. Right now I'm in the top ten in Google for the follow keywords.

Virginia Web Design Company
Virginia Web Design Service

It's been roughly a month and unfortunately these keywords aren't getting me any hits (very few per week). So my question is, what keywords work for your local company? What phrases, etc?

It's great that you rank for those keywords, but it's honestly probably better to rank for your city and the surrounding cities rather than your state. If you live next to a big metro area, try to rank for that as you'll likely see the most results that way. Do a separate landing page for each surrounding city and then try to get it to rank for web design in that city. Also, make sure to use different text for each in order to avoid duplicate content issues.

I would recommend you get started with less competitive ones. That is recommended. But have general ones included in those ones
Good luck

I think, it is better to go ahead with the keywords which are being queried in Google very oftenly. You can get some ideas via refering this

https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal

use Google keyword tool.

Yes adwords-google is the best place to search keywords for your business. You can also find the searches for that keywords. And it is really helpful to find the best keywords for your business.

use keyword discovery to choose searchable or competitive keywords..

Well, just a little hint. Not everyone really types a keyword including a state or a place when looking for a service.. but of course there's always a possibility that I'm just speaking for myself..hehe

Just go to Seobook.com to search right keyword!

Originally Posted by JasenJack

I think, it is better to go ahead with the keywords which are being queried in Google very oftenly. You can get some ideas via refering this

Completely agree with you JasenJack.

I always use google adwords for keyword research its not providing 100% perfect result but its providing good result in comparison of other tools available in market. so try google adwords once

you can also choose some long tail keywords which are less competitive

Your target keywords don't generate good search volume:

Virginia Web Design Company - 590/month
Virginia Web Design Service - 170/month (ONLY!)

I suggest you target other keywords that have better search volume like:

virginia website design
virginia web designers
virginia web site design
virginia web design

Actually, I am kind of trusting Google's keyword tool!

Otherwise, u can also check this Wordtracker http://wordtracker.com/

It is also a great tool!

1.use Google keyword tool to look for keyword.
2.use google analytical tool to look for the keyword of user likely.

-Good keywords http://www.goodkeywords.com/

I guess it will help u!

Use Google Adwords Keyword Tool & Webconfs. Find keywords of two or three that are getting better traffic and pick one. Use these keyword on your website or blog content. Keyword density is very important factor.

Good luck

I would recommend this tool- http://wordtracker.com/ ,but u can aslo use google keyword tool, so that u can compare the results!