As a contractor, you know your trade inside and out. You can tackle any home renovation project with skill and expertise. But how do you prove that value to potential clients and stand out from the competition? The key is effective contractor marketing, and one of the most powerful strategies is keyword research and targeting.
What is Keyword Research and Targeting?
Keyword research is the process of identifying the words and phrases that your potential customers are using when searching online for the services you provide. By understanding what people are searching for, you can optimize your website and marketing content to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs).
Keyword targeting involves strategically incorporating those keywords into your website, blog posts, social media content, and other marketing materials. The goal is to signal to search engines that your content is relevant and valuable for those specific search queries, increasing the likelihood that your business will show up at the top of the search results.
Why Keyword Research Matters for Contractors
In today's digital age, the vast majority of consumers turn to search engines like Google when looking for home services. In fact, 97% of people learn more about a local company online than anywhere else. If your contracting business doesn't show up in those search results, you're missing out on a huge opportunity to attract new clients.
Keyword research allows you to understand the language your potential customers are using and craft your marketing messages accordingly. For example, let's say you're a roofing contractor. Keyword research might reveal that people in your area frequently search for terms like "roof repair," "roof replacement," or "roofer near me." By incorporating those keywords into your website and content, you improve your chances of ranking for those searches and getting your business in front of potential clients.
How to Conduct Keyword Research
There are a variety of tools and techniques you can use to conduct keyword research, ranging from free options like Google Keyword Planner to paid platforms like SEMrush or Ahrefs. Here are some steps to get started:
Brainstorm a list of words and phrases related to your services. Put yourself in the shoes of a potential customer. What would they search for if they needed your services?
Use a keyword research tool to expand on your list and get data on search volume and competition. Look for keywords that have a high search volume but low competition.
Analyze the search results for your target keywords. What type of content is currently ranking on the first page? How can you create something better or different?
Use your findings to optimize your website and create targeted content. Incorporate your keywords naturally into your page titles, headings, meta descriptions, and body copy.
Keyword Targeting Best Practices
As you implement your keyword targeting strategy, keep these best practices in mind:
Focus on relevance over volume. It's better to rank highly for a specific, relevant keyword than to rank poorly for a broad, high-volume keyword that doesn't really match your services.
Don't overdo it. Stuffing your content with keywords will not only turn off readers, but it can also result in search engine penalties. Use keywords naturally and strategically.
Think beyond exact match. Use variations and long-tail keywords to capture a wider range of search queries. For example, "best roofer in [your city]" or "how to know if you need a new roof."
Monitor your results. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to track your keyword rankings and traffic over time. Continuously refine your strategy based on your results.
Additional Resources for Contractor Marketing
Keyword research and targeting is just one element of a comprehensive contractor marketing strategy. As you work to grow your business and attract more clients, explore these additional resources:
The Bottom Line
As a contractor, your expertise is your most valuable asset. But to grow your business, you need to make sure that expertise is visible to potential clients who are searching for your services online. By investing time into keyword research and targeting, you can improve your search engine rankings, attract more qualified leads, and ultimately win more jobs.
Don't let the competition outrank you. Start optimizing your website and marketing content with targeted keywords today, and watch your contracting business thrive.
Ready to take your contractor marketing to the next level? Contact D&J Contractor Marketing to learn how our team of digital marketing experts can help you implement a winning keyword strategy and grow your business.