How to choose the right local keywords for SEO - plumber vs emergency plumber

How to choose the right local keywords (e.g., 'plumber in [city]' vs. 'emergency plumber') – Unlock the Secret to Boosting Your Local SEO

Your goals are worth pursuing—let's start now...

When it comes to local SEO, choosing the right keywords is the key to getting your business noticed by potential customers. And let's face it: we all want to show up first when someone types in a search for services you offer. But should you aim for generic phrases like 'plumber in [city]' or go with more specific terms such as 'emergency plumber'? It can be tricky, but let me break it down for you!

Understanding the difference between local and emergency-specific keywords is crucial for driving the right type of traffic to your website. When someone Googles 'plumber in [city],' they are probably looking for general plumbing services available in their area. It's a broad search term, likely used by people who don't have an immediate emergency but are still in need of plumbing services.

On the other hand, a term like 'emergency plumber' is more urgent. People searching for this phrase often need immediate help. They might be dealing with a leaky pipe or a clogged drain that can’t wait. As a result, this type of search has a higher intent—those users are actively looking for someone to solve their problem right now.

So, which one should you choose? Well, it really depends on your business model and goals. If your plumbing business operates 24/7 and specializes in urgent fixes, targeting 'emergency plumber' might be a no-brainer. However, if your services are available during regular business hours and cater to a broader audience, then 'plumber in [city]' could help you cast a wider net.

It's not just about getting traffic; it's about getting the right traffic. Imagine your business ranking #1 for 'plumber in [city]'; you’ll attract all sorts of customers—but are they looking for a quick fix or a simple job? If your business can handle both, great! But if you specialize in emergencies, focusing your SEO efforts on those high-intent keywords can help you zero in on customers who are in need of immediate help, and they are far more likely to convert into paying clients.

The key takeaway here: understanding search intent is crucial. Don’t just look at search volume or keyword difficulty—think about who’s searching for these terms and what their intent is. That’s where your strategy should begin.

Now, when it comes to optimizing your website for these keywords, here’s what you need to do:

1. Research Local Keywords

Start by using tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush to find out what terms people in your area are using to search for services like yours. If you’re a plumber in Miami, consider phrases like 'plumber in Miami,' 'Miami plumbing services,' and 'best plumber in Miami.' But don't forget to include variations like 'emergency plumber in Miami' or '24-hour plumber in Miami' if that’s a service you offer!

2. Use Keywords on Key Pages

Once you've picked the keywords that best fit your business, it’s time to place them on your website. Make sure to include them in your page titles, meta descriptions, headers, and content. For example, on your homepage, you could use a headline like, 'Reliable Plumber in [City] - Fast Service When You Need It.' And don’t forget to optimize for mobile because many users searching for a 'plumber near me' are on their phones!

3. Leverage Local Listings

In addition to optimizing your website, it’s essential to have your business listed on local directories and review sites. Sites like Google My Business, Yelp, and Angie's List are goldmines for local SEO. They help you get discovered by customers who are searching for services like yours. Be sure to include the right keywords in your business profile, especially in your business description and services offered section.

4. Track and Adjust Your Strategy

SEO is an ongoing process, and tracking your performance is essential. Monitor your rankings for both general and emergency keywords, and adjust your strategy based on what's working and what isn't. If you find that 'emergency plumber' is bringing in more qualified leads, you can ramp up your content to target that keyword even more aggressively.

But remember, SEO is a long game. Don't expect overnight results. Keep creating content, optimizing your website, and building backlinks. Before you know it, you'll be the go-to plumber for all local searches.

Why Blogging for SEO is a Game-Changer

One powerful way to implement local keyword strategy is by regularly publishing blog posts that target specific keywords and answer common customer questions. For instance, you could write a blog post titled 'How to Find an Emergency Plumber in [City]' or '5 Reasons You Need an Emergency Plumber Now.' These blog posts not only help with SEO but also provide valuable content that your customers will appreciate.

If you want to know more about how blogging can boost your SEO and help you get found by more customers, check out Why Blogs.

In Conclusion

Choosing the right local keywords can be the difference between attracting the right customers and wasting your SEO efforts. Start by researching keywords with local intent, optimize your website accordingly, and don’t forget the power of blogging to target specific searches. With the right approach, you’ll rank higher in search results and bring in more business.

If you need help navigating the world of SEO and local keyword targeting, BlogCog is here to help! Our AI-driven blog subscription service can help you create SEO-friendly content that boosts your rankings and drives traffic. Check out our BlogCog Services to learn more about how we can help your business grow!

Related Posts:

Back to blog