Local business owners struggle to reach nearby customers through online searches. Many kitchen and bath contractors miss out on leads because they don’t show up in local search results.
The right local keywords can fix this common problem and bring more customers to your business.
Local keyword research helps businesses appear in specific area searches. Studies show that 46% of Google searches have local intent, which means people want services near them. Google uses location-based keywords to match these searches with the right local businesses.
Local keyword tools make this research process simple and effective. This guide walks you through the best tools and methods for finding local keywords that work. You’ll learn how to use tools like Google Keyword Planner and Semrush to boost your local rankings.
Ready to master local keyword research? Let’s get started.
Key Takeaways
- Local keyword research is crucial as 46% of Google searches have local intent, and 88% of local searchers contact businesses within 24 hours.
- Two main types of keywords drive local search: implicit keywords (like “kitchen remodeling ideas”) and explicit keywords (like “kitchen remodeling Chicago”), both helping contractors reach nearby customers.
- Tools like Google Keyword Planner, BrightLocal, and Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool help track local rankings and search volumes, with Semrush offering the largest keyword database for contractors.
- Smart contractors should mix location-specific terms with service-based keywords, as data shows 28% of local searches lead to purchases within a day.
- Effective keyword research requires listing services and locations, analyzing competitor keywords, and choosing terms with good search volume but lower competition scores.
What Is Local Keyword Research?
Local keyword research finds search terms people use to locate kitchen and bath remodeling services in their area. This research method tracks specific phrases customers type into Google, such as “bathroom remodeler near me” or “kitchen renovation [city name].” Contractors use these insights to match their website content with customer searches.
Search data reveals how potential clients look for remodeling services online. Google Keyword Planner shows the search volume and competition level for each phrase. Smart contractors target both broad terms like “kitchen remodeling” and specific ones like “custom cabinet installation [city].” This targeted approach helps remodeling businesses appear in local search results and attract nearby customers.
Importance of Local Keyword Research for Businesses
Kitchen and bath remodeling contractors need strong local keyword research to attract nearby customers. Research shows that 50% of Google searches have local intent, making targeted keywords crucial for business growth.
Smart keyword choices help contractors appear in both organic results and the local pack. These strategic keywords connect businesses with homeowners ready to start renovation projects.
The right keyword strategy brings qualified leads straight to your business website.
Search data proves that 88% of local searchers contact or visit a business within 24 hours. Your remodeling company must target specific geographic terms to reach these motivated customers.
Effective keyword research helps you understand what potential clients search for in your service area. The data shows that 28% of local searches lead to purchases within a day. Your business needs targeted keywords to capture these ready-to-buy customers searching for kitchen and bath upgrades.
The next section explores different types of local keywords you can use in your SEO strategy.
Types of Local Keywords
Local keywords are split into two main groups: those that directly name locations and those that hint at local intent through context clues – read on to learn how each type works for your kitchen and bath business.
Implicit Local Keywords
Implicit local keywords target customers without direct location mentions in their searches. A homeowner might search “kitchen remodeling ideas” or “bathroom renovation cost” instead of adding their city name.
These searches show clear intent to find local services, making them valuable for contractors. Google understands these searches need local results, even without location terms.
Smart contractors use tools like Google Keyword Planner to find popular implicit keywords in their service areas. The search term “custom cabinets” brings different monthly search volumes across different cities.
Moving location terms from “Include” to “Exclude” filters helps discover pure service-based keywords that attract local clients. These keywords often face less competition while still drawing qualified leads to your business.
Explicit Local Keywords
Explicit local keywords target specific areas through location-based terms in search phrases. Kitchen and bath contractors must include city names, neighborhoods, or regions in their keywords, such as “kitchen remodeling Chicago” or “bathroom renovation Brooklyn Heights.” These keywords help local customers find your services faster through search engines.
Local search terms with modifiers create stronger targeting power for contractors. Your business needs keywords like “best kitchen contractor in Detroit” or “affordable bathroom remodeling near San Francisco.” Google ranks these location-specific terms higher for users searching in those areas.
This direct approach matches customer intent with your services in exact locations.
Steps to Conduct Local Keyword Research
Local keyword research follows a clear path that helps kitchen and bath contractors find the right search terms to reach nearby customers. Read on to learn the exact steps you need to take to improve your local search rankings.
List Your Solutions and Locations
Your business needs a clear list of services and locations to start local keyword research. Make a detailed list of every kitchen and bath remodeling service you offer. Include specific items like cabinet installation, countertop replacement, bathroom tile work, and full kitchen renovations.
Map these services to the exact areas you serve, such as city names, neighborhoods, and ZIP codes.
The next step requires matching your solutions with location terms to create targeted keyword combinations. A kitchen remodeler in Detroit might pair “custom cabinet installation” with “Detroit,” “Metro Detroit,” or specific suburbs like “Royal Oak” or “Birmingham.” This targeted approach helps search engines understand your service areas and connects you with potential clients searching for local contractors.
Identify Relevant Local Keywords
Local keyword research starts with a focus on your specific service area. Kitchen and bath contractors must enter their main services like “kitchen remodeling” or “bathroom renovation” into tools like Semrush’s Keyword Magic Tool.
The tool combines these terms with location markers to create targeted phrases that local customers use in searches.
Smart contractors filter their keyword results by local intent markers. These markers show how likely people will visit a business after searching with those terms. The Personal Keyword Difficulty score helps measure how hard it will be to rank for each keyword phrase.
Lower scores mean easier ranking chances for your remodeling business in local search results.
Analyze Competitor Keywords
Competitor research reveals valuable insights about keyword rankings in your local market. Tools like Semrush’s Domain Overview help you spot gaps in your rivals’ SEO plans. You can track which keywords other kitchen remodelers target and find untapped opportunities for your business growth.
Smart contractors check their competitors’ keyword rankings through specific tools. A close look at other remodeling companies shows which search terms bring them local traffic. This data helps you create better SEO strategies and reach more potential clients in your area.
Mobile searches matter most, as homeowners often look up renovation services on their phones.
Prioritize Keywords Based on Metrics
Smart keyword selection starts with checking search volume and difficulty scores. Semrush’s Keyword Overview tool shows these key metrics for kitchen and bath remodeling terms. Focus your efforts on keywords that have good monthly searches but lower competition scores.
This balance gives you the best chance to rank well in local searches.
Your local SEO strategy must match what people search for online. Look at the search intent behind each keyword to create content that answers customer questions. Pick keywords that show clear buying signals, like “kitchen remodeling near me” or “bathroom renovation costs.” These terms often lead to more qualified leads for your contracting business.
Tools for Local Keyword Research
Local keyword research tools help business owners find the right search terms for their target areas. These digital tools track search volumes, competition levels, and user behavior patterns to guide your marketing decisions.
Google Keyword Planner
Google Keyword Planner stands as a vital tool for kitchen and bath contractors seeking strong local search visibility. This free tool helps remodeling businesses find valuable keywords through location-based filtering.
Users can refine their search results by specific geographic areas, making it perfect for targeting local customers.
The platform generates extensive keyword lists related to remodeling services. A single search term can yield up to 1,458 keyword suggestions, giving contractors many options to optimize their web pages.
The next essential tool for local keyword research is BrightLocal, which offers specialized features for contractors.
BrightLocal
BrightLocal serves as a vital local SEO tool for kitchen and bath contractors. The platform tracks local keyword rankings and delivers detailed insights into keyword performance across different locations.
Users should note that BrightLocal’s ranking reports can show some variations from actual search results.
The tool helps contractors measure their local search visibility through data-driven metrics. Recent tests revealed ranking discrepancies where BrightLocal reported first-place positions while actual rankings appeared between ninth and twelfth spots.
Local businesses need accurate ranking data to make informed marketing decisions. The next section explores steps for identifying and selecting effective local SEO keywords.
Semrush
Semrush stands as a powerful option for kitchen and bath contractors who need deeper keyword insights. The platform’s Keyword Magic Tool contains the market’s largest keyword database.
This tool helps contractors find local search terms their potential customers use to find remodeling services.
Contractors can track their Google Maps rankings in specific areas through Semrush’s Map Rank Tracker. The Position Tracking tool shows how visible your business is in both organic results and local search packs.
These features help measure the success of your local SEO efforts and spot areas that need improvement.
Identifying and Selecting Local SEO Keywords
Local SEO keywords drive success for kitchen and bath contractors who want to reach nearby customers. Smart contractors pick keywords that match what local homeowners search for online.
Google data shows that 80% of people look up local businesses each week. Your keyword list must include city names plus specific services like “custom kitchen remodeling in Detroit” or “bathroom renovation Ann Arbor.” These location-based terms help you connect with real customers in your service area.
Local search terms fall into two main groups – direct location keywords and service-based keywords. Direct location terms name specific places like cities or neighborhoods. Service keywords focus on what you offer, such as “kitchen cabinet installation” or “bathroom tile contractor.” The best strategy mixes both types to capture different search intents.
Google Keyword Planner reveals which terms get the most searches in your area. This data guides you to pick keywords that match how local customers look for remodeling services.
Conclusion
Local keyword research tools offer powerful ways to reach nearby customers. Smart keyword choices drive more traffic to your business website and Google Business Profile. Your success depends on picking the right tools and using them well.
These tools help you find the exact words your customers type into search engines. Master these tools today to grow your contracting business tomorrow.
FAQs
1. What makes local keyword research important for businesses?
Local keyword research helps search engines understand your relevance to local search queries. This process improves visibility in local search results and drives targeted local traffic to your website through optimized content and local directories.
2. Which tools work best for finding local keywords?
Popular tools include Google Trends, Google Ads, and Ahrefs. These SEO tools help discover new keywords related to local events, businesses, and trends. They provide data about search volume and keyword competition in your local area.
3. How do long-tail keywords benefit local SEO strategies?
Long-tail keywords often have lower competition but higher conversion rates. These specific phrases help target keywords with local intent, making it easier to rank for keywords that matter to your local audience.
4. What role does Google Business play in local keyword optimization?
Google Business profiles boost local rankings through proper keyword optimization. This platform allows businesses to utilize local keywords effectively and ensure visibility for searching local businesses.
5. How can businesses avoid keyword stuffing in local SEO?
Businesses should focus on relevant keywords that flow naturally in content. The best SEO practices involve using local terms strategically while maintaining readability and providing value to the intended audience.
6. What metrics matter most in local keyword research?
Key metrics include search volume, keyword difficulty, and local search intent. Understanding these metrics through comprehensive local SEO analysis helps identify popular local terms and optimize content for maximum impact.
