Competitor Keyword Research for Home Services

Article hero image

Competitor keyword research helps home service businesses rank higher in local searches, attract quality leads, and outpace competitors. By analyzing the keywords your competitors rank for, you can identify opportunities to improve your SEO strategy. Here's how to get started:

  • Why It Matters: Target local search trends, reach your audience, and grow organically without relying on ads.

  • Tools to Use: Ahrefs, SEMrush, SpyFu, Moz, or platforms like BuiltRight for AI-driven SEO integration.

  • Steps:

    1. Identify competitors in your area.

    2. Use tools to collect keywords they rank for.

    3. Analyze metrics like search volume and keyword difficulty.

    4. Create content tailored to local audiences using these insights.

Quick Tip: Regularly monitor competitors and update your strategy to stay ahead. Tools like BuiltRight simplify this process by integrating keyword research with your website's SEO efforts.

Tools to Research Competitor Keywords

Best Tools for Keyword Research

If you're in the home services industry and want to analyze competitor keywords, several tools can make the process easier:

  • Ahrefs: Great for uncovering local competitors and spotting content gaps in your service areas.

  • SEMrush: Known for tracking organic performance metrics and monitoring local search trends.

  • SpyFu: Offers detailed competitor data and is a budget-friendly option.

  • Moz: Features an easy-to-use interface and strong tools for local SEO.

How BuiltRight Supports SEO for Home Services

BuiltRight (Home Page)
BuiltRight (Home Page)

BuiltRight takes a different approach by combining AI-powered website creation with integrated SEO tools. Here's what it offers:

Build Your Professional Website Today

Get an SEO-optimized, mobile-ready website for your home service business in minutes. No upfront costs, no contracts, just results.

  • Local SEO features, including seamless integration with Google Business Profile.

  • Mobile-friendly designs that help improve search engine rankings.

  • Built-in lead generation tools that turn search visitors into customers.

This platform simplifies the process for home service businesses, helping them quickly apply their keyword research to their websites.

Comparison of Keyword Research Tools

Below is a quick comparison to help you decide which tool fits your needs:

Tool

Key Features

Best For

Starting Price

Ahrefs

Backlink analysis, Site Explorer, Content gap analysis

Deep competitor research

$99/month

SEMrush

Organic ranking data, Local SEO tools, Competitor analysis

Comprehensive market insights

$119.95/month

SpyFu

Competitor keyword tracking, Ranking history, Affordable

Basic competitor research

$33/month

Moz

Keyword Explorer, Domain analysis, Local SEO tools

Easy-to-use interface

$99/month

BuiltRight

AI-generated content, Google Business Profile integration, Lead generation

Quick implementation of strategies

$129/month

"Competitor keyword analysis provides several valuable insights, including keyword opportunities, content gaps, SEO strategies, and performance benchmarks"

When deciding on a tool, think about your goals and budget. Traditional SEO tools provide detailed data, but platforms like BuiltRight focus on making it easier to act on that data, which can be a game-changer for home service businesses.

Local SEO Competitor Analysis - Rank #1 For A Local Service Business

Steps to Research Competitor Keywords

Here’s how you can systematically research and use competitor keywords to boost your home service business.

Step 1: Identify Your Competitors

Start by pinpointing businesses in your area offering similar services. Use tools like Google Maps and local directories to find them. Create a spreadsheet with a mix of local competitors, regional players targeting your area, and industry leaders with strong online presence.

Step 2: Collect Competitor Keywords

Leverage tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to uncover the keywords your competitors are ranking for. Pay attention to:

  • Service-specific terms (e.g., "emergency plumbing repair")

  • Location-based keywords (e.g., "AC repair Phoenix")

  • Long-tail phrases (e.g., "how much does water heater installation cost")

Step 3: Analyze Keyword Metrics

Evaluate the data to focus on terms with the most potential. Here’s what to consider:

Metric

What to Look For

Why It Matters

Search Volume

100-1000 monthly searches for local terms

Indicates traffic potential

Keyword Difficulty

Scores below 50

Easier to rank for

Commercial Intent

High purchase intent phrases

Drives better conversions

Step 4: Build Content Around Keywords

Use your findings to create content that speaks directly to your audience. Develop service pages with local details, write blogs that answer customer questions, and build landing pages for specific neighborhoods featuring reviews and case studies.

Using Competitor Keywords in Your SEO Plan

Once you've gathered and analyzed competitor keywords, the next step is putting them to work in your SEO strategy. Here's how to use this research to strengthen your home service business's online visibility.

Write Content for Local Audiences

For home service businesses, creating content tailored to your local audience is key. Focus on local search trends and craft content that speaks directly to your community:

Content Type

Purpose

Example Implementation

Service Pages

Target specific neighborhoods

"24/7 Emergency Plumbing in Downtown Phoenix"

Blog Posts

Address local concerns

"Top 5 AC Problems During Phoenix Summers"

Landing Pages

Highlight area-specific services

"Boiler Repair Services for Historic Boston Homes"

This approach helps your business connect with local customers while boosting your visibility in regional searches.

Track Competitors Regularly

Keep a close eye on your competitors to stay one step ahead. Use tools like Semrush or SpyFu to monitor:

  • New service pages and how they perform

  • Seasonal content strategies they implement

  • Local keyword variations they rank for

  • Opportunities for featured snippets

"MAKE THAT DAMN SITE CRAWLABLE." - Gary Illyes, Google's trends analyst

Regular tracking lets you adjust your strategy based on what’s working for others in your market.

Simplify SEO with BuiltRight

Mobile BR
Mobile BR

If you're looking for an easier way to integrate competitor keywords, platforms like BuiltRight can help. They offer features such as:

  • Seamless keyword integration into your site’s content and layout

  • Tools for boosting local SEO efforts

  • Mobile-friendly designs

  • Lead generation tools to turn traffic into paying customers

These tools make it easier to implement keyword strategies while focusing on growing your business and attracting new clients.

Summary and Next Steps

How Competitor Keyword Research Helps

SEO is crucial
SEO is crucial

Competitor keyword research can give home service businesses a stronger foothold in their local markets. Here's how it can make a difference:

Benefit

Business Impact

How to Apply

Better Local SEO

Higher search rankings and engagement

Use neighborhood-specific keywords and craft content for local audiences

Market Insights

Understand what works for competitors

Continuously monitor and evaluate competitor strategies

Smarter Spending

Avoid wasting money on poor keywords

Focus your budget on terms that deliver results

Making the Most of Your Research

Use these tips to get the best results from your keyword research efforts:

  • Stay on Top of Trends Check keyword rankings and performance every month. Review competitor strategies and market changes every quarter, and tweak your plans as needed.

  • Build Local Connections Combine your keyword efforts with local link-building. Collaborate with community websites, local news outlets, and organizations to boost visibility.

  • Track Key Metrics Keep an eye on keyword rankings, organic traffic, and conversion rates to measure success. Watch for changes in competitor strategies to stay ahead.

  • Use the Right Tools Platforms like BuiltRight offer AI-powered tools to streamline keyword integration, designed specifically for home service businesses.

FAQs

What is an example of a competitor keyword?

Competitor keywords are the search terms people use to find services that both you and your competitors provide. For instance, phrases like "24/7 plumber near me" or "[city name] plumbing company" are common examples. Targeting these terms can boost your local search rankings and bring in more leads.

If you're competing with a company like Roto-Rooter, competitor keywords often fall into these categories:

Competitor Keywords

Search Intent

"24/7 plumber near me", "emergency plumbing repair"

Urgent services

"water heater installation cost", "licensed plumber"

Researching options

"[city name] plumbing company", "local drain cleaning"

Local services

To track these keywords, tools such as Semrush, Ahrefs, or SpyFu can be helpful. Basic plans for these tools start at around $39 per month. Reviewing your competitor keyword research every few months ensures you're aligned with shifting search trends and competitor tactics.

Use these insights to shape your content strategy, whether you're creating service pages, blog posts, or location-specific landing pages. By weaving competitor keywords into your website content, you can strengthen your local SEO and stand out in your market.

This article was originally published on Invalid Date