In the dynamic world of digital marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) stands as a cornerstone for any successful business, including general contractors. A significant part of SEO for general contractors is understanding and utilizing the right keywords – words and phrases that potential clients are using to find services like yours. However, with budgets often stretched thin, finding cost-effective solutions for keyword research is crucial. This blog post explores the best free SEO keyword research tools tailored specifically for general contractors looking to enhance their online presence.
Google Keyword Planner is the go-to tool for many SEO professionals, and for good reason. Integrated within Google Ads, it provides insights into the search volume and competition for specific keywords. As a general contractor, you can use this tool to discover keywords related to construction, renovations, home improvement, and other relevant services. It’s particularly useful for identifying local keywords, like “general contractor in [city name],” helping you to target potential clients in your area.
Developed by digital marketing expert Neil Patel, Ubersuggest is a user-friendly tool that offers a wealth of keyword suggestions. It shows you the search volume, SEO difficulty, and even content ideas that are performing well for those keywords. For a general contractor, Ubersuggest can help unearth niche keywords that you might not have considered, such as specific types of building materials or unique services you offer.
AnswerThePublic is unique in its approach to keyword research. It provides questions, prepositions, and comparisons based on the keywords you enter. For instance, entering “home renovation” might reveal queries like “how to manage home renovation costs” or “best materials for home renovation.” This tool is excellent for understanding the specific questions and concerns your potential clients have, allowing you to tailor your website content to address these topics.
Keyword Tool.io is brilliant for generating long-tail keyword ideas. It uses Google Autocomplete to reveal the common searches associated with your entered keywords. For a general contractor, this could include long-tail phrases like “affordable kitchen remodeling in [location]” or “eco-friendly building materials for home construction.” These specific queries often have lower competition, making it easier for your website to rank in search engine results pages (SERPs).
Moz offers a limited free version of its Keyword Explorer, which provides enough functionality for basic keyword research. It not only suggests keywords but also provides insights into how difficult it would be to rank for them. For general contractors, Moz’s SERP analysis can be invaluable, showing what kind of content (blogs, services pages, etc.) is currently ranking for your desired keywords.
SEMrush offers a free version with limited functionality, but it’s still a powerful tool for keyword research. It provides detailed keyword analytics, including trends, which can be invaluable for general contractors looking to capitalize on seasonal demands, like “winter home maintenance services.” SEMrush also offers a glimpse into your competitors’ keyword strategies, which can help you identify gaps in your own approach.
Google Trends is an often-overlooked tool for keyword research. It allows you to see the popularity of certain search terms over time and by region. This tool is particularly useful for general contractors to identify seasonal trends in their services, like “pool installation in summer” or “roof repair services in winter.”
Soovle is a simple yet effective tool for discovering keywords across various search engines and platforms, including Google, YouTube, Bing, and Amazon. By entering a keyword, Soovle will display related search terms from all these platforms, providing a broader view of what your potential customers are searching for.
AlsoAsked.com takes your base keyword and shows you the ‘people also ask’ questions from Google’s search results. This is incredibly useful for understanding the specific queries people are making related to your services. For example, “What is the average cost of a home extension?” might be a common query you can address on your website.
SEO is a vital part of your digital marketing strategy as a general contractor, and keyword research is at the heart of SEO. Utilizing these free tools can provide you with a wealth of information about what potential clients are searching for, allowing you to tailor your website and content to meet these needs. From local service keywords to understanding seasonal trends, these tools offer a range of features to boost your online presence without breaking the bank. Remember, the key to successful SEO is not just about finding the right keywords but also about creating valuable content that resonates with your audience and answers their questions. With these tools in your arsenal, you’re well on your way to enhancing your digital footprint and growing your business.