How to Use Longtail Keywords for Plumbers

As the owner of a plumbing business, you know the constant challenge of keeping the phone ringing and the contact form filling up. If traditional advertising has given you inconsistent results, long-tail keywords for plumbers are one of the most reliable ways to change that. A long-tail keyword is a longer, more specific search phrase, like “tankless water heater repair in Chicago” instead of just “water heater repair.” Fewer people search each one, but the people who do are much closer to picking up the phone. In this guide, we cover why long-tail keywords matter for plumbers, how to find them, and how to put them to work on your website. If you want a head start, our list of SEO keywords for plumbers is a good place to begin.

Why Long-Tail Keywords Matter for Plumbers

Long-tail keywords help plumbers improve their online visibility, attract highly targeted traffic, and convert more website visitors into paying customers. Here are three examples that show the difference:

Example 1: “Plumber” vs “Emergency Plumber in Baltimore”

“Plumber” is a broad, highly competitive keyword, and the person searching it could want anything from a quote on new construction to a plumbing license. “Emergency plumber in Baltimore” tells you exactly what the searcher needs and where. That person has water on the floor and is going to call someone in the next few minutes.

Example 2: “Water Heater Repair” vs “Tankless Water Heater Repair in Chicago”

“Water heater repair” is generic and competitive. “Tankless water heater repair in Chicago” names the equipment, the service, and the city. A Chicago plumber who services tankless units can build a page for exactly that search and compete with a fraction of the plumbers chasing the broad term.

Example 3: “Well Pump Repair” vs “Well Pump Replacement in Worcester, MA”

“Well pump repair” is a general keyword. “Well pump replacement in Worcester, MA” adds the specific job and a real service area. Rural and suburban plumbers who work on wells can own searches like this because very few competitors bother to build a page for them.

Here is what that looks like with real numbers. In Winston-Salem, NC, “plumber in Winston-Salem” is dominated by companies with hundreds to thousands of Google reviews. But “drain cleaning in Winston-Salem” came back at a keyword difficulty of 3 out of 100, and “emergency plumber in Winston-Salem” at 5. We walked through how a one man plumbing business can use terms like these to reach page one of Google.

In summary, long-tail SEO keywords are valuable for plumbers because they:

Less Competition for Plumbing Searches

Long-tail keywords have less competition than broad keywords, which makes it easier for plumbers to rank higher in search engine results.

More Targeted Traffic From Homeowners Ready to Call

Long-tail keywords attract users who are more likely to convert because they have a clear and specific need for the services offered.

Stronger Local SEO in Your Service Area

Including location-specific long-tail keywords helps plumbers tap into their local market, which is crucial for service-based businesses like plumbing.

A Better Experience for Searchers

When users find content that precisely matches their search intent, it enhances their experience and builds trust in the plumber’s expertise. By incorporating long-tail keywords into their SEO strategy, plumbers can improve their online presence, reach the right audience, and ultimately grow their customer base.

5 Ways to Find Long-Tail Keywords for Plumbers

Google Autocomplete and Related Searches for Plumbing Terms

Start typing a general keyword related to plumbing services, such as “plumber” or “plumbing repair,” into Google’s search bar. Google will automatically suggest long-tail keywords as you type. Take note of these suggestions, as they are based on real user search queries. Additionally, scroll to the bottom of the search results page to find the “Related Searches” section, which often contains more long-tail keyword ideas.

Keyword Research Tools for Plumbers

Use keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, Semrush, or Ahrefs. These tools provide valuable insights into keyword search volume, competition, and related long-tail keywords. Simply input your primary keyword (e.g., “plumbing services”) to discover variations and long-tail keyword ideas.

Analyze the Plumbers Ranking Above You

Analyze the websites of your competitors or other successful plumbers in your area. Look at their content and meta tags to identify the long-tail keywords they are targeting. Tools like Semrush and Ahrefs can also help you see which keywords are driving traffic to their websites. Here is our step-by-step guide to finding your competitors’ keywords.

Questions Your Plumbing Customers Already Ask

Pay attention to questions and keywords used by your existing customers. Often, the questions they ask on your website’s contact forms, in emails, or over the phone can provide valuable long-tail keyword ideas. Additionally, consider creating FAQ pages on your website that address common customer queries, which can naturally incorporate long-tail keywords.

Location-Based Keywords for Your Service Area

Since plumbers primarily serve specific geographic areas, don’t forget to include location-based long-tail keywords. Combine plumbing-related terms with your service area, such as “plumber in [city or region]” or “emergency plumbing services near [location].” This approach targets local customers who are actively looking for plumbing services in your vicinity.

The Benefits of Partnering With an SEO Company for Plumbers

As the owner of a plumbing company, reaching out to an SEO company that specializes in plumbing businesses is a strategic move that can have a profound impact on your online presence and, ultimately, your business’s success. That is why partnering with an SEO Company for Plumbers makes sense. Here are a few reasons why we think you should reach out to us.

Plumbing Industry Expertise

SEO companies that specialize in plumbing understand the unique challenges and opportunities within your industry. They have a deep understanding of the plumbing market, the specific services you offer, and the preferences of your target audience. This industry-specific knowledge allows them to create tailored strategies that resonate with potential customers.

Long-Tail Keyword Research for Plumbing Services

SEO experts like MarketKeep have the tools and experience to perform comprehensive keyword research for your plumbing business. They can identify the most relevant long-tail keywords that potential customers are using to search for plumbing services in your area. This ensures that your website is optimized for the exact terms your target audience is using.

Technical SEO for Plumbing Websites

SEO involves not only content optimization but also technical aspects of your website. An experienced SEO company can handle technical SEO tasks such as optimizing site speed, improving mobile-friendliness, enhancing site security, and optimizing the website’s structure for search engine crawlers.

Content Strategy for Plumbing Companies

Crafting high-quality, informative, and engaging content is essential for SEO success. An SEO company can create a content strategy that includes blog posts, service pages, and FAQs, all optimized with the right keywords. MarketKeep, as a digital marketing agency for small businesses, understands the importance of content creation that aligns with your business goals.

Local SEO for Plumbers

Local SEO is crucial for plumbing companies as most of your customers are likely to be local. SEO experts can optimize your website for local search by setting up and managing your Google Business Profile, optimizing location-based keywords, and building a steady flow of Google reviews. Here is why Google reviews are important for plumbers.

Link Building for Plumbers

Building high-quality backlinks from reputable websites is a vital aspect of SEO. SEO companies have the expertise to earn relevant, local backlinks that boost your website’s credibility in the eyes of search engines. Learn more about backlinks for plumbers.

Ongoing Ranking Monitoring and Adjustments

SEO is an ongoing process. SEO companies like MarketKeep continually monitor your website’s performance, track keyword rankings, and make adjustments to the strategy as needed. This ensures that your website maintains a strong online presence.

More Time to Run Your Plumbing Business

Partnering with an SEO company allows you to focus on running your plumbing business while experts handle your online marketing efforts. It’s a cost-effective way to access specialized skills without the need for in-house expertise.

In conclusion, optimizing your plumbing website for search engines is a complex and evolving task. A dedicated SEO company with industry-specific knowledge, such as MarketKeep, can help you navigate the intricacies of SEO, improve your online visibility, and drive more targeted traffic to your plumbing business. This investment can lead to increased leads and revenue, making it a valuable choice for your business’s growth.

How to Add Long-Tail Keywords to Your Plumbing Website

Remember that finding effective long-tail keywords is just the first step. Once you’ve identified them, it’s crucial to create high-quality, informative, and relevant content around these keywords on your website. This will help improve your search engine rankings and attract the right audience to your plumbing business.

Implementing long-tail keywords for plumbers on your website involves a strategic approach to on-page SEO (search engine optimization). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to effectively incorporate long-tail keywords into your website:

Choose the Right Long-Tail Keywords for Each Page

Start by conducting comprehensive keyword research to identify relevant long-tail keywords for your plumbing services. Assign one primary keyword to each page so your pages are not competing with each other. Focus on phrases that reflect specific services, locations, and common customer queries.

Optimize Your Plumbing Website Content

• Homepage: Incorporate one or two of your most important long-tail keywords naturally into your homepage’s title tag and meta description. Ensure that these keywords fit naturally within your page’s content.
• Service Pages: Create dedicated service pages for each specific plumbing service you offer. For example, if you provide “water heater repair in Chicago,” create a page with that title and include detailed information about your water heater repair services in Chicago. Use the long-tail keyword in the page’s title, header tags (H1, H2), and throughout the content.
• Blog Posts: Regularly publish blog posts that address common plumbing issues, FAQs, and industry news. Integrate long-tail keywords within your blog posts naturally. For instance, if you’re targeting “how to unclog a kitchen sink,” create a blog post that offers a step-by-step guide and incorporates this long-tail keyword in the content.
• Location Pages: If your plumbing business serves multiple areas, consider creating dedicated location pages. Each page should target long-tail keywords specific to that area, and each one should be genuinely written for that town rather than a copy with the city name swapped, such as “plumber in [city]” or “emergency plumbing services near [location].”

Add LocalBusiness Schema Markup

Implement schema markup for your website. This structured data markup helps search engines understand your content better and can enhance your visibility in local search results. Include schema markup for your business name, address, phone number (NAP), and plumbing services.

Optimize Images and Alt Text With Plumbing Keywords

If you include images on your website, ensure that the image file names and alt text contain relevant keywords. For example, if you have an image of a plumber fixing a leak, the file name could be “plumber-fixing-leak.jpg,” and the alt text should describe the image using related keywords.

Internal Linking Between Plumbing Service Pages

Incorporate internal links within your content, connecting relevant service pages and blog posts. This helps search engines understand the structure of your website and how pages are related to each other.

Mobile Optimization for Plumbing Searches

Ensure your website is mobile-friendly. Many users search for plumbing services on mobile devices, and search engines prioritize mobile-friendly websites in their rankings.

Keep Your Plumbing Content Up to Date

Keep your website content up to date. Plumbing trends, regulations, and customer needs can change over time. Regularly review and update your content to remain relevant.

Track Long-Tail Keyword Performance

Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to monitor your website’s performance. Search Console’s Performance report shows the exact queries bringing people to each page, which is also one of the best sources of new long-tail keyword ideas. Track the rankings and traffic for your targeted long-tail keywords and make adjustments as needed.

By following these steps and continually optimizing your website for long-tail keywords, you can improve your search engine rankings, attract more targeted traffic, and increase the chances of converting visitors into plumbing customers. Long-tail keywords work best as part of a full plumbing marketing plan.