Keyword Research for SEO: Find Keywords for Your Website​

Keyword Research for SEO: Find Keywords for Your Website

Why Keyword Research Matters for Service Businesses

If you offer a service, your website is often your first impression with a potential customer. Whether you’re a roofer in Nanaimo or a massage therapist in Parksville, effective keyword research ensures you show up when someone’s looking for exactly what you do on google and other search engines.

Think of it like this: would you rather get 10,000 random visitors, or 100 who are ready to call and book? Specific keyword research filters out the browsers and connects you with people ready to act.

Quick Takeaway
The more the keywords for your website match your ideal customer’s search results, the more likely they are to find, and hire you.

The Role of SEO Strategy in Online Visibility

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Google is like a giant library. Search engine optimization is how you label your content so the librarian knows where to shelve it, and when to recommend it.

If your page includes terms like “24-hour plumbing in Parksville,” you’re telling Google, “Show this when someone has an emergency in this area.” The better your SEO, the more likely you’ll appear when it matters.

Fact
About 75% of people never scroll past the first page of their Google search. If you’re not there, you’re likely not seen.

What Are Keywords and Why Do They Matter?

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Keywords are the connection point between what people search and what you offer.

If someone searches “spring yard cleanup Qualicum Beach,” and you’ve included that phrase on your site, you’re one step closer to getting the call. The more specific your target keywords, the better your chances of showing up for real customer searches.

Pro Tip
Use local, service-specific relevant keywords. They’re easier to rank for and bring in the right traffic.

Organic Search vs. Paid Search

Paid search is like renting a billboard—you pay for every click.

Organic search is like planting a seed—you nurture it and watch it grow.

With paid ads, you’re visible instantly but pay continuously. Organic search takes more time but becomes an asset that generates free traffic long-term.

Best Approach
Use paid ads when speed matters, but focus on organic for steady, cost-effective visibility.

The Keyword Research Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1 – Brainstorm Keyword Ideas

Start by thinking like your customer. What would someone search if they needed your help?

Example:

  • “24/7 HVAC tech in Nanaimo”

  • “best family dentist Parksville”

  • “sprinkler repair near me”

Make a list of:

  • Services you offer

  • Locations you serve

  • Problems you solve

These combinations turn into powerful local keywords and phrases


Step 2 – Use Keyword Research Tools

Use SEO tools to validate your ideas and find more.

Bonus Tools:


Step 3 – Analyze Search Volume and High Keyword Difficulty

You’re looking for balance: decent search volume with manageable competition.

Avoid broad, high keyword difficulty search terms like “plumber.” Instead, go for more specific, local searches like “plumber for hot water tank Parksville.”

The Goal of Keyword Research: Get targeted traffic, not just a lot of it.


Step 4 – Understand Search Intent

Not every keyword means the same thing. Intent tells you what the searcher really wants.

Types of search intent:

  • Informational: “how to unclog a drain”

  • Navigational: “ABC Plumbing Company”

  • Transactional: “book HVAC inspection Nanaimo”

Match the Content

  • Blog posts: Informational

  • Homepage or About: Navigational

  • Service pages: Transactional


Step 5 – Prioritize Your Given Keywords

Start with what’s most relevant to your services and location. Don’t try to rank for everything—focus on the search terms for your site that are most likely to bring in business.

Create keyword clusters:

  • Group related keywords under one page

  • Example: “furnace repair,” “heater troubleshooting,” and “no heat in house” all work together

Why it Matters
Keyword clusters help you build stronger, more focused content that ranks better and reads more naturally.

How to Find the Right Keywords for SEO

Start with what Google is already showing you.

Use these resources for free keyword research:

  • Autocomplete: Type your main keyword and see what pops up

  • People Also Ask: Questions you can turn into blog content

  • Related Searches: Ideas for similar topics your target audience is looking for

Check out your competitors:

  • Look at their page titles, headers, and meta descriptions

  • Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to see what they rank for

Build a list of keywords:

  • Services + Location + Customer problem

  • Example: “emergency boiler repair Ladysmith” instead of just “boiler repair”

Long-tail research keywords:

  • Lower search volume but higher intent

  • Easier to rank for, and they convert better

Using SEO Keyword Research

Once you determine which keywords to use, put them to work in the right places.

ElementWhat to Do
Page TitlesPut your primary keyword first
Meta DescriptionsMake it engaging and include your main keyword
Headers (H1, H2)Use variations and related phrases
Body ContentUse keywords naturally; don’t overdo it
Image Alt TextDescribe what’s in the image using keywords

SEO Expert Content Strategies

for Service Businesses

Turn keyword ideas into content that brings traffic and builds trust.

  • Write blog posts that answer customer questions

  • Add FAQs to your service pages for voice search and SEO

  • Create dedicated service pages for each offering and location

Example:

  • Blog: “How to Tell If You Need Furnace Replacement”

  • FAQ: “Do you work weekends?”

  • Service page: “Emergency Furnace Repair in Parksville”

Common Keyword Search Mistakes to Avoid

Mistakes that waste time and lower your rankings:

  • Chasing high-volume keywords that don’t convert

  • Ignoring what your customer is actually trying to do

  • Keyword stuffing—it sounds bad and it is

  • Not revisiting your keyword strategy regularly

Fix It
Update your list every 3 to 6 months. Track what’s working. Replace what’s not.

Keyword research isn’t just about getting more clicks. It’s about attracting the right people—those who need your help and are ready to act.

When you show up for the searches that matter, your phone rings more. Your schedule fills up. Your business grows.

Next Steps with King Tide Marketing

Need help choosing keywords or writing content that gets results? We specialize in SEO for service businesses just like yours.

Book your free keyword strategy session or grab our Keyword Starter Pack to get a head start.

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