As a skilled trades professional in Vancouver, you’re constantly busy with jobs, managing your team, and keeping clients happy. But how much time do you spend thinking about the exact words potential customers type into Google when they need your services? If the answer is “not much,” then you might be unknowingly ignoring a goldmine of qualified leads.
Keywords aren’t just for tech gurus; they’re the bridge between a homeowner in Kitsilano desperately searching for “emergency plumber” and your business showing up as the solution. At Silver6 Marketing, we specialize in making sure Vancouver trades businesses don’t just exist online, but thrive there.
Ready to uncover the search terms that are practically begging to send leads your way? Let’s dive into finding the right keywords for your Vancouver trades business!
Imagine you’ve set up shop on a bustling street, but your sign is blank. That’s what ignoring keywords does to your online presence. When people search online, they use specific words and phrases. If your website and online profiles don’t use those same words, Google simply won’t know you’re relevant to their search.
Consider these facts:
Nearly half (46%) of all Google searches have local intent. This means people are looking for services right in their area.
97% of users turn to online search to find a local business. They’re looking for you, but they need to know what to type!
“Near me” searches have exploded by over 900% in recent years! People are looking for immediate, local solutions.
Without proper keyword research, your incredible plumbing, electrical, or landscaping skills could be invisible to the very people searching for them in Vancouver.
It’s not just about guessing. Smart keyword research involves understanding the different ways people search for services like yours.
This is the bread and butter for any Vancouver trades business. People don’t just search for “electrician”; they search for an electrician in their area.
Service + City: “Plumber Vancouver,” “HVAC repair Burnaby,” “Landscaping Richmond.”
Service + Neighbourhood: “Electrician Kitsilano,” “Drain cleaning Gastown,” “Roofer North Vancouver.”
Service + Surrounding Areas: Don’t forget nearby municipalities if you serve them, e.g., “Handyman Coquitlam.”
Get granular! Don’t just list “Plumbing.” Detail your services.
“Tankless water heater installation Vancouver”
“Commercial electrical wiring upgrades”
“Emergency burst pipe repair”
“Driveway paving solutions”
“Appliance repair expert”
Often, people search because they have a specific problem they need solved NOW. These keywords often indicate high urgency and intent.
“Leaky faucet fix Vancouver”
“No hot water repair”
“Circuit breaker tripping constantly”
“Garden drainage solutions”
“Furnace not turning on”
These phrases are skyrocketing in popularity, especially on mobile devices. Google understands “near me” and uses the searcher’s location.
“Plumber near me”
“Best electrician near me”
“AC repair near me open now”
These are longer, more specific phrases, often in the form of questions. While they have lower search volume individually, they attract highly qualified leads.
“How to fix a running toilet Vancouver”
“Cost to replace old electrical panel in Kitsilano”
“Licensed landscaper for small backyard design”
“24 hour emergency furnace repair Burnaby”
Why these types are critical: By covering these different keyword types, you cast a wider net, capturing users at various stages of their search, from initial problem identification to ready-to-hire.
You don’t need expensive software to start finding valuable keywords. Here are some free and easy methods:
Google Autocomplete & “People Also Ask”: Start typing a service (e.g., “plumber Vancouver”) into the Google search bar. Google’s autocomplete suggestions are based on real searches! Scroll down the search results page and look for the “People Also Ask” box for common questions.
Google Search Console (GSC): If you have a website, GSC shows you exactly what search queries people are using to find your site already. This is invaluable real-world data.
Google Keyword Planner (Free with Google Ads Account): While designed for ads, it gives you keyword ideas and estimated search volumes for free.
Listen to Your Customers: What questions do they ask on the phone? What terms do they use to describe their problems? This is direct market research!
Competitor Analysis (Manual): Type your main services + location into Google. What keywords are your top-ranking competitors using on their homepages, service pages, and in their meta descriptions?
Finding the right keywords is only half the battle. You need to strategically place them where Google (and your customers) will find them.
Your Website Content: Naturally weave keywords into your homepage text, dedicated service pages, “About Us” page, and especially your blog posts (like this one!).
Google Business Profile: Your GBP description, services list, posts, and even Q&A responses are prime locations for keywords.
Website Meta Titles & Descriptions: These are the headlines and snippets that appear in search results. Make them catchy and include your target keywords (within character limits!).
Website Headings (H1, H2, H3): Use keywords in your page titles and section headings to clearly signal your content’s relevance.
Why it’s critical: Proper keyword placement tells Google what your pages are about, helping them rank for relevant searches and ensuring your potential customers instantly recognize that you offer what they need.
"Often, people search because they have a specific problem they need solved NOW. These keywords often indicate high urgency and intent."