Keyword Research For Lawn Care & Landscape SEO, Made Easy.
One of the first things that probably comes to mind when you think of SEO is keywords. And sure, you might have heard a lot about how important they are and why they can make or break your website’s ranking on Google.
But where do you even start with finding your keywords? Wouldn’t your time be better spent reaching out to customers and getting your foot in the door?
Well, keywords help you do exactly that. And we’ve made a quick, easy-to-follow guide to figuring out your target (or hero) keywords anyone can follow along with.
So grab a cup of coffee (or a snack), settle in, and let’s see how keywords help your business grow!
What is a “hero” keyword, anyway?
Think of each page on your website as a distinct area in your garden. The homepage is the vibrant entrance, service pages are neatly organized flower beds, and the blog section is an informative greenhouse. Target keywords (or hero keywords, as we like to call them) are the strategically placed signage, ensuring visitors understand what each area offers and guiding them towards relevant information.
Here’s a video I made detailing the importance of hero keywords, which you can check out on YouTube!
Why do I need to choose a hero or target keyword?
By choosing the right hero keywords, you unlock a treasure trove of benefits:
Clarity
No more guessing what your website is about. Hero keywords provide a laser focus, ensuring both you and search engines clearly understand your content’s intent. Imagine a visitor searching for “lawn care near me”. A homepage with the hero keyword “Landscaping Services in [Your City]” immediately signals relevance, prompting them to explore further.
SEO Optimization
Prioritizing hero keywords in key locations like titles, headers, and content sends powerful signals to search engines, boosting your ranking potential. Think of search engines as meticulous gardeners, nurturing pages with relevant keywords to attract the right audience.
And if you want to learn more about how target or hero keywords play into the big picture of SEO? Here’s our 2024 guide to simple strategies to optimize your lawn & landscape website.
Cost Savings
Forget pouring resources into irrelevant SEO efforts. Hero keywords help you identify and target the most valuable pages and keywords, maximizing your return on investment. It’s like meticulously pruning unnecessary branches, allowing your valuable content to flourish.
Page Authority
Each page cultivates its own authority within its chosen niche. By strategically assigning hero keywords, you’re building a network of strong, interconnected pages, enhancing your overall website authority. This strengthens your online presence, attracting more visitors and establishing your expertise.
How do I choose the best keyword for my landscaping website?
Selecting the perfect hero keyword isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about strategic planning.
Here’s a step-by-step approach to ensure your keywords bloom into success:
Map Your Domain
Start by understanding your website’s structure. Identify your homepage, service pages (e.g., lawn mowing, landscaping), area pages (e.g., Memphis, Jackson), and blog sections. Think of this as mapping out the different garden beds in your website.
Choose Your Tools
Research is key! Free options like Google Keyword Planner offer a good starting point, while paid tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush delve deeper. Consider them powerful magnifying glasses, helping you analyze keyword volume, competition, and intent.
Intention Matters
Not all searches are created equal. Distinguish between informational (“how to mow a lawn”) and commercial intent (“lawn mowing services near me”). Prioritize keywords indicating a strong desire to purchase services. Imagine the difference between someone seeking general lawn care tips and someone actively looking for a lawn care provider.
Location, Location, Location
Remember, you’re not just catering to a generic audience. Combine your hero keywords with geo-modifiers like your city or service area to attract local customers. Think of it like planting regionally-specific flowers to attract local pollinators – your potential customers.
Volume is Key
Balance is crucial. Choose keywords with enough search volume to be relevant, but not so high that competition becomes fierce. Imagine choosing the right amount of sunshine for your plants – too little and they won’t thrive, too much and they’ll scorch.
Overwhelmed with all this info? We’ve actually done all of this for you, and here’s a sneak peek.
You can download our complete Hero Keyword research guide here!
What are the best practices for keyword optimization on my website?
Once you’ve chosen your hero keywords, it’s time to integrate them seamlessly into your lawn & landscape website’s ecosystem:
One Hero Keyword per Page
Each page deserves its own unique focus. Assigning a single hero keyword ensures targeted optimization and avoids confusing search engines. Think of it like assigning each bed in your garden a specific flower type.
Title and H1 Reign Supreme
These are the most prominent places for your landscaping keyword. Include it naturally in both, but avoid keyword stuffing. Imagine them as the bold labels on your flower pots, clearly identifying the type of plant within.
I’ve pulled up an example here from our own website, with the hero keyword “Landscaping SEO”.
Organic Integration
Weave your hero keyword into the page content organically. Think of it as a guiding thread, not a forced repetition. Imagine weaving the flower’s colors and characteristics into the surrounding landscape, creating a cohesive visual experience.
Use your blogs as lead magnets
Don’t cannibalize your hero keywords by using them in blog posts. Instead, target long-tail keywords that attract potential customers in the research stage. Guide them towards your service pages with targeted calls to action, subtly showcasing your expertise without overshadowing your dedicated service pages.
Think of your blog posts as informative guides, offering valuable tips and insights that subtly lead visitors towards your service offerings. Imagine strategically placing colorful signs throughout your garden, directing visitors towards specific flower displays (your service pages).
And how do I apply those keywords into my lawncare website?
Let’s see how hero keywords translate into real-world examples:
- Homepage: “Landscaping Services in [Your City]” – This broad keyword captures potential customers searching for general landscaping services in your area, inviting them to explore your expertise.
- Service Page: “Lawn Mowing [Your City] – Affordable & Reliable” – This more specific keyword targets individuals actively seeking lawn mowing services, highlighting your key selling points and attracting qualified leads.
- Area Page: “Landscaping Services Memphis – Bringing Your Vision to Life” – This localized keyword appeals to Memphis residents looking for landscaping expertise, emphasizing your ability to fulfill their unique needs and build trust.
- Blog Post: “5 Tips for Choosing the Right Lawn Care Service” – This long-tail keyword attracts individuals researching lawn care options, subtly introducing your company as a potential solution. Offer valuable insights and expertise, and include a call to action at the end, encouraging them to visit your service page for a free quote or consultation. Remember, the blog post shouldn’t compete with your service page, but rather act as a stepping stone towards it.
Here’s an example of what that might look like on a website for a lawn care business in Jackson, TN.
By meticulously choosing and implementing hero keywords, you’re laying the foundation for a thriving online presence. Your website will become a beacon of clarity, attracting the right visitors and converting them into valuable customers.
Remember, just like a well-maintained garden requires constant care and attention, your website needs ongoing optimization to maintain its vibrant presence. Regularly revisit your hero keywords, analyze their performance, and adapt your strategy based on new data and industry trends.
By nurturing your online ecosystem with strategic hero keywords, you’ll cultivate a thriving business that blossoms with success.
