HVAC Long-Tail Keywords: Definition + Ranking Methods

When HVAC companies set out to rank on Google search, they frequently envision obvious terms and phrases like “ac repair” and “HVAC company near me.” However, research shows that most organic website clicks come from long-tail keywords.

Long-tail keywords are extended queries people search for on Google and other platforms. For example, instead of a base term like hvac repair, the user may search for a long-tail phrase like rheem heat pump leak repair spokane wa.

Most local companies compete for the same HVAC keywords. This is a problem for newer businesses because established websites have earned Google’s trust over time.

Even for big, well-established HVAC businesses, maintaining visibility on the top of search results for high-volume keywords like hvac repair, hvac maintenance, and hvac installation requires consistent efforts.

Another factor is domain age. Sites registered ten years ago or more respond faster to search engine optimization, while brand-new domains may take up to 6 months to compete for high-competition keywords.

Conversely, long-tail keywords are less competitive, so new sites can rank for them quickly. My post below will dive into the specifics of long-tail keywords for HVAC companies.

Users typically search for long-tail keywords when they want more specific results that match their precise intent. For example, a generic term like “rheem ac repair crackling sound” generates results matching the user’s air conditioner brand, model, and specific ailment.

While longer keywords register less volume, they are still incredibly valuable because websites can more easily appear as the #1 result.

In addition, a study from my agency, HVAC Webmasters, found that over half of all HVAC-related Google queries are undetectable. As a result, these terms will generate substantial clicks and more conversions.

In addition, searchers who use a long-tail keyword are more likely to be ready to pay for HVAC goods or services. Their use of longer phrases demonstrates a precise need and an intent to meet that need with a local HVAC service.

An example of a long-tail keyword with commercial intent (the searcher is looking to spend money on services) would be something like:

• rheem hvac repair in gig harbor washington

Conversely, a searcher may use long-tail phrases when gathering information about a future purchase. An example of a long-tail phrase with informational intent would be:

• how much does hvac repair cost

Notice how long-tail keywords have a narrower focus. The first example altered the keyword into long-tail form by including region-specific search terms. The second example altered the keyword for customers wondering about the cost. 

By using long-tail keywords, you are honing in on a smaller audience, but one that is more likely to pay for your services.

Aside from the sheer number of long-tail keywords that result in clicks, they are essential because they cater to consumers with specific intent.

When the user provides more context, your website content can deliver a more customized message, increasing click-through rate (CTR) and conversion rate.

Using long-tail keywords can also give you a higher return on your SEO investment. Because they are lower competition, they produce a lower cost per acquisition.

HVAC companies can use a variety of methods to find high-opportunity keywords. Some of the essential things to keep in mind include:

Please look at the above example about HVAC repair in Gig Harbor, Washington. Start with the services you offer and add in the city and state. Then, depending on your city, some keyword tools like SEMRush and AHrefs will show you the monthly volume by location.

There are free and paid online services that you can use to find relevant long-tail keywords for your business and the HVAC services/products you sell. Take advantage of these services if you have difficulty developing a renewable list of long-tail keywords.

Some tracking tools don’t register volume for newer keywords, especially those dealing with more unique types of AC repair services. As an industry expert, optimize your content for all of your services, and you’ll notice that people will click.

Implementing long-tail keywords or keyphrases should mirror your process with primary keywords. It is critical to avoid keyword stuffing, which is the unnatural insertion of terms within content at the expense of user experience and readability. Consider the following principles:

You have your keywords like ac repair las vegas, but your reader will not want to see a grammatically incorrect phrase. As a result, you should write the keyword as: AC Repair in Las Vegas. Yes, Google is smart enough to understand that they are identical.

The fastest way to boost rankings for a particular long-tail phrase is to link it internally from another relevant web page. So, for example, if your AC repair services page links to an emergency AC repair services page using keyword-rich anchor text, you will benefit immensely.

Create supporting graphics for your long-tail keywords and name the file something similar, or even exact, when it makes sense. If possible, include descriptive Alt Text that mentions the phrase. An excellent example of a supporting graphic is AC Repair Tips, which has a list of suggestions in graphic form.

I invested millions in creating DataPins, a long-tail keyword software app for HVAC contractors. The application automatically creates long-tail phrases based on your real-life heating and cooling jobs.

Because long-tail keywords account for over half of all of your website clicks, populating your content with information from your service jobs is an excellent way to increase your traffic, leads, and sales. To learn more about this tool and my services, contact me today.