As a PPC expert, I know that keyword research is the cornerstone of any high-performing local HVAC campaign. If you’re running Google Ads or optimizing your website for SEO, targeting the right keywords is non-negotiable. Choosing the best keywords ensures your ads appear for the most relevant searches, reducing wasted ad spend while maximizing conversions.
This guide will walk you through the exact keyword research process I use for local service businesses like HVAC. If you’re ready to dominate your local market, keep reading.
Before we dive into tools and tactics, we must first understand the search behavior of your potential customers. Ask yourself:
✅ What services do customers typically need? (Repairs, installations, maintenance, duct cleaning, etc.)
✅ What pain points drive them to search? (Broken AC, high energy bills, heating issues, poor indoor air quality)
✅ How do they phrase their searches? (Do they include city names? Do they use “near me” searches?)
HVAC customers typically have an urgent need—they want their AC or furnace fixed fast. This urgency means that transactional keywords will play a crucial role in your campaign.
Your seed keywords are the foundation of your research. Start with broad, service-related terms:
✅ “HVAC repair”
✅ “Air conditioning installation”
✅ “Furnace maintenance”
✅ “Duct cleaning”
✅ “Emergency HVAC services”
Since HVAC is a local service, customers will often include their city or “near me” in their searches:
✅ “HVAC repair in Tampa”
✅ “Orlando AC installation”
✅ “Best furnace service near me”
Pro Tip: Google Autocomplete is an excellent way to find real-world variations of these terms.
Once you have your seed list, use the following tools to expand your research:
✅ Google Keyword Planner – Find search volume, competition level, and CPC estimates.
✅ Google Autocomplete & Related Searches – Type in your keyword and look at Google’s suggestions.
✅ Google Search Console – Analyze what keywords your site is already ranking for.
✅ Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Ubersuggest – Identify keyword difficulty and competitor rankings.
Example: Searching for “HVAC repair” in Google Keyword Planner might show additional keywords like “AC repair same day service” or “affordable air conditioning repair.”
Search intent plays a crucial role in PPC and SEO. Focus on keywords that indicate a high intent to purchase.
For PPC, prioritize transactional keywords as they convert the best.
A competitive analysis is a PPC expert’s secret weapon. You don’t have to start from scratch—analyze what’s already working for your competitors.
Use Ahrefs or SEMrush to check your competitors’ highest-ranking keywords and ad copies.
✅ Enter your competitor’s domain in Ahrefs’ “Site Explorer” or SEMrush’s “Organic Research.”
✅ Look at their top-ranking pages and the keywords they’re targeting.
✅ Identify high-intent, low-competition keywords you can capitalize on.
Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific search terms that often have lower competition but higher conversion rates.
✅ Short-Tail Keyword: “AC repair”
✅ Long-Tail Keyword: “24-hour emergency AC repair in Tampa”
Examples of effective long-tail keywords:
These keywords cost less per click and often convert better than broad, high-competition terms.
HVAC businesses see seasonal demand spikes. Plan your campaigns accordingly:
🔹 Summer: “AC repair near me,” “Air conditioning installation,” “Cooling system maintenance”
🔹 Winter: “Furnace repair services,” “Heating maintenance,” “Emergency heating repair”
🔹 Year-Round: “Duct cleaning,” “Indoor air quality improvement,” “HVAC tune-ups”
Set higher bids for peak-season keywords and adjust your PPC strategy accordingly.
For local service businesses, Google My Business (GMB) is a goldmine for organic traffic. Here’s how to optimize it with keywords:
✅ Add service-specific keywords in your business description.
✅ Encourage customer reviews that mention key services.
✅ Post seasonal promotions with targeted keywords.
Keyword research isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process. Here’s how to refine your strategy:
✅ Google Analytics & Search Console – Monitor keyword performance and adjust bids.
✅ A/B Testing – Run split tests on ad headlines and descriptions.
✅ Adjust Bids & Budget – Increase budget for high-performing keywords, reduce for low-converting ones.
📞 Want to connect? Reach out to me on WhatsApp: Click Here Mastering keyword research for HVAC services is a game-changer for local businesses. Whether running PPC campaigns or focusing on SEO, choosing the right keywords will lower costs, increase conversions, and drive more leads.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep testing, refining, and adapting your strategy. Google Ads and SEO are never static—staying ahead of trends will ensure your HVAC business dominates the local market.