Google's Real-Time Insights Tool: The Easiest New Way to Do Local Keyword Research.

We routinely advise Home Performance contractors and businesses to do keyword research around the topic of home energy efficiency to identify the keywords people are using to seek out your services. 

Doing keyword research is useful not only for the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) of your website, but for providing a window into how people are thinking about the industry. For example, a homeowner may remain unaware of the whole-house approach to building performance, but she does know that she has a mold problem. Consequently, she goes online and searches for "mold," or "mold problem," or "moldy basement" -- the thought of searching for a "home performance contractor" might not occur to her. Consequently, if you operate in an area that's humid, and where mold problems are typical, it's not a bad idea to include a page on your website dedicated to mold remediation, tying it back to ventilation strategies and the whole-house approach. 

But search volume for the industry's big keywords will vary greatly by region, so it's a good idea to do a little research in your own market to find out what problems people are having and how they're searching for the answers. 

Thankfully, this process just got a little easier. Google has a new tool called "Real-Time Insights" that helps you find the right Google tool for the information you're looking for. It helps you find information about what people are looking for, how they're looking for it, what videos they're watching, what links they're clicking on and what they're saying about various topics. 

We think it's worth a gander, so here it is: 

For more information about keyword research and Search Engine Optimization in the Home Performance field, check out these previous posts:

Keywording Strategies for Energy Efficiency and Home Performance Professionals 

Energy Efficiency, Home Performance, Weatherization -- How Will Your Customers Find You?

10 Things to Do Once Your Website Goes Live

Google Insights: The Best Tool for Local Keyword Research

And be sure to check out our FREE white paper on web marketing for Home Performance pros: Putting Your Website to Work: Best Practices for Home Performance Professionals.