Hedges & Company knows how SEO strategy is different for truck parts vs. other industries and markets

Truck parts search patterns used by shoppers; click to enlarge.

Optimizing for SEO in the truck parts world is essentially this: Match search intent and search keywords to website content. Sounds simple, but there’s a lot to do.

Hedges & Company originated these SEO techniques

We originated SEO techniques proven to work in the truck parts market. These techniques are all based on consumer research, extensive data analysis and a lot of testing, done over a couple of decades. We first published this approach on our blog in 2017 (it’s still there!). We’ve seen many others attempt to copy this SEO strategy. But, we don’t stand still, we’re always testing and improving. If someone tries to actually copy the strategies published on our website, it’s a shortcut that doesn’t work well.

How truck parts shoppers really search

It’s important to optimize truck parts websites so they show up for the six main search patterns used by DIY and enthusiast consumers. Truck shoppers don’t search like consumers in other industries. The pie chart illustrates these search patterns.
Truck part type search, modified by truck fitment like year/make/model, truck bed length, crew cab vs. regular cab, and so on. Fitment can also be consumer slang, like “Yota” for “Toyota.” For class 7 and 8 heavy-duty trucks, fitment is determined by engine make and serial number.
Part number search including shoppers using crossover part numbers (important for OEM parts). This type of search has high purchase intent. Class 7 and 8 shoppers look primarily for OEM part numbers.
Informational search like “what,” “who,” “where,” or “how,” including truck fitment. Examples include what size tires go with lift height.
Symptom search like “how,” “what” or “when,” including truck fitment. Examples are sagging or swaying while towing, or needing more ground clearance.
Brand search, which can include reviews and comparisons to other brands.
Top-of-funnel category searches (think of categories on your truck parts website) usually including fitment.

For more detail on search patterns click here for our article on Google search types.

Our strategy includes E-E-A-T and EAST

E-E-A-T and EAST: Click to make larger.

E-E-A-T is extremely important for websites. That stands for Experience, Expertise, Authority and Trustworthiness.

Here’s why this matters: Google has an E-E-A-T algorithm that looks at and scores web pages and websites. Your E-E-A-T score is an important SEO ranking signal.

Google’s E-E-A-T algorithm is an important factor that drives today’s AI search.

Hedges & Company also creates engaging truck-based content based on EAST. That stands for Engagement, Answers, Solutions and Topics. Page engagement is measured by time spent on a page, scrolling depth and bounce rate. Those are also an important ranking signals. Answers, Solutions and Topics ties directly into what works for AI search.

This is a more powerful SEO strategy than just focusing on keywords, because it produces high-quality content that ranks for words, phrases and for topics. Google ranks web page quality by evaluating the content, and in turn matches search results based on search intent.

By the way, click here if you need automotive SEO instead of truck.
Click here if you’re instead looking for automotive paid search services.

The Hedges & Company SEO process for truck parts

Clients get a completely customized approach to SEO. There is no “one size fits all” that works in the truck parts and accessories industry. There are no easy shortcuts. Here are specific examples of what we do: