Local SEO for Edmonton & Alberta based Small Businesses (What’s the Difference Between SEO & Local SEO?)
As I mentioned in an earlier post about a year ago (which you probably didn’t read :P), Local SEO is about optimizing your website, and Google My Business listing for local search results. Over the years the landscape has changed including:
- Google has gone through several algo updates, and they even changed their local platform from Google Places to Google+ to Google My Business (GMB).
- One thing that hasn’t changed however, is Google’s ability to provide relevant search results based on your location in order to show you results it thinks you want to see.
- Are you located in Red Deer looking for a dentist? Google will likely display local listing results closer to the top with addresses and phone numbers attached to each listing.
Having success with Local SEO is much the same as having success with organic SEO. Just like link building, we build citations which are ‘the links’ of the Local SEO world. Citations are considered a ‘vote’ towards the consolidation of your companies business information.
NAP Consistency
Googles new local search platform, Google+ Local, farms information in Canada typically from the Yellow Pages, so this is where most local businesses should start. The Yellow Pages creates an online directory listing using your phone number, and address from the Yellow Pages book. If this information is incorrect, Google will typically create an unclaimed Google+ Local page based on this listing which puts you off to a bad start.
First, call the Yellowpages and get them to update your listing (you may even need to call your service provider, such as Telus). Wait the 6-10 days for the listing to get updated, and either use Google Map Maker to create your new listing, or claim the incorrect listing and update your information. It’s important to change the Yellow Pages listing first, as this can cause NAP confusion and constantly create unclaimed listings based on the old incorrect address.
Super important questions the Adster team asks a client when undergoing a new Local SEO project:
1. Has your business changed names, phone numbers or addresses in the last 12 months?
2. Have you created any directory listings for your business already? If so, are the usernames/passwords stored somewhere?
3. Do you have access to the listings you claimed? Check out our Top 10 Canadian Citations for small businesses.
What’s the Difference Between SEO and Local SEO?
| Aspect | Local SEO | Regular SEO |
|---|---|---|
| Geographical Focus | Focuses on specific locations (e.g., “Edmonton, AB”) | Focuses on broad/national/global audience |
| Keyword Targeting | Location-based keywords (e.g., “dentist in Edmonton”) | General keywords (e.g., “best dentists”) |
| Google Business Profile (GBP) | Essential for local visibility (appearing in Google Maps) | Not a central focus; aims for organic search rankings |
| Local Citations | Important for improving local presence (business directories, Yelp) | Focuses more on backlinks from authoritative websites |
| Search Results Focus | Aims for the Local Pack or Map Pack results | Focuses on regular organic search rankings |
| Customer Reviews | Key to local rankings and trust | Less direct impact on SEO unless from industry-relevant sources |
| Mobile Optimization | Critical due to high volume of “near me” mobile searches | Important but not specifically for location-based results |
| NAP Consistency | Name, Address, Phone (NAP) consistency is crucial | NAP consistency is less critical for non-local businesses |
| Backlink Strategy | Local backlinks from regional sites are valuable | Backlinks from high-authority, non-local sites are prioritized |
| Citations | Strong focus on consistent citations across local directories | Less emphasis on local citations, more on industry relevance |
Adster’s Top 3 Local SEO Tips for Edmonton Businesses:
1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
- Ensure your Google Business Profile is fully optimized. This includes:
- Accurate business information (name, address, phone number, website, hours).
- Selecting the correct business categories.
- Adding high-quality images of your business and products/services.
- Regularly updating your profile with posts, promotions, or new services.
- Encourage customers to leave reviews and respond to those reviews promptly helps improve visibility in local searches, particularly in Edmonton’s local pack or map results.
2. Focus on Local Content and Keywords
- Develop content that is specifically tailored to Edmonton and its neighborhoods. This could include blog posts or landing pages targeting local events, news, or community-related keywords. Examples:
- “Best HVAC services in downtown Edmonton.”
- “Edmonton home maintenance tips for winter.”
- Incorporate geo-targeted keywords in meta descriptions, titles, and throughout your website content to signal relevance to local searchers.
3. Build and Maintain Local Citations
- Get your business listed in important local directories like Yelp, YellowPages, and industry-specific directories relevant to Edmonton.
- Ensure that your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) is consistent across all platforms, including directories, social media, and your website.
- Consider networking with other local businesses for backlinks, as local citations and links from Edmonton-based websites are valuable for local SEO rankings.
These strategies will help boost local visibility and attract more Edmonton-based customers to your business.