Edmonton SEO: The Complete Guide to Dominate Local Search

Local SEO is hard work. You're competing against every other business in your area, some of which will have die-hard customers that have been there for years, great reputations, and are cemented into the local Edmonton scene.

So how do you stand out in this beautiful, vibrant, but hyper-competitive scene?

Well, mastering your SEO is the first step, otherwise known as making sure your website and web presence are set up to be recognized and respected by Google, enabling them to feel confident putting you at the top of the search results whenever someone is looking for someone like you.

Sure, there are plenty of other ways to market and promote your business, but without proper SEO, Google won't put you front and center of their search engine, and thus, you'll never get the maximum number of opportunities to get new customers through the door.

This is your guide on how to do just that, and we're covering everything, so let's get on with it.

What is Edmonton SEO?

Just so we're on the same page, Edmonton SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is, as the name suggests, optimizing your website for the search engines, namely Google, who still control about 90% of the search engine market share.

The Edmonton part is very important, however, because if you're a local mechanic, realtor, cafe, bakery, and so on, there's no point getting your website shown in New York, Dubai, Australia, or wherever. 

You're only really going to get customers living in or visiting Edmonton coming through your doors, so your main focus is showing up for them. That means laser-focused optimizations where you don't just want large numbers, but a specific type of person (in this case, based on where they live)

Long story short, it's all about making sure your business pops up when someone in Edmonton searches for something you offer, whether it's "best coffee shops in Edmonton" or "reliable plumbers near me."

Why is local seo so important? 

Well, not only is this a city with over a million people where competition is fierce, but an older study showed that 97% of people learn more about a local company online than anywhere else, so you need to make sure you're showing up in those search results. 

Edmonton SEO helps you do just that, driving more traffic to your website, boosting your visibility, and ultimately, bringing in more customers.

What are the key elements of Edmonton SEO?

Unfortunately, Edmonton SEO isn't just about sprinkling some magic keywords here and there. It's a multi-faceted approach that involves a few key players:

On-page optimization

This is where we roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty with your website itself. 

It's about making sure "all the SEO on your web pages is optimized." This translates as high-quality copy and content (such as this blog 😉), where you're speaking Google's language (aka, it understands what your website is about, who's it for, and what you're saying) while being written for humans.

We'll also optimize those behind-the-scenes elements like title tags and meta descriptions – the things that appear on search results pages and entice people to click.

Off-page optimization

Now, imagine your website has a reputation around town. Off-page optimization is all about building a stellar reputation around the internet. 

This involves getting other reputable websites to link back to yours, like a digital vote of confidence. Think local business directories, community forums, or even collaborations with other Edmonton businesses. 

And don't forget the power of online reviews. Those glowing testimonials on your Google Business Profile can do wonders for your local SEO.

Technical SEO

Technical SEO is about making sure your website is running like a well-oiled machine, but you don't need a fancy computer degree for this.

We're talking things like is it fast enough to keep visitors from bouncing? Is it mobile-friendly for those on the go? Google loves websites that provide a smooth user experience, and so do your potential customers.

These days, it's all about offering the best experience in every possible way.

Content marketing

Content marketing, like writing blogs, copy, eBooks, and essentially creating any kind of content your customers will read (yes, menus count) is all about giving value to your customers in the best possible way.

Creative, valuable, and engaging content that draws people in.

The best way to approach this is to find questions your potential customers are looking for and give them answers in a way that's better than any other business.

Remember, it's not just about selling; it's about providing genuine value and building relationships.

And with these steps, you're off to a good start, but the chances are you probably don't have time to do it all yourself. 

Not only do you need the skills, experience, and resources to carry out these tasks, but you're already wearing so many hats by running your business, and are you really going to add all this to your plate?

This is why investing in the help of an Edmonton SEO service can be one of the best investments you can make. All your SEO handled and taken care for you, without having to lift a finger. 

Let's talk about it.

How to find the right Edmonton SEO services

If you're a DIY enthusiast and would love to handle your SEO yourself, then absolutely go for it. More power to you. The problem for most businesses is that SEO is a time-consuming beast.

SEO companies and agencies are so popular because they only do SEO, which means they're good at it, get things done fast, and have the experience to do a good job. Edmonton's SEO scene understands this, which is why there are so many options, so how do you pick the one that's right for you? 

Step #1 - Identify Your Needs

First things first, take a good look in the mirror (figuratively speaking, of course!). 

What are your specific SEO goals? Are you looking to boost your website traffic, improve your local rankings, or generate more leads? Knowing your needs will help you narrow down your search.

Step #2 - Research and Evaluate

Start by searching for "Edmonton SEO agencies" or "Edmonton SEO consultants." Check out their websites, read client testimonials, and see if their expertise aligns with your needs. 

Don't be afraid to ask for case studies or examples of their past successes.

Step #3 - Questions to Ask

Before you commit to an SEO partner, have a chat with them. Here are some key questions to ask:

• "What's your experience with Edmonton businesses specifically?"
• "Can you provide a customized SEO strategy for my business?"
• "How do you measure results and track progress?"
• "What kind of reporting can I expect?"
• "What's your pricing structure?"

Step #4 - Red Flags

While there are many reputable SEO professionals in Edmonton, it's important to be aware of potential red flags. Be wary of anyone who guarantees top rankings overnight or uses shady tactics that could get your website penalized by Google. 

Remember, sustainable SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. It's a process, not a one-and-done event. SEO is more like an art piece you keep working on over years and years, constantly evolving to the trends and 

By researching and asking the right questions, you can find an Edmonton SEO partner to help you achieve your online goals and grow your business.

How to set up your Edmonton business for SEO success

Even if you decide to partner with an SEO expert, there are still some essential things you can do to set your business up for online success. Think of it as laying the foundation for your digital empire.

Set up your Google Business Profile

This is your online storefront, your digital welcome mat. Make sure your Google Business profile is complete, accurate, and optimized with relevant keywords, enticing photos, and up-to-date information. 

If you don't, you won't show up in the search engine results when people search for local businesses, and they'll simply go elsewhere. If they offer a good experience, then you may have just lost your chance for that customer for good.

Did you know businesses with complete Google Business profiles are 70% more likely to attract location visits? Don't sleep on this.

Conduct website optimization basics

Remember that on-page optimization we talked about? Time to put it into action.

Start by making sure your website content is clear, concise, and keyword-rich. 

Use header tags to structure your content and optimize images with descriptive alt text. And for goodness sake, make sure your website is mobile-friendly.

More than half of all website traffic comes from mobile devices, so you don't want to miss those potential customers.

Develop a content strategy

Think of your website as a magnet and content as the irresistible force that draws people in. Create valuable, informative, and engaging content that speaks directly to your Edmonton audience. 

Blog posts, articles, videos, infographics—the possibilities are endless. And don't forget to promote your content on social media and other online platforms. Really try to get mileage from your content.

Use tracking and analytics

How do you know if your SEO efforts are paying off? That's where tracking and analytics come in. Tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console can provide valuable insights into your website traffic, user behaviour, and search rankings. 

By monitoring these metrics, you can fine-tune your SEO strategy and ensure you're on the right track.  

By taking these initial steps, you'll be well on your way to establishing a strong online presence and attracting more local customers.

Final thoughts

And that's it - a complete beginner's guide to Edmonton SEO and standing out in the local search. 

Of course, there's a ton of depth we could go into for each and every point, but focusing on these changes should yield some pretty decent results. However, to go further and get the most out of it, you'll either need to learn SEO in-depth or hire a professional. 

That's where Ignite Web Design comes in.

We're your local SEO superheroes dedicated to helping Edmonton businesses like yours thrive in the digital world. From on-page optimization to off-page mastery, we'll handle all the technical wizardry so you can focus on what you do best – running your business.

Contact Ignite Web Design today for a free SEO consultation, and let's ignite your online success.