Local SEO basics for Edmonton businesses

If you're a small business in Edmonton, you've probably wondered: "How do I show up when people search for my services on Google?"

The answer is local SEO—search engine optimization focused on helping your business rank for local searches.

Here's what you need to know.

What is local SEO?

Local SEO is the process of optimizing your website and online presence to rank higher in local search results.

When someone searches "electrician Edmonton" or "coffee shop near me," Google shows local businesses first. Local SEO helps you be one of those businesses.

Why local SEO matters

Most customers search locally before making a decision. If you don't show up in those searches, you're losing customers to competitors who do.

Good local SEO means:

• More visibility in Google searches
• More website traffic
• More phone calls and bookings
• More customers walking through your door

The basics of local SEO

Here are the most important things you need to get local SEO right:

1. Google Business Profile

This is the single most important thing for local SEO. Your Google Business Profile is what shows up in Google Maps and the local pack (those three businesses at the top of search results).

Make sure you:

• Claim and verify your profile
• Fill out every section completely
• Add photos of your business
• Keep your hours and contact info up to date
• Respond to reviews

2. NAP consistency

NAP stands for Name, Address, Phone number. Google checks these details across the web to verify your business.

Make sure your NAP is:

• The same on your website, Google Business Profile, Facebook, and everywhere else
• Written the same way every time (don't use "St" in one place and "Street" in another)

3. Website location signals

Your website needs to clearly mention Edmonton and your service area. Google looks for these signals to understand where you operate.

Include:

• Your city in your page titles and headings
• A clear service area section
• Location-specific content (like "Serving Edmonton and surrounding areas")

4. Reviews

Google loves reviews. The more positive reviews you have, the higher you rank.

Ask happy customers to leave reviews on Google. Make it easy by sending them a direct link.

5. Mobile-friendly website

Most local searches happen on phones. If your website doesn't work on mobile, you'll lose rankings and customers.

6. Website speed

Google ranks fast websites higher than slow ones. If your site takes more than 3 seconds to load, it's hurting your SEO.

7. Local content

Write blog posts or pages about local topics. For example:

• "Best neighborhoods for electricians in Edmonton"
• "How Edmonton winters affect your plumbing"

This helps Google see you as a local authority.

What NOT to do

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Keyword stuffing (writing "Edmonton plumber" 50 times on your page)
• Fake reviews
• Inconsistent business information
• Ignoring Google Business Profile

How long does local SEO take?

Be realistic: local SEO takes time. You won't rank first overnight.

For most small businesses, you'll start seeing results in 3-6 months if you do it right.

Need help with local SEO?

We offer a Local SEO Foundation service that handles all the basics: Google Business setup, on-page optimization, schema markup, and location signals.

If you want to rank higher in Edmonton searches, we can help. ```