As a local business owner in Toronto, your focus is providing great service to your customers – but if potential clients can’t find you online, you’re missing out on a steady stream of business. Our team specializes in Local SEO strategies tailored to businesses like yours, ensuring you rank at the top of local searches, boost foot traffic, and attract more loyal customers. Let us handle your online visibility, so you can focus on running your business.

What is Local SEO?

For a local business to appear in the local search and map results, means more potential customers visiting the business location, more calls and online orders. So, when we talk about local SEO we refer to the specific types of web search people do on Google search or Google Maps which display results based on their geographic location. Let’s say you run a photography business and you want your business name to show up on a local web search or map search results when people near your studio search using queries like ‘portrait studio near me’. For your business name to come up in local web search results there are a number of ranking signals Google considers important for and they should not be neglected. Let’s not forget that people search in various ways using mobile, desktop or voice, with about one-third of mobile searches related to locations.

Studies show that over 85% of people who search for a local business on their mobile device actually complete an offline purchase.

With Google continuously evolving the algorithm and more businesses fighting for a spot in the local search results, the expertise of a local SEO consultant can provide the guidance you need to optimize your website and online local presence.

  • Boost online local visibility by optimizing your GBP profile, and driving traffic that converts
  • Get more positive and in-depth reviews on your Google Business Profile listing
  • Build your brand authority in your local community

Why Local SEO Matters for Your Business

  • Increased Visibility: 46% of all Google searches have local intent. If your business isn’t visible in local search results, you’re losing potential customers to competitors.
  • Drive More Traffic: Local SEO ensures that potential clients near you find your business first, whether they’re searching for dental services, restaurants, or home improvement solutions.
  • Build Trust with Reviews: Managing your online reputation through Google Business Profile and review platforms ensures that potential clients trust your business before they even walk through the door.
  • Compete Locally: A tailored Local SEO strategy helps you outperform competitors, keeping you top-of-mind for people looking for your services in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Our Local SEO Services Include:

GMB listing
Google My Business Listings

Google Business Profile Optimization

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the first impression many potential customers will have of your business. We ensure your GBP is fully optimized with:

  •    Accurate business information (name, address, phone number, hours)
  •    Engaging descriptions, services, and photos
  •    Continuous updates to keep your profile fresh and relevant
  •    Strategies to collect and respond to client reviews, building your online reputation

On-Page SEO for Local Search

Your website needs to speak directly to search engines and potential clients. We improve your local search visibility with:

  •    Optimized content with geo-targeted keywords (e.g., “dentist in Toronto”)
  •    Schema markup to highlight your business location
  •    Localized landing pages for specific services and areas you serve
  •    Mobile optimization to capture on-the-go local searchers
Google map pack
Local map pack
citations
Local citations

Local Citation Signals

Also referred to as online directories, local citation listings is an important factor for local businesses for a few reasons.

  • Many people still use local directories to search for businesses and services in their area.
  • Have relevant links directed to your website
  • A study by Moz claims that citation signals account for 10-13% of the ranking factors.

Maintaining a consistent NAP (name, address, phone number) across all major search engines and other local websites and directories makes it easier for customers to find you online. A full citation audit is one of the first steps to make sure all citations are consistent. I wrote a blog post a while ago on the importance of local citation audit. You can read it here

Local Social Media Citations

Creating professional and on brand social media profiles is an equally important signal as GMB is for any local business looking to gain exposure in the local community. When setting up your social media pages it is important to speak to customers as a human while maintaining your branding guidelines and consistency. You also want to make it easier for people to contact you, by using online chat marketing systems, adding your phone number, or other contact information details.

social media citations
Social signals are important for local seo

There certainly are quite a few other factors that are important to help for your business or brand to be discovered locally. Such factors like the topic depth of your content, domain authority, structured data markup (schema), keyword optimization and link building, on-page seo elements like titles and meta descriptions to name a few, are part of what a professional SEO consultant looks into to further boost your online presence and increase businesses’ credibility in your community.

FAQs About Local SEO

How does Google decide which businesses to show in local search results?

Google uses a smart system to figure out which local businesses to show when someone searches. It’s like a puzzle with three main pieces:

  1. How well you match what people are looking for (Relevance) Imagine someone’s searching for a “vegan cafe.” Google looks at your website and your Google Business Profile to see if you talk about vegan food. The more your business seems to offer exactly what the person wants, the better chance you have of showing up in their search results.
  2. How close you are to the person searching (Distance) When someone looks for a “dentist near me,” Google tries to show them options that are actually nearby. It’s like if you asked a friend for restaurant recommendations – they’d probably tell you about places close to where you are, not ones across town.
  3. How well-known and respected your business is (Prominence) This is about your overall reputation online. Google looks at things like:
    • What customers say in their reviews
    • How many stars your business has on average
    • If other websites mention or link to your business
    • How often your business name and address show up on other sites

    It’s a bit like how we tend to trust restaurants that all our friends rave about. The more positive buzz your business has online, the more Google thinks, “Hey, people seem to really like this place!”

Remember, Google’s always trying to give people the most helpful results. So by working on these three areas – being clear about what you offer, making sure your location info is spot-on, and building a great online reputation – you’re helping Google understand why your business would be a great result to show people.

What is Google Business Profile and how do I make the most of it?

Think of a Google Business Profile as your business’s free mini-website on Google. It’s like having a billboard that shows up when people search for businesses like yours on Google Search or Maps. And the best part is – you get to control what it says!

Here’s why Google Business Profile is a big deal:

  • When someone searches on Google using the query “dentist near me” or “best plumber in Toronto” your Google Business Profile can pop up right there in the results.
  • It shows up in Google Maps too, so people can easily find your physical location.
  • Sometimes, Google creates a special box on the side of search results with all your business info. That’s called a Knowledge Panel, and one of the sources Google pulls the information is your Google Business Profile.

Here are some easy tips to make your Google Business Profile stand out:

  1. Add more than the necessary information: Make sure all your basic info is correct and up-to-date. We’re talking your business name, address, phone number, and hours. It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many people get this wrong!
  2. Show off a bit: Add some nice photos of your business, your team, or your work. Make sure photos are authentic and stock photos. People love visuals, and it helps them get a feel for your business before they even walk in the door.
  3. Let your happy customers do the talking: Encourage your satisfied customers to leave reviews. When people see lots of good reviews, they’re more likely to trust your business.
  4. Keep it fresh: Use the posts feature to share updates, special offers, or news about your business. It’s like having a mini-blog right on your profile.
  5. Be chatty: If a customer sends you a message through your profile, try to respond quickly. It shows you’re attentive and care about customer service.

How can I make my website more visible to local customers on Google?

Making your website pop up when local potential customers are searching is crucial. Here are some simple tricks to boost your local visibility:

  1. Sprinkle in some local flavor: When you’re writing content for your website, think about how people in your area might search for your business. Let’s say you run a bakery in Mississauga. Instead of just saying “best bakery,” try using phrases like “best pastries in Mississauga” or “Mississauga’s best cakes.” It’s like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs for Google to follow right to your door!
  2. Get your name out there: You know how you might list your business in the phone book? Well, the internet has its own version of that. Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are listed on various online directories, local websites, and social media. The key is to keep this information exactly the same everywhere – it helps Google understand that all these mentions are really about your business.
  3. Let your happy customers sing your praises: Reviews are like gold in the local SEO world. Encourage your satisfied customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or wherever makes sense for your business. And here’s a pro tip: respond to those reviews, good or bad. It shows you’re engaged and care about what your customers think. Google loves to see that kind of interaction!
  4. Make your website mobile-friendly: These days, most people are searching on their phones while they’re out and about. If your website is hard to use on a small screen, Google might not show it as often in local searches. Make sure your site looks good and works well on mobile devices. It should load quickly and be easy to navigate with just a thumb.

What are backlinks and why do they matter for getting found online locally?

Imagine backlinks as online recommendations for your business. They’re like digital word-of-mouth. When another website links to yours, it’s essentially telling Google, “Hey, this business is worth checking out!”

Why are they important? Well, Google sees these backlinks as votes of confidence. The more quality “votes” you have, the more Google thinks, “Wow, people really trust this business. We should show it to more searchers!”

Let’s break it down with a real-world example:

Say you run a cozy coffee shop in Hamilton. If the local newspaper writes an article about the “Top 10 Best Lattes in Hamilton” and includes a link to your website, that’s gold! Google sees that link and thinks, “Hmm, a respected local news source is recommending this coffee shop. It must be pretty good!”

But here’s the key: quality matters more than quantity. A link from a well-known local blog or newspaper is worth way more than a bunch of links from random, unrelated websites.

So how do you get these valuable local backlinks? It’s all about getting involved in your community:

  1. Sponsor a local sports team or charity event.
  2. Host a community gathering at your business.
  3. Team up with other local businesses for a special promotion.
  4. Offer to write a guest post for a popular local blog.

When you do these things, people often write about them online and link back to your website. It’s a win-win: you’re supporting your community and boosting your online visibility at the same time!

How can social media help my business show up in local searches?

  • Get people talking about you: When you’re active on social media, you’re keeping your business on people’s minds. Share fun updates, behind-the-scenes peeks, or special offers. It’s like being the friendly neighbor who always has something interesting going on – people start to notice and remember you.
  • Show off your local roots Use your social media to really embrace your local community. Share photos from local events, congratulate the high school sports team on their big win, or give a shout-out to other local businesses you love. This tells both your followers and search engines that you’re an active part of your local community.
  • Encourage check-ins and tags: When customers visit your shop, cafe, or office, encourage them to “check in” on Facebook or tag your location on Instagram. It’s like leaving digital breadcrumbs that lead right to your door. Plus, when their friends see these check-ins, it’s like getting a personal recommendation.
  • Spread the word about events and offers: Hosting a special event or running a promotion? Social media is the perfect place to get the word out. Create Facebook events, tweet about your latest deal, or share mouth-watering photos on Instagram. This activity can create a buzz that extends beyond just social media and into local search results.
  • Show off your happy customers: Did a customer leave a glowing review? Share it on social media (with their permission, of course). It’s like having your biggest fans tell their friends about you, but to a much bigger audience.
  • Be responsive and engaging: When people comment on your posts or send you messages, try to respond promptly and personally. This shows that there’s a real person behind your business who cares about the community. Search engines love to see this kind of active engagement.

Remember, you don’t need to be on every social media platform out there. Pick one or two that your customers use most and focus on those. The key is to be consistent, authentic, and engaged with your local community.

By using social media this way, you’re not just boosting your visibility in local searches – you’re building relationships with potential customers. And in the world of local business, those relationships are pure gold!