Start with Local Keyword Research
You can’t improve your visibility without using the right words. Local keyword research is the first step. This means finding out what people in Ottawa are typing into search engines. It might be “best florist in Ottawa” or “Ottawa home renovation.” You need to know these phrases. They guide the rest of your strategy.
Use tools like Google Keyword Planner/Ubersuggest. Look for keywords that show local intent. These are terms that clearly include your city or nearby areas. Try mixing services with locations. Example: “dentist in Kanata” or “Ottawa dog grooming.”
Once you’ve found the best keywords, use them wisely. Add them to your homepage, product or service pages, and blog posts. But keep it natural. Don’t force keywords into places where they don’t fit. That can do more harm than good.
Optimise Your Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is one of the easiest ways to show up in local search results. When someone searches “coffee near me,” Google shows nearby spots using this feature.
First, claim your business. Then, fill out all your details: business name, address, hours, phone number, website, and category. Add photos that reflect your space, your team, or your work. Make sure your info is consistent across the web. This helps search engines trust you.
Encourage happy customers to leave reviews. Respond to them politely. This helps you rank higher and shows you care about your service. Businesses with good reviews and active profiles show up more often.
Post updates on your profile too. You can share offers, events, or changes in hours. It keeps your profile fresh and relevant.
Create Content That Locals Want
Content drives SEO. But not just any content. It has to be useful to your audience. In this case, Ottawa locals. Write blog posts, how-to guides, or service pages that speak to local needs.
If you’re a real estate agent, write about property trends in Ottawa. If you run a bakery, share content on seasonal desserts loved by locals. Show people you know the area. That builds trust and brings traffic.
Also, consider location pages. If you serve multiple neighborhoods like Orleans or Nepean, create a separate page for each. This helps you rank for searches that include those areas.
Don’t forget to add local events or news in your posts when relevant. This ties your business to the community. It also makes your content more visible for timely searches.
Use clear headlines. Write in simple language. Add keywords when they fit. Break up long paragraphs. These things make your content easier to read and better for SEO.
Mobile and Speed Matter More Than Ever
Most people now search on phones. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, they’ll leave. Google also considers mobile usability in rankings. A responsive design adjusts to any screen. It’s easy to tap, scroll, and read. That should be your standard.
Site speed is another factor. A slow site turns users away fast. Compress your images. Use clean code. Avoid too many popups or heavy plugins. Google PageSpeed Insights can show you what to fix.
Fast, mobile-friendly websites help users stay longer. That lowers bounce rates and raises your chance of ranking higher.
Also, make sure your contact info is easy to find. If someone wants to call you, don’t make them dig. Place phone numbers and contact links clearly at the top or in your footer.
Use On-Page SEO Techniques
Each page on your site should follow a structure. Use one main heading (H1) and several subheadings (H2, H3). These help search engines understand your webpage content.
Your page titles and meta descriptions also matter. These are what people see in search results. Make them short, clear, and relevant. Include your main keyword when possible.
Add alt text to images. This describes what the image shows. It helps visually impaired users and boosts SEO.
Internal linking helps, too. Link-related pages to each other. For example, link a blog post to your service page. This keeps people on your site longer and helps Google find more of your pages.
Build Local Backlinks the Right Way
Backlinks are links from other websites to yours. They tell search engines that your site has value. But not all backlinks are equal. Focus on quality over quantity.
Try to get listed on local directories like Ottawa Board of Trade or local event pages. If you’re part of community programs or charities, ask for a link on their websites.
Reach out to Ottawa bloggers or local media. Offer to pen a guest post or share your insights on a topic. These links are local, relevant, and trusted.
You can also sponsor a local event. Many events have websites with partner listings. This gives you visibility and a backlink in one step.
Use Reviews to Boost Trust and Rankings
Online reviews do more than just show customer feedback. They help with SEO. Google looks at both the number and quality of reviews.
Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews. Don’t offer bribes—just ask politely. Make it effortless by sending a direct link to your Google Business review page.
Reply to all reviews, even the bad ones. Be calm and respectful. This shows likely clients that you take feedback seriously. It also keeps your profile active, which Google likes.
More reviews mean more trust. More trust means more clicks. And more clicks help you rank higher.
Track Your Progress and Keep Improving
SEO isn’t one-and-done. It needs regular care. Track your rankings and website traffic. Use available tools (Google Analytics/Google Search Console).
See what keywords are bringing traffic. See where users leave your site. Use this data to improve weak pages and make your best ones even stronger.
Also, check what your local competitors are doing. If they’re ranking higher, study their websites. Look at their keywords, content, and site speed. Then, find ways to do better.
Keep creating new content. Update old pages. Fix broken links. SEO rewards effort and time. The more you put in, the more you get back.
Conclusion
Local businesses in Ottawa can’t afford to sit back. Online search is where customers are looking. If your business doesn’t show up, someone else’s will. SEO isn’t just for big companies. It works for local shops, services, and professionals too. By following these tips, you can start enhancing your site and attracting more customers in your area. From better keywords to faster websites, every step counts. Want expert help that gets results? Contact Us at Rankingeek Marketing Agency, and let us help your business rise in search rankings, bring in more local traffic, and grow stronger online every day.
