10 Strategies to Outrank Your Competitors: An SEO Company Edmonton AB Guide

Did you know that nearly half of all Google searches (46%) are for local businesses? 

4 out of 5 consumer searches have local intent, and 76% of people who search for "near me" search queries visit a business within one day.

Therefore, as an Edmonton business, showing up at the top of the Google local search results is crucial for getting those consumers to come to you. Of course, that's a challenge since everyone is fighting for those top spots.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to secure your place (while understanding that those at the top spot change all the time and different people are shown different results based on their personal preferences).

This guide breaks down said strategies, helping you rise the ranks whether you're just starting out or you're looking for better results.

Let's go.

10 actionable strategies to outrank your competitors in Edmonton

#1 - Optimize your Google Business Profile

This is your Google Business Profile.

As a local business, it holds all the information anybody could need to know when searching for your business. You'll need to make sure it's online, up-to-date, and optimized enough to get in front of the people who are interested in what you have to offer.

As you can see, it's the first thing everyone sees when searching online, so make the space sound.

Here's how to make your GBP profile shine:

• Claim and verify your GBP profile. If you haven't already, go to Google Business and claim your business listing. This is a crucial first step in establishing your online presence.
• Ensure your information is accurate and up-to-date. Double-check your business name, address, phone number, website, and hours of operation. Inaccurate information can confuse customers and hurt your ranking.
• Use relevant keywords in your business description. Think like your customers. What would they search for to find a business like yours? Sprinkle those keywords naturally throughout your description.
• Add high-quality photos and videos. Showcase your products, services, and team. Visual content can help your business stand out and attract more clicks.
• Encourage customer reviews and respond to them promptly. Reviews are social proof that builds trust and credibility. Respond to both positive and negative reviews professionally and courteously.
• Utilize GBP posts and updates. Share news, promotions, and events to keep your profile fresh and engaging. Google LOVES fresh content, so keep it up!

#2 - Conduct thorough keyword research

Keywords are the foundation of any successful SEO strategy. 

They're the words and phrases people use to find businesses like yours on search engines. If you want to rank higher, you need to know what your target audience is searching for.

But you're not looking for any old words you think people are looking for. You want real hard data backing up the searched phrases. What's more, you want keywords with a high search volume (lots of people are looking for them) and low competition (not many other businesses are targeting them).

As you build the authority and reputation of your brand, then you have a chance of securing the top keywords.

Here's how to unearth those valuable keywords:

• Use keyword research tools: There are a plethora of tools available, both free and paid, that can help you with keyword research. Some popular options include Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Moz Keyword Explorer.
• Focus on long-tail keywords: These are longer, more specific phrases that people use when they're closer to making a purchase. For example, instead of just targeting "coffee," you might target "best organic coffee beans Edmonton."
• Analyze competitor keywords: Take a peek at what your competitors are ranking for. This can give you valuable insights into what's working in your industry.
• Don't forget local search terms: Include location-based keywords like "Edmonton" or your specific neighbourhood in your research.

Interestingly enough, by conducting thorough keyword research, you'll gain a deeper understanding of your target audience's search behaviour and be able to optimize your website and content to attract more qualified traffic.

#3 - On-page optimization

Google is all about giving their users (the people searching for businesses) the best experience possible. 

After all, if you went on Google and were served up poor quality websites with bad reviews, poor content, and a website that's a complete hassle to use, chances are you wouldn't use Google for very long.

Now, Google's searchers are also your customers, so you must provide people with the best web experiences.

Thus, on-page optimization.

This strategy is all about making sure your website's content is relevant, informative, and easily understood by both search engines and users.

Think of your website as a book. 

You want it to be well-organized, with clear headings, subheadings, and engaging content that keeps readers turning the pages. 

Search engines, like Google, are like librarians – they scan your website to understand what it's about and how it can be useful to searchers.

Here's how to optimize your website's content:

• Optimize website content with targeted keywords: Naturally incorporate your chosen keywords throughout your website's copy, but avoid keyword stuffing (cramming in keywords unnaturally). Think quality over quantity.
• Use relevant keywords in title tags, meta descriptions, and header tags: These elements provide important clues to search engines about the content of your pages.
• Improve website speed and mobile-friendliness: No one likes a slow website, especially Google. Make sure your website loads quickly and is easy to navigate on all devices.
• Ensure the website is accessible to users with disabilities: Accessibility is crucial for providing a positive user experience for everyone. Use alt text for images, provide captions for videos, and ensure your website is navigable using a keyboard.
• Implement schema markup: Schema markup is a special code that helps search engines understand the content on your pages. This can lead to richer search results and improved visibility.

By optimizing your website's content, you'll make it easier for search engines to understand what your website is about and rank it higher in relevant search results.

#4 - Off-page optimisation

The opposite of on-page is off-page, and this strategy is all about building your website's authority and reputation in the eyes of search engines. 

Think of it like networking – the more connections you have with other reputable websites, the more credible you become.

Imagine your website as a popular restaurant. 

The more positive reviews and recommendations it receives from other sources (like food bloggers, local publications, and happy customers), the more likely people will try it out.

Here's how to build your website's authority:

• Build high-quality backlinks from reputable websites: Backlinks are like votes of confidence from other websites. The more high-quality backlinks you have, the more trustworthy your website appears to search engines.
• Engage in local link building: Connect with other businesses, organizations, and influencers in Edmonton. Consider sponsoring local events, partnering with complementary businesses, or getting listed in relevant online directories.
• Participate in online communities and forums: Share your expertise and engage in discussions related to your industry. This can help you build relationships and attract potential customers.
• Leverage social media: Promote your website and content on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Engage with your followers and share valuable content that drives traffic to your website.
• Monitor your online reputation: Keep an eye on what people say about your business online. Address negative reviews promptly and professionally. Even acknowledging a bad experience (hey, they happen) can look good in the eyes of others.

#5 - Create high-quality, localized content

When creating content for your website, since you operate in the Edmonton area, you absolutely need to create content that, you've guessed it, targets the Edmonton area.

Both Google and your customers are searching the internet for content and businesses that speak to them. Thus, your content must speak to them specifically - otherwise, it's getting lost in the vast depths of the internet.

The trick is to use the content you produce to really showcase your expertise and provide value to potential customers.

Think of your website content as a magnet. 

The more informative, engaging, and relevant it is to your target audience, the more it will attract visitors and keep them coming back for more.

Here's how to create content that ranks:

• Develop informative and engaging content that targets local search intent: What are people in Edmonton searching for? What are their pain points? Create content that answers their questions and provides solutions to their problems.
• Use location-specific keywords and phrases: Don't just talk about "restaurants" – talk about "best restaurants in Edmonton" or "top-rated patios in Old Strathcona."
• Create a variety of content formats: Mix it up with blog posts, articles, videos, infographics, and even podcasts. This keeps your audience engaged and caters to different learning styles.
• Optimize content for featured snippets and voice search: Answer common questions concisely and clearly to increase your chances of appearing in featured snippets and voice search results.
• Promote your content: Share your content on social media, through email newsletters, and by reaching out to local influencers and publications. Get more views, build authority, and increase your reputation over time.

#6 - Technical SEO

Technical SEO is all about making sure your website is running smoothly behind the scenes so search engines can easily crawl and index your content.

Don't worry, this is quite simple in practice, but it does take a little experience and know-how. If you're not too familiar with this, then it may help you get a professional service like Ignite Web Design on your side.

Here's a checklist to ensure your website is technically sound:

• Ensure your website is crawlable and indexable: Search engines use bots (like Googlebot) to crawl your website and index its pages. Make sure your website's structure and code allow these bots to easily access and understand your content.
• Fix broken links and redirects: Broken links can frustrate users and hurt your search rankings. Regularly check for broken links and implement redirects where necessary.
• Optimize website architecture and navigation: Make sure your website is easy to navigate and understand, both for users and search engines. A clear sitemap and logical structure can improve user experience and search engine crawling.
• Implement HTTPS: HTTPS encrypts data transmitted between your website and users, ensuring a secure browsing experience. This is a crucial ranking factor for Google.
• Use a mobile-first approach: With more and more people accessing the internet on their smartphones, it's crucial to have a mobile-friendly website. Google prioritizes mobile-first indexing, meaning it primarily uses the mobile version of your website for ranking.

Again, and you'll notice this is a recurring pattern. Google and people want good web experiences online. All the strategies, including the tune-up of technical SEO, provide ways to ensure you're doing just that.

#7 - User Experience (UX) optimization

Same as the above, user experience (more commonly called "UX") is all about making sure your website is easy to use, enjoyable to browse, and provides a positive experience for everyone who lands on your pages.

Think of your website as your home. You want it to be welcoming, comfortable, and easy to navigate. UX optimisation is like decluttering your home, making sure everything is in its place and easy to find.

Here's how to create a user-friendly website:

• Improve website usability and navigation: Make sure your website is easy to navigate and understand, again, with clear calls to action and a logical structure.
• Optimize website speed and performance: No one likes a slow website. Optimize your images, code, and server to ensure your website loads quickly and efficiently.
• Ensure mobile responsiveness and cross-browser compatibility: Your website should look and function flawlessly on all devices and browsers.
• Make your website accessible to all users: Consider users with disabilities by providing alt text for images, captions for videos, and ensuring your website is navigable using a keyboard.
• Provide a positive user experience: Use clear and concise language, engaging visuals, and a consistent brand voice to create a positive impression on your visitors.

By prioritizing user experience, you'll not only keep visitors on your website longer but also encourage them to explore more pages, increasing their chances of converting into customers. 

Google also takes user experience signals into account when ranking websites, so a positive UX can boost your search visibility.

#8 - Use local citations and directories

When ranking in your local area, think about where people are searching and how they look for good services. 

Commonly, local websites like directories, Yelp, citations, and local attractions or business websites host all the local businesses in one place, so it can pay off to get yourself featured here.

Not only are these new places for people to find you, but the backlinks (as we spoke about above) are a great way to boost your search engine authority ranking, thus improving your overall potential to rank at the top.

Here's how to build strong local citations:

• List your business on relevant online directories: Start with major platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, Facebook, Bing Places, and Apple Maps. Then, explore industry-specific directories and local business associations.
• Ensure NAP consistency: Double-check that your business name, address, and phone number are consistent across all listings. Even small discrepancies can confuse search engines and hurt your rankings.
• Claim and optimize your listings: Don't just create listings and forget about them. Regularly update your information, add photos, and respond to reviews to keep your listings fresh and engaging.

#9 - Track and analyze your results

This is perhaps the most important strategy of them all. 

As you implement strategies and start working on your business, it's essential that you take the time to track and analyze your SEO results. This is to find out what's working, what's not, and where you can improve.

I like to think of the overall SEO strategy as a garden.

You need to regularly monitor its growth, prune the dead leaves, and add fertiliser where needed to ensure a bountiful harvest. 

Tracking your SEO performance is like tending to your garden, allowing you to nurture its growth and optimize its yield.

Here's how to keep tabs on your SEO progress:

• Use Google Analytics and Google Search Console: These powerful tools provide a wealth of data about your website traffic, user behaviour, and search performance.
• Monitor keyword rankings and organic visibility: Track your progress on those golden keywords you identified earlier. Are you moving up in the rankings?
• Analyze user behaviour and engagement metrics: How are people interacting with your website? Are they staying on your pages, clicking on links, and converting into customers?
• Use data to inform your SEO strategy and measure ROI: Don't just collect data – use it to make informed decisions about your SEO strategy and measure the return on your investment.

This way, you're not simply guessing what your business needs to rank higher online and are making decisions just because it feels right. Instead, you're using hard data to make actionable decisions that give you real control over the results.

#10 - Stay up-to-date with SEO trends

Truth is, while all these strategies are really important and will affect the success of your business, the world of SEO is constantly evolving.

What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow, which is why it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve and adapt your strategies to the latest trends and algorithm updates.

Here's how to stay in the SEO loop:

• Follow industry blogs, publications, and experts: Stay informed about the latest SEO news, updates, and best practices by following reputable sources like Search Engine Journal, Moz Blog, and Search Engine Land.
• Attend SEO conferences and webinars: Connect with other SEO professionals, learn from industry leaders, and discover new strategies and tools.
• Experiment and adapt: Don't be afraid to try new things and experiment with different approaches. The SEO landscape is constantly changing, so it's important to be flexible and adapt your strategies as needed.

But, of course, as an Edmonton business owner, the chances are you're already wearing a lot of hats, and this is a lot of work. 

Most notably, it's a continuous project where you keep adjusting and making things better over time rather than using a one-and-done approach.

Therefore, it can be best to outsource the work to someone in the know - an experienced and knowledgeable team who can handle everything on your behalf, rather than you having to learn everything and invest the time you probably want to spend on other areas of your business.

If you're looking to grow and expand, you'll need to get involved in this kind of delegation at some point, so it's worth thinking about,

Wrapping up

So there you have it – ten actionable strategies, insider tips, and common mistakes to avoid on your quest to outrank your competitors in Edmonton's bustling online marketplace. 

But don't let the journey intimidate you. With the right knowledge and tools, you can achieve remarkable results and propel your business to new heights. And if you need a helping hand along the way, our team at Ignite Web Design is here to guide you.

Ready to ignite your online presence and dominate the Edmonton market? 

Contact Ignite Web Design today for a free consultation and discover how our expert SEO services can help you achieve your business goals. 

Together, we can build a website that works as hard for your business as you do