ALM VENTURES
ALM VENTURES
If you are a local service business—whether a plumber in Barrhaven, a dentist in the Glebe, or a law firm downtown—your website is secondary. Your primary asset is your Google Business Profile (GBP).
Why? Because nearly 50% of all Google searches end without a click. The user sees the "Map Pack" (those top 3 local results), finds a phone number, and calls right there. If you aren't in those top 3, you are invisible.
Google determines your ranking based on three core factors:
Most Ottawa businesses make the mistake of picking a generic category. Don't just select "Contractor." Select "Kitchen Remodeler," "Bathroom Renovator," and "Deck Builder."
Pro Tip: You can have 1 Primary Category and up to 9 Secondary Categories. Ensure your Primary Category is the main keyword you want to rank for.
In your business description, do not just say "We offer great services." You need to be specific about your location to help the algorithm understand your service area.
Bad Example: "We do great landscaping."
Good Example: "ALM Landscaping provides custom patio design and lawn care for homeowners in Kanata, Stittsville, and Nepean. We are Ottawa's trusted choice for..."
Google de-ranks profiles that look abandoned. We offer monthly Local SEO management to keep your profile active with weekly posts and photo updates.
Get a Local SEO QuoteYou probably know you need 5-star reviews. But did you know the text of the review matters for ranking?
If a client writes "Good job," it helps your reputation but not your ranking. If they write "Best web design agency in Ottawa, they helped my site rank fast," that tells Google your business is relevant for those keywords.
Action Step: When asking clients for reviews, kindly suggest they mention the specific service you performed and the neighborhood they are in.
A "citation" is anywhere your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) appears online. Google cross-references these to verify you are a real business.
Ensure you are listed on:
Crucial: Your address must be identical on every listing. "123 Main St." and "123 Main Street" can sometimes cause confusion in the algorithm.
Profiles with 100+ photos get 520% more calls than those with fewer. Upload photos of your team, your completed projects, and your office exterior. This proves to Google that you are active and legitimate.
Ranking on Maps takes time, but the payoff is huge. Need an expert to handle it? Contact ALM Ventures for a Local SEO audit.