You started your Toronto business before the rise of the digital age, and suddenly, you’re starting to feel overwhelmed. Catchphrases, such as SMM and CTR, are being used in many of your marketing meetings and the basic principles behind brand promotion are seemingly getting more complex.

It’s understandable that you’re feeling dumbfounded by these industry-wide changes, but you’ll be surprised at just how useful they are. With the power of the internet, you have the ability to reach thousands of potential customers like never before. The only problem is, everyone with a working computer has the ability to do so.

In order to stand out in the Toronto market, you will need to make sure you have an optimal web design and search engine ranking.

What is SEO?

Every time you type something into the search bar of your favourite search engine, a list of results will appear. SEO (search engine optimization) is the process of increasing a site’s visibility through a combination of organic (unpaid) and paid results, essentially improving the order of this list.

What Factors Influence Search Engine Rankings?

  • Keywords and their density
  • Page load time
  • Overall quality of the site and its content
  • The amount of recent updates
  • Image optimization
  • Uniqueness of content
  • Spelling and grammar
  • Use of metadata

SEO methods are always changing according to the latest Google algorithm updates. Google is most often used for SEO, as it is the most preferred and widely used search engine worldwide. A qualified SEO professional is aware of the latest updates and will continuously work on your site to maintain the best ranking possible for your business in Toronto.

The Difference Between SEO and Local SEO

Now that you have a basic understanding of SEO, it’s important to know the difference between conventional SEO and local SEO. The type of SEO discussed previously is strictly related to a website and rarely involves the location of a brick and mortar business. Local SEO is different in that it connects a business to local signals around specific locations. To exemplify this, think about when you search for restaurants in Toronto. A list appears attached to a Google Map showing the physical location. This is important for businesses with a strong emphasis on locations.

Examples of the types of businesses that benefit from local SEO include:

  • Medical services
  • Law offices
  • Bars and restaurants
  • Plumbers and electricians
  • Real estate services

Why is SEO Important in Toronto?

Given that Toronto is Canada’s largest city, there’s plenty of competition. A combination of SEO and local SEO is necessary for your Toronto business to gain the sales required to sustain itself in the long term. The digital marketing agency you use needs to have an understanding of the local business environment. At BlueHat Marketing, we conduct a free website analysis to assess the current issues with your site and provide personalized recommendations that work. We understand the competition and what it takes for your Toronto business to rank well.

We are Canada’s leading provider of SEO, SMM, PPC, and web design services. Learn more about our digital marketing services or request your free analysis today by calling 1-866-755-2583!