As a friendly Manitoban (I mean, I do my best), I do not want you to get ripped off by Manitoba SEO experts and or agencies. I mean the price of SEO in Canada these days ranges from $4,000 to $10,000 a month! And this is not at all me saying that SEO agencies and consultants have some kind of nefarious motive to rip you off. It’s simply part of the professional services business.
When you hire a company to do your digital marketing or IT services they’re always going to try to do the least amount of work for the most amount of pay. Now that’s not to say all SEO companies do this, but many do.
So, this article is not really about saying that everyone else sucks and I’m the best. I just want to provide information to businesses who are trying to make a decision on SEO services. What questions you should be asking, what you should expect as a result and what you should expect in terms of services.
Also, I’ll provide some tips tricks and strategies if you are looking at bringing your SEO in house. I will share insights from my own experiences with Manitoba based businesses. Share with you what has worked what hasn’t and maybe you’ll take something away from that.
Do This Before You Speak to an SEO
Before you even pick up the phone or shoot off an email to a potential SEO expert or agency, there are a few crucial steps to take. These will ensure you have a clear understanding of your needs and expectations, and they’ll help you get the most out of any SEO partnership.
What’s Your Goal?
First and foremost, you need to know what you want to achieve with SEO. Are you looking to increase organic traffic, boost local visibility in Manitoba, improve your website’s ranking for specific keywords, or maybe enhance your online sales?
Having a clear goal will guide your SEO strategy and help your expert tailor their efforts to meet your needs. For instance, a local restaurant in Winnipeg might aim to rank higher for “best poutine in Winnipeg” to attract more foodies searching for local delights. Defining your goal is like setting the destination on a map; it helps you and your SEO expert chart the best path forward.
What KPIs Do You Have in Mind?
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are essential for measuring the success of your SEO efforts. Think about what metrics matter most to your business. Is it organic search traffic, conversion rates, bounce rates, or maybe keyword rankings?
Having these KPIs in mind when you talk to an SEO expert will help them understand your priorities and craft a strategy that aligns with your business objectives. For example, an e-commerce store might focus on increasing conversion rates from organic traffic, while a local service provider might prioritize higher rankings for location-specific searches.
Know Your Competitors
Understanding your competition is a cornerstone of any effective SEO strategy. Take some time to identify who your main competitors are, both locally in Manitoba and more broadly in your industry. Look at what they’re doing well and where they might be falling short.
Tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs can give you a glimpse into their keyword strategies, backlink profiles, and overall SEO performance. If you run a boutique in Brandon, you’ll want to know how other local boutiques are faring in search results. This knowledge not only helps your SEO expert craft a more targeted strategy but also ensures you’re not left playing catch-up.
Have a Rough Budget
SEO services can vary widely in cost, so it’s important to have a rough budget in mind before you start discussions. This will help you and the SEO expert understand the scope of what’s possible. Keep in mind that SEO is an investment; while you might be tempted to go for the cheapest option, it’s often true that you get what you pay for.
Think about it like this: if you’re a local gym in Thompson looking to boost your membership through better online visibility, allocating a reasonable budget for quality SEO services can lead to significant returns in the long run.
Will There Be Website Management Involved?
Consider whether you’ll need ongoing website management as part of your SEO services. Some businesses have the resources to handle website updates and maintenance in-house, while others prefer to outsource this to their SEO provider. This is an important factor to discuss upfront. For instance, if you’re a small law firm in Dauphin without a dedicated IT team, you might benefit from an SEO package that includes regular website management and updates to ensure your site stays optimized and secure.
How to Do SEO in Manitoba
SEO in Manitoba isn’t just about following general best practices. It’s about tailoring your approach to resonate with the local audience and understanding the unique aspects of the Manitoban market. Here’s how you can make sure your SEO strategy is perfectly suited for Manitoba.
Think Like a Manitoban
Understanding the local mindset is crucial for effective SEO in Manitoba. Think about what matters to Manitobans. Is it the local culture, sports teams like the Winnipeg Jets, or the beautiful natural scenery? Incorporate these elements into your content to make it more relatable and engaging. For example, if you’re running a travel blog, highlight local attractions like Riding Mountain National Park or the historical significance of The Forks in Winnipeg. By thinking like a Manitoban, your content will naturally become more appealing to local users and more relevant in local search results.
Answer Relevant Questions
One of the best ways to boost your SEO is to answer the questions your target audience is asking. Use tools like AnswerThePublic or Google’s own autocomplete suggestions to find out what people are searching for related to your business in Manitoba. For example, a local hardware store might find that people are frequently searching for “best snow blower for Winnipeg winters” or “how to build a deck in Manitoba.” Create content that directly answers these queries, and you’ll not only attract more traffic but also establish your site as a valuable resource.
Keep Up with LOCAL Trends
Staying current with local trends can give your SEO a significant boost. This means keeping an eye on local news, events, and popular topics in Manitoba. Whether it’s the latest updates on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers or the newest food trends in Brandon, integrating these elements into your content can help you stay relevant. For instance, if there’s a popular local event like the Winnipeg Folk Festival, writing a blog post that ties into this event can drive local traffic to your site.
Have a Manitoba URL
A local URL can enhance your site’s relevance to Manitoban searchers. If possible, use a domain that clearly indicates your location, such as “www.yourbusinessname.mb.ca.” This can help signal to both users and search engines that your business is based in Manitoba. For instance, a bakery in Portage la Prairie might use a URL like “www.portagebakery.mb.ca” to reinforce its local presence. This small step can make a big difference in your local SEO efforts.
Have a Solid Technical SEO Foundation
Technical SEO is the backbone of any successful SEO strategy. Ensure that your website is technically sound by focusing on factors like site speed, mobile-friendliness, secure connections (HTTPS), and clean code. Use tools like Google Search Console and PageSpeed Insights to identify and fix any technical issues that could be hindering your site’s performance. For example, a local clothing store in Selkirk should ensure their site loads quickly on both desktop and mobile devices to provide a smooth user experience, which can positively impact their search rankings.
Optimize Your GMB
Google My Business (GMB) is a powerful tool for local SEO. Make sure your GMB profile is fully optimized with accurate information, high-quality photos, and regular updates. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, as these can significantly influence your local search ranking. For example, a restaurant in Steinbach can use GMB to post updates about new menu items or special events, ensuring they stay visible and attractive to local diners searching for places to eat.
