For most Winnipeg businesses and organizations, SEO is usually an afterthought. Majority of local businesses rely mainly on word of mouth and social media marketing. And for good reason! It’s a very “sticky” strategy. If someone recommends a restaurant, a fencing contractor or a nail salon, the conversion is near 100%.
But whether you serve the local market or conduct business across Canada and internationally, SEO is the best long-term marketing strategy that exists. In this remote/hybrid economy, SEO provides Winnipeg companies, contractors and freelancers the opportunity to reach the global marketplace. Here’s proof of how a Winnipeg startup used SEO and went from virtually nothing to becoming a global leader in health technology.
In this article we conducted in depth research into the SEO opportunity for many different sectors of the Winnipeg economy. Everything from beauty salons, restaurants, finance, physio, construction and others. See the findings near the end of the article.
Why SEO is the Best Investment
Many organizations will see success with social media and local marketing and think “why the hell do I need SEO?” It’s a valid thought. But stats show that SEO has the second highest ROI as a marketing medium next to email marketing.
You might think you can ride the social media momentum for the rest of your business life. But the unexpected could always happen. It’s certain that SEO will always show results and it’s never too late to start. SEO has been a go-to strategy for most young companies for over 2 decades.
And it’s not just about being at the top of search results. It’s about building trust and authority. When your business ranks high, it’s like a silent endorsement from Google – and who doesn’t want that kind of backing?
Why SEO in Winnipeg is a MUST
SEO in Winnipeg is definitely a long-term play. A study conducted across over 20 industries showed an average return on investment of 825% in 3 years. But the main reason SEO is a MUST for Winnipeg organizations is because of the glaring opportunities the city brings.
This graphic perfectly illustrates the advantages that the city brings. It shows how many times terms in each industry are being searched and how often. The city is growing and many industries are booming. The following are additional reasons why you should 100% invest in SEO.
Search Volume (Growing Population)
Imagine a bustling marketplace where everyone’s shouting to be heard. That’s the internet for you. Now, think of SEO as your personal megaphone. In Winnipeg, with our growing population and thriving local economy, not using SEO is like whispering in a crowd – you just won’t be heard.
The numbers don’t lie. Thousands of searches are happening right now in Winnipeg. People are looking for everything from the best poutine spots to reliable plumbers. If your business isn’t popping up in these searches, you’re missing out on a goldmine of potential customers.
Not Too Competitive
Here’s some good news: Winnipeg’s digital market is ripe for the picking. Unlike bigger cities where the SEO competition is fierce, you have the chance to really stand out here. It’s like being the first to discover a shortcut in rush hour – suddenly, you’re way ahead of the pack.
Branding and Recognition
Remember when you couldn’t recall a brand name, but you definitely remembered their catchy slogan or logo? That’s the power of branding, and SEO helps you achieve that. Being consistently visible online etches your brand into the minds of potential customers. It’s like always being the first person someone thinks of when they need a service – invaluable for business growth.
Play the Long Game (Leads to Referrals)
SEO is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. It’s about building a solid foundation that not only brings in customers today but keeps them coming back. And guess what? Happy customers talk. They’ll be your best advocates, referring friends and family – and we all know how valuable a personal recommendation is.
Winnipeg SEO Statistics
Now on to the research. It’s one thing to blabber on about how important SEO is for local and international business. But it’s better to show you real stats of what search terms people are searching in Winnipeg and how often these terms are being searched.
SEO for Lawyers in Winnipeg
It’s extremely difficult to get your foot in the door as a new lawyer. Some are lucky enough to get a job for one of the big firms. But if you’re going your own way, SEO might be your best friend. I can guarantee you that the big firms aren’t focusing on SEO. They aren’t focusing on any marketing for that matter. It’s mostly referrals.
You can see from the graphic that “divorce lawyer Winnipeg” is one of the highest searched terms in Winnipeg. Approximately 1,000 people are searching this each month. Yikes! The term has also grown 900% in the past year. Other trending searches include “best lawyers in Winnipeg” and “civil lawyers Winnipeg”. Plenty of opportunity to implement a successful SEO strategy.
SEO for Beauty Salons in Winnipeg
This industry is BOOMING! Tons of search terms, plenty of volume and tons of competition. Focusing on SEO can set you up for long-term success. The beauty industry is evolving and new services appear each year in an already densely competitive market.
One of the top searched terms is “pedicure Winnipeg”, with over 5,000 searches each month! As for the top trending terms we see “best laser hair removal Winnipeg” and “manicure pedicure Winnipeg”. Definitely some amazing opportunity for newcomers as well as established businesses looking to solidify their presence.
SEO for Construction in Winnipeg
Another great word-of-mouth business. Everything from plumbers, electricians, fence builders and landscapers live off referrals. That means, slight efforts into SEO can transform your business and set you up for the future.
There are some 500 searched each month for residential electricians in Winnipeg. While more than 5,000 are searching for “Winnipeg plumbing” and “Winnipeg landscaping”. Think of it this way: converting 1% on one of those terms is equal to 50 customers!
SEO for Physiotherapists Winnipeg
Physio is another competitive market. I see new ones popping up every few months. If you look at the monthly searches, they are definitely keeping up with the demand.
5000 people are searching for “physiotherapist Winnipeg” and “physiotherapy st vital”. This is really an ode to the population growth in the city, especially the expansion of it. Not to mention, as more people become health conscious, physio will become a top go-to.
SEO for Financial Planners Winnipeg
A profession that’s as old as time itself. Finance and accounting is the bedrock profession of the local community. From bankers, financial planers to accountants. We all need ‘em. And people are making that known through their Google searches.
Winnipeggers are searching for financial planners about 500 times per month. They are also searching “wealth management Winnipeg” and “financial advisor Winnipeg”. As a financier, it’s interesting to know how people are searching for your service. It’s not always going to be how you think.
Cost of SEO in Winnipeg
Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $5,000. It’s quite a wide range but it’s really going to depend on what you want to achieve ad who you hire. The low end of that spectrum would be fairly new, entry-level SEO experts. While the high range includes more experience and savvy SEO specialists. In most cases, you’ll need to sign a minimum 6 moth contract. One-off projects will generate cost significantly higher. Maybe 2 to 3 times higher than monthly retainer rates.