How fast can you get my business ranked on Google?

Most of our clients see page 1 rankings within 3 weeks and receive their first calls within the first week of launch. Our proven local SEO strategies focus on immediate visibility in Google Maps and local search results.

What areas do you serve in the Greater Toronto Area?

We specialize in the Greater Toronto Area, including All Canada, All Ontario, All GTA, Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Ajax, Pickering, Other GTA, and surrounding cities in Ontario.

Do you offer ongoing SEO maintenance and support?

Yes, we offer a monthly maintenance add-on for $99/month that includes ongoing updates, monitoring, content optimization, and continuous SEO improvements to maintain your rankings.

What makes your local SEO service different from competitors?

We focus exclusively on local businesses and trades in the GTA. Our service includes website creation, Google My Business optimization, local citations, schema markup, and call tracking analytics all in one package. We deliver measurable results with real phone calls, not just traffic numbers.

How much does a local SEO website cost?

Our packages start at $299 for the Starter plan, $499 for the Professional plan (most popular), and $799 for the Premium plan. All packages include website creation, Google My Business setup, and local SEO optimization with no hidden fees.

Do I need Google My Business for local SEO?

Yes, Google My Business (now called Google Business Profile) is essential for local SEO success. It helps you appear in Google Maps, local pack results, and increases your visibility to customers searching in your area. We handle the complete setup and optimization as part of our service.

What types of businesses benefit most from local SEO?

Trade businesses and service providers see the best results: plumbers, electricians, HVAC contractors, truck repair shops, landscapers, home renovation contractors, locksmiths, and other local service businesses that depend on local customers finding them quickly.

Will I be able to track the calls and leads from my website?

Yes! Our Professional and Premium plans include call tracking with Twilio integration and a real-time analytics dashboard. You can see exactly how many calls your website generates, track conversion rates, and measure your ROI.

Complete Google Business Profile Optimization Guide for 2025

Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the most powerful free marketing tool available to local businesses. When optimized correctly, it can drive significant traffic, calls, and customers to your business.

What is Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile is a free tool that lets you manage how your business appears on Google Search and Google Maps. It's the information panel that shows up when someone searches for your business or related services in your area.

Why Optimization Matters

Studies show:

76% of people who search for something nearby visit a business within 24 hours
28% of local searches result in a purchase
Businesses with complete profiles receive 7x more clicks than incomplete profiles

Step-by-Step Optimization Process

1. Claim and Verify Your Listing

First, claim your business if you haven't already:

Go to google.com/business
Search for your business
Click "Claim this business"
Choose verification method (postcard, phone, email, instant)

Verification typically takes 3-5 business days for postcard verification.

2. Choose the Right Categories

Categories are crucial for ranking. Select:

One primary category (most specific)
Up to 9 additional categories

Choose categories that match actual services you provide. Don't stuff irrelevant categories.

3. Complete Your Business Information

Fill out every section:

Business Name

Use your legal business name
Don't add keywords (against Google guidelines)
Be consistent with your website and citations

Address

Use exact format
Include suite/unit numbers if applicable
Ensure it matches everywhere online

Phone Number

Use local phone number (not toll-free)
Make sure it's trackable
Use same number everywhere

Website URL

Link to most relevant page
Use UTM parameters to track traffic
Ensure website is mobile-friendly

Hours

Add regular hours
Set special hours for holidays
Update immediately when hours change

Business Description

Write 250+ words
Include primary keywords naturally
Explain what makes you unique
Mention service areas

4. Add High-Quality Photos

Photos are essential. Businesses with photos receive:

42% more direction requests
35% more clicks to their website

Photo Guidelines

Upload at least 10 photos initially
Add new photos monthly
Include: exterior, interior, team, products, services
Use high resolution (720px minimum)
Ensure good lighting
Show your business in action

Photo Types

Logo (square, 250x250px minimum)
Cover photo (landscape, 1024x576px minimum)
Interior and exterior shots
Team photos
Work in progress
Completed projects
Equipment and tools

5. Manage and Respond to Reviews

Reviews directly impact rankings and conversions.

Getting More Reviews

Ask after completing service
Send follow-up emails with direct review link
Make process easy (QR codes, short URLs)
Time requests when customers are happiest

Responding to Reviews

Respond to ALL reviews within 24 hours
Thank positive reviewers personally
Address negative reviews professionally
Never argue or get defensive
Offer to resolve issues offline

6. Create Regular Posts

Posts keep your profile active and engaging.

Post Types

Updates: Company news, announcements
Offers: Special deals, promotions
Events: Webinars, open houses
Products: New services, featured work

Posting Strategy

Post 2-3 times per week minimum
Include relevant keywords
Add clear call-to-action
Use high-quality images
Keep text concise (150-300 words)

7. Add Products and Services

List individual services with:

Service name
Description
Price range
Photos

This helps you rank for specific service searches.

8. Enable Messaging

Turn on messaging to let customers contact you directly from your profile. Respond within 24 hours to maintain good response rate.

9. Add Attributes

Attributes help customers learn about your business:

Accessibility features
Amenities
Planning requirements
Service options

Select all that apply to your business.

10. Monitor Insights

Check Google Business Profile Insights weekly:

How customers find your listing
Where customers are located
Which actions they take
Call volume and timing
Direction requests

Use this data to optimize your strategy.

Advanced Optimization Tactics

Geo-Tag Your Photos

Add location data to photos before uploading to strengthen local relevance signals.

Use Q&A Section

Preemptively answer common questions in the Q&A section. This also helps with keyword optimization.

Add Virtual Tours

If applicable, add a virtual tour to give customers an inside look at your business.

Monitor Competitors

Check competitor profiles to see:

What categories they use
How often they post
What content performs well
Their review strategy

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Inconsistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone)
Keyword stuffing in business name
Ignoring reviews
Sparse photos
Incomplete profile sections
Not posting regularly
Using toll-free numbers
Incorrect categories
Not tracking metrics
Setting and forgetting

Maintenance Schedule

Daily

Check and respond to reviews
Answer messages
Monitor insights

Weekly

Create and publish 2-3 posts
Check for questions
Review competitor activity

Monthly

Upload new photos
Update services/products
Analyze performance metrics
Adjust strategy based on data

Expected Results

With proper optimization, most businesses see:

Week 1-2: Increased impressions
Week 3-4: Higher click-through rates
Week 4-6: More direction requests and calls
Week 6-8: Improved map rankings
Month 3+: Steady stream of leads

Need Professional Help?

Optimizing and maintaining your Google Business Profile takes time and expertise. LocalRank Agency handles complete Google Business Profile management for Toronto businesses, including:

Initial optimization
Weekly posts
Review management
Photo updates
Performance tracking
Ongoing improvements

Complete Google Business Profile Optimization Guide for 2025