If you own a local business in Vancouver, showing up on Google Maps is one of the best ways to get more customers. When people search for things like “coffee shop near me” or “best plumber in Vancouver,” you want your business to appear at the top.
This is where local SEO comes in. Local SEO helps your business rank higher in local searches and on Google Maps. In this guide, we’ll show you 10 simple and effective local SEO tips that can help your Vancouver business grow and get noticed.
1. Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile
The first step is to claim your Google Business Profile (also known as Google My Business). This is the listing that shows up on Google Maps with your name, address, phone number, and reviews.
Go to google.com/business and follow the steps to claim your business. Once you do this, make sure to verify it. Google will usually send you a postcard with a code.
2. Make Sure Your Business Info is Correct
Google wants to show accurate information to users. Double-check that your:
- Business name
- Address
- Phone number
- Website
- Business hours
are all correct and the same across the internet. This helps Google trust your business and show it more often in local search results.
This is called NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone Number). Even small differences can confuse Google.
3. Add Photos to Your Google Business Profile
Photos help customers feel more confident about visiting your store or office. Upload high-quality pictures of:
- Your storefront or office
- Inside your business
- Your products or services
- Your team (if possible)
Businesses with photos get more clicks and visits. Plus, it helps Google understand what your business is about.
User intent tip: Add captions with keywords like “interior of Vancouver café” or “Vancouver pet grooming team.”
4. Ask Happy Customers to Leave Reviews
Positive reviews are a big part of ranking on Google Maps. Ask your satisfied customers to leave a review on your Google profile. The more good reviews you have, the more trust your business builds with Google and with new customers.
Don’t offer rewards for reviews. Instead, just kindly ask after a job well done or at the end of a sale.
Pro tip: Reply to all reviews—good or bad—to show Google and customers that you care.
5. Add Local Keywords to Your Website
Use long-tail local keywords on your website, especially on your homepage and service pages. These are keywords that include the service and the location. For example:
- “emergency plumber in downtown Vancouver”
- “organic grocery store in Kitsilano”
- “mobile mechanic near Burnaby BC”
Adding these keywords helps your website show up when people search for those exact phrases.
6. Create Location-Specific Pages
If your business serves more than one area in or around Vancouver, create separate pages for each location. For example:
- /plumber-vancouver
- /plumber-richmond
- /plumber-north-vancouver
Each page should include local content, service information, and keywords for that area. This helps you rank better in each city or neighborhood.
7. Add Your Business to Local Online Directories
Your business should be listed on other trusted sites like:
- Yelp
- YellowPages
- Better Business Bureau
- Chamber of Commerce
- Local news or business directories in Vancouver
Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are exactly the same on all listings.
E-A-T tip: Being listed on trusted websites helps Google view your business as more trustworthy.
8. Post Regularly on Google Business Profile
You can add updates, offers, and news to your Google Business Profile. This is like a mini social media feed for your business on Google Maps.
Post about:
- Sales or discounts
- New products or services
- Holiday hours
- Community events
These updates show Google that your business is active and give customers reasons to visit you.
9. Add a Local Schema to Your Website
Local schema is a special kind of code you can add to your website. It helps Google understand your business better.
The schema tells Google:
- What your business is
- Where you’re located
- Your phone number and hours
- What services you offer
If you’re not sure how to do this, a web developer or local SEO expert can help you.
E-A-T bonus: Schema markup improves your website’s trust and helps Google display rich results (like star ratings or opening hours) in search results.
10. Keep Your Info Updated and Be Active
Google likes businesses that stay up to date. Check your Google Business Profile often to:
- Update hours (especially during holidays)
- Respond to reviews
- Add new photos
- Post updates
Also, keep your website fresh. Add new content regularly—like blog posts, service updates, or customer success stories.
SEO tip: Regularly updating your website and Google profile signals to Google that your business is active and relevant.
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Think Local
You don’t need to do everything at once. Start by claiming your profile, adding photos, and asking for reviews. Then, slowly build out the rest—like adding local keywords to your site and getting listed on directories.
Remember, Google wants to show trusted, accurate, and helpful businesses to searchers. If you follow these tips, you’ll improve your rankings on Google Maps and bring more people through your doors.
Ready to Grow Your Business with Local SEO?
If you want help improving your local SEO and showing up on Google Maps, we can help. At Wisertech, we specialize in local SEO and web development services for Vancouver businesses.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s make sure your business stands out in local search.