Factors Affecting SEO

Google’s goal is to provide users with the most local and relevant information based on their search queries. Several factors—often referred to as "Google’s Rules"—impact how search engine optimization (SEO) influences your business's online visibility.

1. Relevance

Does your business provide the service a user is searching for?

For example, someone searching for “in-home senior care near me” and landing on your Qualicare website is a relevant search. However, a search for “electrician near me” would not result in a relevant match.

How we ensure relevance:
By optimizing our website with targeted keywords and phrases, we increase the likelihood that our organic website appears in search results when potential clients search for our services.

2. Proximity

How close is your business to the searcher?

This factor is based on the physical location of the searcher and your business. For example, if someone in Los Angeles searches “home care services near me,” a Qualicare office in Toronto would not appear in their local search results.

3. Prominence

Does your business have a strong reputation, reviews, and evidence of providing high-quality services?

This is where reviews become crucial for local SEO. Positive reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook, and Yelp demonstrate your reputation and reliability, directly improving your local SEO.

4. Other Factors

• Content: Regular updates to your website, such as blog posts, infographics, and videos, as well as creating and refreshing pages, improve your visibility.
• NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) Consistency: Having identical information across all online directories and listings is critical for local SEO success (see below for more details).
  
  

The Importance of Local Listings

Your local audience relies on search engines like Google, Yelp, and Yellow Pages to find businesses in their area. Accurate and consistent local listings play a vital role in your local SEO and overall visibility.

Why Consistency Matters

To ensure Google recognizes your business correctly, the exact way your business’s Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) appear must be consistent across all online directories. For example:

• If your address is listed as 1234 Main Street on your website, it must also appear as 1234 Main Street on platforms like Yelp, Facebook, and Yellow Pages—not 1234 Main St.

Inconsistent NAP information can confuse search engines and negatively impact your SEO.

Note: The only exception to this rule is PPC (pay-per-click) ad landing pages, as they are not indexed by Google.

Top Tip: Consistent and accurate online listings not only improve your local SEO but also help your business rank higher in organic search results, making it easier for potential clients to find and trust your services.