Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the most effective ways to get your business in front of local customers searching for your services online. Yet, many Calgary businesses unknowingly sabotage their own SEO efforts. Small errors can mean the difference between showing up on page one of Google—or being buried where no one finds you.
Here are the most common SEO mistakes Calgary businesses make and how you can avoid them.
Many businesses focus on general keywords but forget about local search optimization. If you’re a Calgary plumber, ranking for just “plumber” won’t help much—you need to target “plumber in Calgary” or “emergency plumbing NW Calgary.”
Pro Tip: Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile, add your business to local directories, and use Calgary-focused keywords on your website.
Google rewards original, high-quality content. Unfortunately, many businesses use generic copy or copy-paste from competitors. Thin content (just a few sentences per page) makes it hard for Google to understand your business.
Solution: Write detailed, helpful pages that answer customer questions. For example, a Calgary landscaping company could publish blog posts on “Best Plants for Calgary’s Climate” or “How to Prepare Your Lawn for Winter.”
Page speed is a direct ranking factor. If your website takes more than 3 seconds to load, visitors will likely leave, and Google notices.
Common causes of slow speed:
Quick Fix: Use image compression, upgrade hosting, and run a free speed test (like Google PageSpeed Insights).
More than 60% of searches come from smartphones. A site that looks good on desktop but fails on mobile will lose both visitors and rankings.
Check your site: Navigate through your site on your phone. Is the text easy to read? Do buttons work properly? If not, it’s time for a redesign.
Some Calgary businesses try to rank for extremely broad terms (like “contractor” or “lawyer”), which are too competitive. Others use outdated keyword stuffing tactics that can actually hurt rankings.
Better Approach: Target long-tail keywords like “Calgary family lawyer free consultation” or “kitchen renovations Calgary SE.” These bring in qualified, ready-to-buy customers.
Simple things like missing meta titles, duplicate headers, or lack of alt text on images can prevent your site from ranking.
Checklist:
Every page should have a unique title tag and meta description
Use headers (H1, H2, H3) to structure content
Add descriptive alt text to images
Without data, you’re flying blind. Many businesses don’t have Google Analytics or Search Console connected to their website, which means they can’t measure what’s working.
Action Step: Install Google Analytics 4 and set up conversion tracking. That way, you’ll know which keywords and pages actually drive leads.
SEO is not about quick fixes—it’s about building a strong, long-term online presence. By avoiding these common mistakes, Calgary businesses can gain more visibility, attract more qualified leads, and grow faster.
Whether you’ve got questions, big ideas, or a goal in mind, we’re here for it. We’ve helped businesses across Canada grow with smart, scalable marketing and we’re ready to do the same for you.
Call (587) 880-3358 or fill out the form below. Let’s launch something amazing.
