SEO: Search Engine Optimization

The Problem

You have a great website. You've invested in professional design. Your content clearly explains what you do. There's just one problem: nobody sees it.

When you Google your own services in your city, you're on page 3. Or page 7. Basically invisible. Your competitors—some with worse service than you—dominate the first page. Every day, potential customers search for exactly what you offer, and they never find you.

You're paying for a website that sits empty while your phone doesn't ring. The digital equivalent of opening a store in a location with no foot traffic.

Meanwhile, you've probably been contacted by companies promising "first page Google rankings" for $99/month, making you skeptical of the whole SEO industry.

The Challenge

The challenge with SEO is that it's both simple and complex. The basics are straightforward, but doing it well requires ongoing effort and technical understanding.

Google's algorithm considers hundreds of factors when deciding which websites to show. It changes constantly. What worked last year might not work now. And it takes time—often months—to see results. In a world of instant gratification, SEO requires patience.

Another challenge: SEO done wrong can actually harm your ranking. Buying cheap links, keyword stuffing, or using shady tactics might give short-term gains but lead to long-term penalties.

Seth Godin teaches us to focus on being remarkable—creating a "purple cow" that people naturally want to talk about and share. Google's algorithm has evolved to reward exactly this: websites that provide genuine value, not those that game the system.

The real challenge: Building SEO into your long-term strategy instead of treating it as a quick fix.

The Solution

Effective SEO for small Alberta businesses focuses on three pillars:

1. Local Search Optimization
Most of your customers are nearby. When someone searches "accountant Red Deer" or "Edmonton plumber," you need to appear. This means:

• Optimizing for local keywords

• Creating location-specific content

• Building local citations

• Earning reviews

• Maintaining accurate business listings

2. Technical Foundation
Your website needs to load fast, work on mobile, use proper heading structures, and be crawlable by Google. These aren't optional—they're requirements.

3. Content That Serves Searchers
Google rewards websites that answer questions and solve problems. Blog posts, detailed service pages, and helpful resources that match what people are actually searching for.

The key insight: SEO isn't about tricking Google. It's about making it easy for Google to understand what you do and show you to the right people.

How MTN Tech Can Help

We practice what Godin calls "permission marketing"—we help you earn attention rather than demand it. Here's how:

Local SEO Audit: We analyze your current visibility, identify opportunities, and create a roadmap. Where do you rank now? What keywords matter? What's your competition doing?

Technical Optimization:

• Page speed improvements

• Mobile responsiveness fixes

• Proper site structure

• XML sitemaps

• Schema markup for local businesses

Content Strategy: We don't just stuff keywords into pages. We help you create content that serves your customers while improving rankings:

• Service area pages for each location you serve

• FAQ content answering real questions

• Blog posts on topics your customers search for

• Case studies and success stories

Google Business Profile Optimization: Your Google Business listing is often the first thing customers see. We optimize it completely:

• Accurate information

• Regular posts and updates

• Review management strategy

• Photo optimization

Monthly Reporting: Clear reports showing rankings, traffic, and most importantly—leads. We measure what matters, not vanity metrics.

Ongoing Optimization: SEO isn't "set and forget." We monitor, adjust, and improve continuously based on results.

We're building what Godin calls your "permission asset"—a website that earns the right to show up when customers need you.

Investment: Initial SEO setup and optimization $2,000-$4,000. Ongoing monthly optimization $500-$1,500 depending on market competitiveness. Most clients see meaningful traffic increases within 3-6 months.