For contractors, word of mouth is powerful, but most homeowners now search online before making a call. That’s where SEO comes in. A strong Ottawa SEO strategy makes sure your business shows up when someone in your area types “roof repair near me” or “kitchen renovation in [city].” Here are some practical tips to help contractors get noticed and win more jobs.
Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is often the first thing potential clients see. Make sure it’s fully completed with your business name, phone number, service area, and hours. Add recent photos of your work, encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews, and respond to those reviews. Profiles with regular updates tend to rank higher in the local map pack, which is a major driver of leads for contractors.
Use location-based keywords
Generic keywords like “plumbing services” or “general contractor” are too competitive. Instead, focus on location-based terms such as “basement finishing in Ottawa” or “roofing contractor Peterborough.” These phrases have less competition and connect directly with homeowners searching in your service area. Sprinkle them naturally into your homepage, service pages, and meta descriptions.
Create service-specific pages
If you offer multiple services, don’t lump them all onto one page. Create individual pages for each, such as roofing, siding, basement renovations, or electrical upgrades. This helps Google understand exactly what you do and improves the odds that you’ll rank for specific searches. Each page should include project photos, clear descriptions, and a call-to-action for homeowners to get in touch.
Publish helpful blog content
Blogging may not feel natural for getting leads for contractors, but it’s one of the best ways to capture long-tail searches. Homeowners often type questions like “How much does it cost to replace windows in [city]?” or “Signs your roof needs repair.” Writing short, practical posts answering these questions builds trust, positions you as an expert, and drives steady organic traffic to your site.
Make your website mobile-friendly
Many homeowners search for contractors from their phones while comparing quotes or checking reviews. If your site loads slowly or is hard to use on a small screen, they’ll leave. A mobile-friendly design, fast load speed, and click-to-call buttons make it easy for prospects to contact you right away.
Build local backlinks
Backlinks remain an important ranking factor. Contractors can earn them by getting listed in local directories, joining the chamber of commerce, or being featured in local news articles. Even a few quality backlinks from local sources can give your website a major credibility boost in Google’s eyes.
Track results and adjust
SEO isn’t a one-time job. Use free tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to see which pages bring in traffic and which keywords generate calls. Adjust your strategy over time based on what works best for your service area.
Final thoughts
SEO for contractors is all about being visible when homeowners are ready to hire. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, targeting local keywords, building service pages, and sharing useful content, you’ll set your contracting business up for consistent leads and long-term growth.
