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8 Critical Questions to Ask an SEO Agency Before Hiring: The Edmonton Business Guide

Muhammad Khawaja
Muhammad Khawaja

Navigating the Edmonton SEO Landscape

In a city as competitive as Edmonton, your business not appearing on the first page of Google means you're essentially invisible to thousands of local customers searching for your services right now.

However, hiring an SEO agency is often a leap of faith. Because SEO is an "invisible" service, it’s easy for agencies to hide behind jargon.

At Alberta Web Craft, we believe in sincere transparency. Whether you choose to hire us or someone else, we want you to be protected. This guide will outline the 8 essential questions you must ask any SEO provider before working with them.

1. How do you tailor your strategy to the Edmonton market?

SEO isn't a one-size-fits-all product. A "National" strategy is very different from a "Local" strategy.

  • What to look for: Does the agency mention local citations, Google Business Profile (GBP) optimization, and local backlinks from Albertan directories or news outlets?

2. Can you explain your process for "On-Page" vs. "Off-Page" SEO?

On-page is about your website's content and structure; off-page is about your reputation and authority (backlinks).

  • The Red Flag: If they only focus on one and ignore the other, your rankings will eventually stall.

3. How do you handle Technical SEO audits?

Technical SEO ensures Google can actually "read" your site. Ask if they check for:

  • Core Web Vitals (site speed)
  • Mobile-first indexing
  • Schema Markup (Structured Data)
  • HTTPS security protocols

4. Can you guarantee a #1 ranking?

  • The Truth: No one can guarantee a #1 ranking on Google. Google’s algorithms change daily. A legitimate agency guarantees work, transparency, and growth trends, not specific positions.

5. What metrics (KPIs) do you actually track?

Don't get distracted by "Impressions." Impressions don't pay the bills. Look for:

  • Organic Conversions: How many leads or sales came from Google?
  • Keyword Intent: Are you ranking for "buy [service]" or just random "how-to" phrases?
  • Click-Through Rate (CTR): Are people actually clicking your link?

6. Why should I hire a local Alberta agency over a cheaper offshore option?

Offshore agencies often lack the cultural context of the Canadian market. They won't know that "YEG" is a vital keyword for Edmontonians, or how to write content that resonates with our local values and industries (like energy, agriculture, and construction).

7. What is your minimum contract length?

SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. It usually takes 3-6 months to see significant movement. However, beware of contracts that don't allow you to leave if the agency fails to perform.

8. What do you need from me to be successful?

SEO is a partnership. A good agency will need access to your site, your brand assets, and your time for occasional strategy check-ins.

FAQ: SEO for Edmonton Business Owners

Is SEO better than Google Ads (PPC)?

Both have their place. PPC is "rented" traffic (it stops when you stop paying). SEO is "owned" traffic (it builds equity over time). For most Edmonton businesses, a hybrid approach is best.

How long does SEO take to work in Edmonton?

In a medium-competition market like Edmonton, you can expect to see "green shoots" in 90 days, with significant ROI typically appearing between month 6 and month 12.

Does my website platform (WordPress, Shopify, Wix) matter?

Yes. While you can do SEO on any platform, WordPress remains the gold standard for technical flexibility and SEO plugins. At Alberta Web Craft, we specialize in high-performance WordPress builds.

Why is my competitor outranking me?

Usually, it comes down to three things: they have more high-quality backlinks, their site is faster/more mobile-friendly, or they have a more consistent content strategy. We can perform a Competitor Gap Analysis to find out exactly why.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Fit

Hiring an SEO agency is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your digital presence. In Edmonton, the "small town feel" of our business community means that reputation is everything.

At Alberta Web Craft, we don't just want to be a vendor; we want to be your growth partners. We specialize in helping local businesses dominate the YEG search results through ethical, data-driven strategies.

Ready to see where your site stands? Contact Alberta Web Craft today for a Free SEO Audit of your website.