One word. Citations! Citations tell Google, that you are a brand that services a specific geographical (Ottawa or Toronto usually) area. So naturally, having as many citations out there as possible, will tell Google that you are a real entity. You need to build your citations correctly in order for Google to pick it up. Any discrepancy, and Google will ignore it. Once you are done, you have to search your business name to see if your business shows up on the right side. If nothing comes up, then double check your citations.For Example: we searched “Rideau Centre Ottawa” and this is what came up.

YES! Google loves businesses who brand. Imagine ranking for Adidas or Coca Cola. You will have a very difficult time getting on top, and trying to outrank them. They have been there for many years. They have established a solid brand. Google will not know if your site is of the same quality. The same applies to your GMB (Google My Business) listing and your citations. Citations do 2 major things, 1) Validating you are a real business, 2) Geo-Validates you to a city. Citations equal branding in GMB. 

Submit your citations to local directories. There are generic directories like yellowpages, yelp, tripadvisor, and Apple maps, and then there are other directories called niche or industry specific directories such as the Local Plumber Directory.  The third and most important type of directory which will be the City Directory or Local Chamber of commerce. The fourth directory or citation building strategy is doing a press release. Press releases allow you to get local citations and do huge announcements. This is how you want to write in every single directory, word by word. Here is an example:

Ottawa Marketing Guys   –   Complete Business Name
900 Lady Ellen Place    –     Street Address and Number
Ottawa, ON K1Z 5L5      –  City, Province  Postal Code
(613) 709-5311    –   Phone Number