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5 Common Mistakes I See on Websites of Quebec Businesses – and How to Fix Them to Attract More Customers

15 August, 2025
3 minutos de leitura

Does your website actually attract customers, or does it remain invisible in search results? Many Quebec businesses make common mistakes that limit their online visibility. In this guide, we will explore the 5 most frequent mistakes and show you how to fix them, turning your website into a true growth tool. Even if you are not a digital marketing expert, these tips are easy to apply and effective.

Mistake 1: A Website Not Optimized for SEO

Why it’s a problem:
A website that doesn’t follow basic SEO principles is like a store hidden down a back alley: even though it exists, nobody finds it. Many Quebec businesses don’t target the right keywords or follow proper technical practices.

How to check if this applies to you:

  • Does your business appear when someone searches for your exact name?
  • Are your competitors ranking above you for important keywords?
  • Is your site fast and mobile-friendly?

How to fix it:

  • Check and optimize your site speed (compressed images, fast hosting).
  • Ensure each page has a clear title and a relevant meta description.
  • Use local keywords: for example, “emergency plumber in Montreal” instead of “fast plumber.”
  • Create a separate page for each service or product.

Helpful tools: Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ubersuggest, Screaming Frog.

 

Mistake 2: Slow Website or Not Mobile-Friendly

Why it’s critical:
Most Quebec customers browse on mobile. A slow or poorly adapted site drives visitors away and hurts your Google ranking.

How to check:

  • Test your site with Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix.
  • Check how it displays on multiple devices and browsers.

Practical solutions:

  • Reduce image sizes and use a CDN.
  • Choose high-performance hosting.
  • Simplify heavy scripts and plugins.

Real-life example: A restaurant in Quebec had its menu taking 12 seconds to load on mobile — result: fewer online orders and frustrated customers.

 

Mistake 3: Content Focused on the Company Instead of the Customer

Common problem:
Many sites talk too much about “us” instead of answering the customer’s questions. This reduces engagement and conversion.

How to fix it:

  • Create pages and articles that address the specific needs of your customers.
  • Start a blog with practical advice:
    • “How much does electrical repair cost in Montreal?”
    • “5 mistakes to avoid when renovating your bathroom”
    • “Why choose a local accountant?”

Pro tip: Use clear headings, bullet points, and CTAs to guide your visitors.

 

Mistake 4: Confusing Website Structure

Why it’s a problem:
Complicated menus or hard-to-find information confuse Google and your visitors. Poor architecture lowers SEO and user satisfaction.

How to fix it:

  • One service = one page.
  • Properly use H1, H2, and H3 tags.
  • Add smart internal links to guide visitors.
  • Create a sitemap and configure a robots.txt file.

Recommended tools: Yoast SEO (WordPress), Screaming Frog, Google Search Console.

 

Mistake 5: Lack of Social Proof and Trust Elements

Why it matters:
Reviews, testimonials, and certifications increase trust and encourage conversions. Without social proof, visitors hesitate.

How to fix it:

  • Add Google or Trustpilot customer reviews.
  • Showcase testimonials and case studies.
  • Include professional certifications and affiliations.

Pro tip: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and make it easy for them.

 

Bonus Section: Hidden but Common Mistakes

  1. Missing security (HTTPS)
  2. No performance tracking (Google Analytics not set up)
  3. Outdated website (plugins, content, design)

 

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to rebuild the entire site?
No, sometimes a few optimizations are enough.

Do I need to be an SEO expert?
No, these tips are designed for non-technical users.

How long before I see results?
Usually 1 to 3 months if best practices are applied consistently.

What if I don’t have time?
You can use simple tools or get guidance to stay on track.

 

Conclusion: Stop Being Invisible and Take Control

Being invisible on Google is not fatal. It’s a common problem but fully solvable.
With the right tools, the correct method, and a little consistency, your website can become a real machine for generating qualified leads every week.