Most realtors in British Columbia are fantastic at promoting listings but totally overlook their own visibility on Google. You’ve probably poured hours into MLS, Instagram, or even paid ads… but when someone searches for a “realtor in Nanaimo” or “real estate agent in Victoria,” you’re nowhere to be found.

That’s where SEO comes in. And no, I’m not talking about keyword stuffing or gaming the system. I’m talking about smart, local SEO that makes sure you show up when your potential clients are actively looking for help.

Why Realtors in BC Need Local SEO

You already know how competitive the real estate market is — especially in BC. But here's what most agents don’t realize: Google is the first place most buyers and sellers go.

Someone moving from out of province? They’re Googling “best realtor in Kelowna.”
A couple in Victoria thinking about upsizing? They're searching “sell my house Victoria.”
First-time buyers in Nanaimo? “Affordable homes near Departure Bay” is going straight into Google Maps.

If you're not showing up in those searches, you're handing leads to the agents who are.

What Realtor SEO Looks Like (Without the Buzzwords)

1. Google Business Profile Optimization

Start by fully completing your Google Business Profile. This includes your hours of operation, services offered, high-quality photos, and a compelling business bio. These aren’t just formalities; they help you rank and convert better in local search.

Make it a habit to post weekly updates, market insights, or even just listing highlights. Regular activity tells Google your profile is active and relevant. Lastly, encourage satisfied clients to leave a review. If they include the city or neighborhood they bought or sold in, it gives your profile an extra local relevance boost.

2. Location-Targeted Pages on Your Website

Having just a homepage and contact form isn’t enough if you want to compete in local search. You need pages that speak directly to buyers and sellers in the specific areas you serve.

For example:

“Buying a Home in Nanaimo: What You Need to Know”
“Sell Your House Fast in Victoria, BC – What Actually Works”
“Real Estate in Courtenay: Market Trends and Opportunities”

Pages like these aren’t filler, they help Google understand exactly where and for what services you want to rank. The more specific, the better your chances of showing up when people search.

3. Local Blog Content That Solves Real Questions

If you’re writing blog posts just to tick a box, you’re wasting your time. Instead, think about what real clients are actually Googling — and answer those questions.
Write posts like:

“Best Neighbourhoods in Kelowna for Families”
“Top Mistakes First-Time Buyers in Chilliwack Make”
“When to List Your Home in Parksville for Maximum Exposure”

These types of posts build trust and position you as a local expert — and Google rewards content that solves problems for searchers.

4. Build Authority in a Niche (And Let Google Notice It)

One of the most overlooked SEO strategies for realtors in BC is becoming the go-to expert in a specific niche – whether that’s a geographic area, a property type, or a client category.

If you consistently write about first-time buyers in Parksville, or investment properties in Kelowna, or downsizing in Nanaimo, Google will start to associate your site with that topic — and you’ll naturally rise in rankings for related searches. This is called topical authority, and it’s one of the most powerful ranking factors most agents ignore.

The same way you position yourself as a specialist in your real-world network, SEO rewards the same thing online. Want to be the top realtor for young families in Courtenay? Start creating content just for them. You’ll build trust with both people and search engines.

This lets you naturally upsell content writing, strategy, or local page development down the line – and it gives your article more long-term value.

But I’m on MLS… Isn’t That Enough?

It’s not. MLS helps you get listings in front of people, but it doesn’t build your personal brand. Buyers and sellers want to work with someone they trust, and if your entire online presence depends on platforms like MLS or Realtor.ca, you’re not building anything that belongs to you.

SEO helps you attract clients through your own website, not just rented space on third-party platforms. It’s like having a digital referral system that works around the clock, even when you’re off the clock.

Common SEO Mistakes Realtors Make

Let’s clear a few things up. Here are some of the most common mistakes I see realtors in BC make when it comes to SEO:

Using the same generic bio and content as every other agent in your brokerage
Skipping location-specific pages or blogs entirely
Linking only to your brokerage’s website, instead of building and promoting your own
Ignoring your Google Business Profile — or worse, not claiming it at all

These might seem small, but together they make a big difference in how (and if) you show up in search.

SEO Keywords Realtors in BC Should Be Targeting

If you're serious about showing up in Google, here are some of the core phrases your website should be optimized for — all tailored to your local market:

Realtor in [City]
Real estate agent [City]
Buy a home in [City]
Sell my house [City]
Real estate market [City]
First-time buyer guide [City]

Each one of these can become a blog post, landing page, or service page. The more directly you target these keywords, the more relevant your site becomes to local searchers.

How I Help Realtors in BC Get Found Online

I work with realtors across British Columbia who are ready to grow their business beyond just referrals and social media. If you’re tired of spending on ads that don’t convert — or simply want to build something that brings in leads consistently — that’s where I come in.

Van Isle SEO offers monthly packages that are affordable, strategic, and results-driven. No long-winded “SEO reports,” no gimmicks. Just honest work that gets you seen by the right people.

Ready to Get Your SEO Working for You?

If you're a BC realtor and you're ready to finally show up where your future clients are looking, let’s talk. I offer free SEO audits for new clients, and I’ll tell you exactly what you need to improve — no strings attached.

🔍 Free SEO audit available for all new clients.
📍 Based in Nanaimo – Serving all of BC