Kelowna SEO Showdown: Diving Into Okanagan Online Optimization

Welcome back to the Mini SEO Showdown – where we take a handful of top-ranking local businesses in a single industry area, compare how well they optimize their Google Business Profiles, and crown a winner. It’s quick, enlightening, and sometimes surprising.

This round is all about Kelowna and the Okanagan’s tourism scene. We focused on six industries that serve tourists and locals seeking entertainment. In early October 2025, we searched “[industry] Kelowna” and selected the top-ranking Google Business Profile (GBP) for each. Then, we scored them using SilverServers’ own 12-point GBP optimization checklist (from our guide on improving local visibility: How To Optimize Your Google Business Profile).

All six competitors did well. Tourism clearly motivates effort.

The Winner: The Royal Kelowna by Bellstar

Score: 11/12

Why they impressed us:

• Showed strong review response habits compared to others
• Used Google Business Profile (GBP) features completely, including products/services, Q&A, and high-quality media
• Proactive with recent posting activity using the Google Post feature (which most competitors lacked)

They scored 11 out of 12 points. The remaining point was the “most recent Google Post” category, which only one competitor can earn each showdown. In this case, Cruzwear had the newest post.

Full Results Table

We love seeing scores stay relatively high across the board. Tourism businesses rely heavily on search visibility, and the effort shows.

Quick Wins: Local SEO Tips Kelowna Businesses Still Miss

These are the easiest opportunities we saw for improvement that any Kelowna small business can act on, now.

Respond to positive reviews

Some of these businesses only replied to negative reviews. That’s important to do, but businesses should also show gratitude for positive reviews. Quick replies build trust and fresh activity signals.

Publish Google Posts consistently

Most had no recent Google Post content at all. Activity helps discovery.

Use video when possible

Video can increase engagement in Maps search, especially in industries affected by tourism.

Use your City + Main Keyword in your description

Google still relies on relevance signals. Find an organic and simple way to mention your city name and primary keyword within your description.

Ensure address visibility when part of a larger brand

Clear name, address, and phone number (NAP) keeps rankings stable across multiple locations.

Expanded SEO Guidance for Local Visibility

1. Keep Google Posts alive

Aim for one per month minimum. Promotions, seasonal announcements, new products, or even a photo highlighting atmosphere are enough to stay relevant. Often, you don’t need to go out of your way to create unique content for these posts. Instead, reuse a social media post or use a link to a recent or relevant blog post. Google Posts don’t need to be big.

2. Build a Review Response Habit

Set aside about ten minutes each week to read and reply to recent reviews. In tourism and hospitality, it is normal to receive a high volume of reviews, many of them short and positive. Taking a moment to acknowledge those comments shows that you care about your guests and the experience you provide. Responses do not need to be lengthy. A simple thank you can be enough. Use negative reviews as opportunities to show professionalism and problem-solving. Regular engagement signals to Google and future customers that your business is active, attentive, and focused on service.

3. Add One Good Video

Google Business Profiles support short videos that can quickly show what makes a business appealing. For tourism and hospitality, this is especially valuable because visitors want to get a feel for the experience before they book or walk in. A brief clip of your atmosphere, location, or a standout product can make that connection instantly.
For great examples, check out the profiles of the businesses in this showdown. Many relied on client-uploaded videos, but about half included simple business-uploaded clips that were less than 10 seconds long. Short is fine if it is clear and relevant.
Keep it simple: hold the camera steady, pick one subject, and record for a few seconds if possible. Even a quick sweep of your interior or a shot of guests enjoying themselves can increase clicks and booking intent. Or, if you have existing social media marketing material, post it here too.

4. Treat Q&A as a Sales Channel

The Q&A section on a Google Business Profile is a powerful tool for reducing friction before someone decides to visit, call, or book. Add your own frequently asked questions to address details such as parking, reservations, accessibility, or whether children and pets are welcome. It is especially useful for common inquiries that front-desk or reception staff answer repeatedly over the phone. Clear, accurate information here can remove barriers and help customers choose your business over another without ever leaving the search results.

5. Map-first Behaviour and Tourism Profiles

If you run a business affected by tourism, you may already know that Google Business Profiles can behave differently from other small business profiles. Google adds features that support Maps-first interactions and surface richer information. The hotel in this showdown even had its Google Reviews integrated with TripAdvisor reviews. Others displayed more key details directly in standard search results. Review how high-ranking competitors in your space use their profiles and apply the same features where relevant.

Ready to Win Search Traffic in Kelowna or Your Location?

SilverServers works with businesses across tourism, hospitality, retail, trades, and service industries to improve Local SEO in ways that move rankings and revenue. If you want a Google Business Profile that performs like the winner of an SEO Showdown, we are ready to help.
→ Contact SilverServers for a free local SEO review and action plan.

Find more SEO Showdown editions in our blog!