The current situation can be seen as an illustration of the economic war that we, Quebec entrepreneurs, wage every day, on a micro scale.

 

How could we illustrate our methods and perspectives, on a macro scale, if we were in charge of dreaming? we can laugh and imagine 😊 everything But; The subject is serious. Faced with customs tariffs that weigh on the competitiveness of Quebec and Montreal products in the United States, natural referencing (SEO) is a clever ploy… Because we talk a lot about manufacturing, but let’s not forget that the growth of the web in our country is dazzling. A manoeuvre to defy economic hegemony. By refining their digital visibility, Canadian companies can make their mark in search results – ahead of their American counterparts, thus capturing a portion of their traffic and customer base.

For Amazon alone, this is a topic in itself. And so, this will be the subject of our next article, aimed at local Quebec entrepreneurs who have been silently fighting against the giant for years. This should put the subject back at the top of the pile.

But let’s get back to the subject and how to get ahead of our neighbors, in a few easy steps. Let’s start:

Contrary to popular belief, I don’t really know where… American companies do not hold immunity in the digital world. Many fail to fine-tune their strategy based on specific target markets or local segments. This is a golden opportunity for Quebec companies… They have everything to gain by rushing into these breaches, and here is how they could go about it:

 

  • Targeting overlooked keywords : For example, if a U.S. company sells winter products but doesn’t target terms like “best winter coat for Montreal climate,” a Quebec company can seize this opportunity.

Do you even have the slightest idea how many requests this can represent?…. us, barely!

  • Optimizing for specific niches : Quebec products, often perceived as artisanal or high-quality, can attract customers looking for alternatives to American mass products. And in a period of stronger unity around common values, this means more turnover for local SMEs – like you and us.

Benefit from international research

American consumers do not limit themselves to their borders to make their purchases; they look beyond, exploring more distant horizons. Our customers know this, by the way! Quebec companies, by adjusting their strategy to target international searches, have a card to play: they can seduce this clientele from across the border… And this, even if customs barriers impose additional costs.

Like what:

  • Target keywords like “premium handicrafts” or “eco-friendly alternatives” : These terms often attract consumers willing to pay more for quality products.
  • Use storytelling : Highlighting the story behind Quebec products (local craftsmanship, traditions, sustainability) can appeal to an American audience looking for authenticity.

Dominate local searches in the United States

Yes, you read that right: Quebec companies can position themselves in local search results in the United States. How?

  • Optimize local queries in the US: just like “Montreal t-shirt”, let’s go and reference ourselves in other cities, such as NY or Boston, just to see. Let’s not forget that, in the web, statistics dominate: a site that gets more traffic, will necessarily make more money – even if the traffic seems ‘less local’.
  • Optimization for cross-border searches : For example, a Quebec food company might target keywords like “best maple syrups delivered to the U.S.” or “Canadian artisan cheeses delivered to New York.”
  • Using Google My Business in the U.S .: By creating local listings for border cities like Buffalo or Detroit, a Quebec business can appear in U.S. local search results.

 

Tapping into U.S. search trends

Quebec companies can surf on American search trends to attract traffic to their sites. Just look here! https://trends.google.com/trending?geo=US And you want to be more specific? No worries, you can choose a category. For example: https://trends.google.com/trending?geo=US&category=3

 

This inevitably leads us to:

  • Create English-language content targeting topics popular in the U.S .: A blog on “Why Quebec products are better for the environment” can attract eco-conscious American consumers.
  • Respond to specific searches : If U.S. consumers are looking for alternatives to Chinese or U.S. products, Quebec companies can position themselves as a credible option.

Using SEO to counter misinformation

In these times when trade tensions are making the air vibrate, disinformation stands like a threatening specter… It can, surreptitiously, tarnish the image of the products of our mines, maple and the cold of Quebec. This is where natural referencing (SEO) comes in, as a collection tool; It is used to:Promote positive content : By creating articles, videos or infographics that highlight the quality and ethics of Quebec products, companies can counter negative narratives.

  • Dominate searches related to controversies : If terms like “Quebec products tariffs” become popular, companies can create content to appear at the top of the results and control the narrative.

 

Collaborate with American influencers

Influencers from the United States represent a boon for Quebec companies wishing to make their way into the American market, without taking the conventional routes. By forging links with these web personalities, Quebec companies can take advantage of two major assets. Generate traffic to their site : An influencer who talks about a Quebec product can direct their audience to the company’s site, thus increasing their SEO authority. Create viral content : A TikTok video or Instagram post about a Quebec product can generate thousands of organic searches.

SEO, a peaceful but powerful weapon

In this trade war, SEO is not just a defensive tool: it is an offensive weapon that allows Quebec companies to compete with the American giants on their own turf. By positioning themselves ahead of them in search results, exploiting their flaws and attracting their customers, Quebec companies can not only survive, but also prosper. SEO thus becomes an act of economic resistance, a way of saying: “We are here, we are visible, and we offer a quality alternative.”