Gran Canaria has an unusual market for local businesses. Alongside the Spanish-speaking population, tens of thousands of Dutch, German and British residents call the island home. And every year, millions of tourists pass through. Knowing how to reach all of them is the difference between growing and standing still.
Google Business: the foundation most businesses neglect
When someone searches for "hairdresser gran canaria" on Google, they first see the map with local results — before any regular search results. If you're not in that map view, you're missing the majority of searches. A well-completed Google Business profile includes accurate address and contact details, up-to-date opening hours, photos of your location and services, a clear description in the right language, and consistent responses to reviews.
Keywords in multiple languages
If you're a physiotherapist in Las Palmas, potential clients might search: "physiotherapist gran canaria" or "English-speaking physio Las Palmas" (English), "fisioterapeuta las palmas" (Spanish), "fysiotherapeut gran canaria" (Dutch). A multilingual website with locale-specific pages gives you access to all three markets — most competitors serve only one language group.
Reviews: the deciding factor
Tourists and expats don't have a local network for recommendations. They search, read reviews, then choose. A profile with 4.8 stars and 30 reviews will always win over one with 5 stars and 3 reviews. Best strategy: ask every satisfied client directly, immediately after a successful job, via WhatsApp with a direct link to your Google profile.
SEO is a long-term game, but local SEO on Gran Canaria has a special advantage: in many niches, competition is low. With a good website and complete Google Business profile, you can be at the top within weeks. At CanarySites we start with a free local SEO analysis. Get in touch to find out where you stand.