Canada is bilingual, and Canadian French differs from European French. Provide English and Canadian French listings where relevant, use Canadian spelling, and consider regional differences and requirements.
Provide English and French
Quebec and other regions use French, and expectations for French-language content can be strong. Offer a Canadian French listing where it fits your audience.
Use native writers familiar with Canadian usage.
Use Canadian conventions
English spelling often follows a mix of British and American conventions. Check vocabulary and spelling for your audience.
Show Canadian dollars and relevant units.
Understand regional behavior
Preferences and competition differ by province and city. Use analytics to find where your app performs best.
Plan around regional holidays and seasons, including winter.
Check compliance
Language and consumer rules, including in Quebec, may affect commercial communication. Review with advisors.
Track reviews in both languages.
Common mistakes with ASO for Canada
Using European French for Quebec audiences is a common slip. Another mistake is overlooking language requirements that may apply to commercial communication.
Treating Canada as a smaller US market ignores regional differences.
ASO for Canada: a worked example
A banking app adds a Canadian French listing, uses Canadian spellings in English, and checks language rules with advisors.
It compares conversion and retention by language and region.
How to do it, step by step
- Add Canadian FrenchCreate a French listing written for Canadian usage.
- Use Canadian English conventionsCheck spelling and terms such as cheque and centre.
- Review regional performanceCompare Quebec, Ontario, and other regions.
- Check language requirementsAsk advisors about rules for commercial communication in Quebec.
- Track reviews in both languagesMonitor themes in English and French.
Before and after examples
Illustrative examples written for a generic app in this category, not client results. Swap in your own product, audience, and data.
courriel
Why it works: Canadian French often uses courriel.
faire du shopping
magasiner
Why it works: Magasiner is common in Canadian French.
center, check
centre, cheque
Why it works: Canadian English follows British conventions here.
Action plan
- Offer English and Canadian French
- Use native Canadian writers
- Check spelling conventions
- Show local currency and units
- Review regional performance
- Verify language compliance
Metrics to monitor
- Keyword visibility by language
- Conversion by language
- Retention
- Review sentiment
Record the baseline, release date, audience, markets, and external changes before interpreting movement. Rankings and conversion are useful signals, but a decision is stronger when activation, retention, and business value confirm that the page attracted the right users.
Frequently asked questions
Is European French acceptable?
Canadian French is usually better for Canadian audiences.
Do I need two listings?
Often useful where you serve French-speaking users.
Are there legal considerations?
Language requirements may apply, so check with advisors.
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