Resource Centre
Articles, guides, tips and checklists to help strengthen your digital marketing efforts – and stand out in your neighbourhood.
7 Local Digital Marketing Tactics to Stand Out Among the Giants
Wondering how “the little guy” can stand out among national chains, big box stores and online giants? By checking the following boxes, you’ll put your business in great position to be a top choice for shoppers in your neighbourhood.
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Optimize your website for mobile
68 per cent of Canadians own a smartphone, and more than half of all searches have local intent. Ensuring your business’s website is optimized for mobile devices clearly makes good business sense. Still need convincing? Mobile-friendly sites also rank higher on search engine results.
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Get a Google My Business page
Google My Business drives local search results, including those found in Google Maps, both on desktop and mobile. Create your listing and add photos, product lists, menus, hours and more, giving shoppers everything they need to know about you at a glance on the world’s most popular search platform.
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Take advantage of local directories
Local directories can also help you get found online. Links from local directories can help boost your search ranking, and give you visibility to users of those directories. Why not start with a free YP.ca listing? And don’t forget about your local business association’s directory!
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Get verified on Facebook
When you see a gray check mark on a business’s Facebook Profile Page, that means Facebook has verified this business and its contact details are accurate. Why does verification matter? Verified local businesses show up higher in search results. So take a few minutes to submit your details – after making sure your business details (address, phone) are accurate and up-to-date, of course.
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Target local shoppers with paid advertising
Paid search ads offer local businesses a flexible and cost-effective way to target local customers. Whether you’re talking search engine ads, Facebook Ads, sponsored posts or tweets, these advertising platforms have advanced options that let you target who sees them based on location, gender, device and more.
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Use Hyperlocal Mobile Ads
Looking to get even more specific in your targeting? Hyperlocal mobile ads are displayed with surgical precision, and can be aimed at shoppers when they’re in your immediate vicinity. You can even target by time of day and local weather conditions! Your ads will be seen by fewer people overall, but those people will be much more likely buyers.
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Keep your content consistent
No matter which channels you use, consistency is critical. Your overall message, but specifically your business details – hours, website, email, phone and address, products and menu – any inconsistency can cause you to lose credibility with your audience and can even hurt your search engine ranking.
Everyone in your neighbourhood already knows the big players. If you’ve checked all of these boxes, you’ll bring awareness – and new customers – to your business in no time.
