Small-to medium-sized businesses contribute to approximately 41% of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP). With small businesses playing such a big part in our nation’s GDP, it’s time to shine a light on how important digital marketing- more specifically localized digital marketing is to the success of an SME. As a result, we’ve outlined three amazing tips that will help support independent business owners in attaining the right strategies to bring in leads through the door.

1. The importance of localized keywords

At the end of the day, you want to make sure that your website shows up first on every search engine. That’s why it’s incredibly important to focus and know your localized keywords, essentially words that people in your local community would search to find you. A great way to figure these words out is by surveying some of your customers to see which search terms they would use to find your business. This will vary from area to area, hence the localized aspect of it.

2. Configure your Google Plus business page

Your business can benefit from using Google Plus in many ways such as:

•   Standing out – You’re able to share your latest information with customers such as directions, opening hours, pictures and offers
•   Compare – Now your customers can compare you to multiple business so you can show how much better you are
•   Engage – Customers have the ability to leave you reviews and let you know how you can improve your business. This is also a great platform for you to speak to them and understand their needs and wants more intimately

Google My Business is a significant online directory that no localized business can ignore. So make sure you optimize your Google My Business page as it can help you get targeted exposure from your local audience.

3. Online Directories

Getting listed on various online directories not only helps with your SEO but can also help you generate qualified leads. The more local you get the better, so check out your local newspaper to see if they might have an online directory. Also look into your local chamber of commerce and any other local directories.

In short, local search engine marketing or local SEO as it is commonly called, is here to stay. It’s slowly yet steadily turning out to be a crucial part of a successful small business online marketing strategy, so make sure to hop on this wave for 2019.