Running a small business in Saskatoon can be a rollercoaster. There’s a lot to manage—product inventory, customer satisfaction, finances—and on top of that, you’re told to figure out digital marketing. Overwhelming, right?
But here’s the thing: mastering a few simple digital marketing strategies can set your business apart, making it easier for people to find you, trust you, and buy from you. Imagine becoming the go-to bakery, coffee shop, or auto repair service that everyone in Saskatoon talks about. That’s what an effective digital strategy can do for you. Let me show you how.
1. Local SEO: Be Seen When It Matters Most
Picture this: It’s a cold morning, and someone is looking for a warm cup of coffee. They pull out their phone and type, “best coffee shop near me.” If your café doesn’t show up, that’s a missed opportunity. Local SEO ensures that your business is visible when people are actively searching for what you offer.
How to Make It Happen:
- Optimize Your Google My Business (GMB) Listing: Claim your GMB profile, fill out every section, and add appealing photos. Make sure your address, phone number, and business hours are accurate. This will help you show up in local searches and on Google Maps.
- Use Local Keywords: Include terms like “top pizza place in Saskatoon” or “affordable lawn care Saskatoon” on your website. When people search for these phrases, you want your business to be one of the first they see.
- Get Customer Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on your GMB listing. Positive reviews not only build trust but also improve your local search ranking. A business with a lot of great reviews is much more likely to get clicked on.
Pro Tip: If you have a special service or product, mention it in your GMB description. This helps your business stand out when people are scrolling through search results.
2. PPC Ads: Get Instant Visibility
Now, let’s talk about PPC (Pay-Per-Click) ads. While SEO is about building long-term visibility, PPC can get you results right away. Think of it as putting a billboard up, but instead of drivers passing by, your ad shows up right when people are searching for what you offer.
How to Get the Best Results:
- Run Google Ads with Local Targeting: Focus your ads on Saskatoon and nearby areas. If you’re a florist, run ads targeting keywords like “wedding flowers Saskatoon” or “flower delivery Saskatoon.” This ensures that your ad dollars are reaching the right people.
- Write Effective, Engaging Ad Copy: Your ad should grab attention and clearly convey what you offer. Think about what makes your business unique and highlight that in your ad.
- Use Remarketing to Re-Engage Visitors: Have you ever visited a website, left, and then seen ads for that same site everywhere you go? That’s remarketing. It’s a smart way to remind people about your business and bring them back to your website when they’re ready to make a purchase.
Quick Insight: PPC is especially effective if you’re running seasonal promotions or special events. It gets the word out fast, right when it matters most.
3. Social Media Marketing: Join the Conversation
Saskatoon has a tight-knit community, and social media is where people go to connect, share, and discover. If you’re not engaging with your customers on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to build relationships.
How to Stand Out on Social Media:
- Share Your Story: People don’t just buy products; they buy stories. Share behind-the-scenes content, team introductions, and the story of why you started your business. When people feel a personal connection, they’re more likely to support you.
- Use Local Hashtags and Engage Locally: Adding hashtags like #YXE, #SaskatoonEvents, or #SaskatoonEats to your posts makes your content easier to find. Engaging with local groups and communities can help spread the word about your business.
- Run Social Media Ads: Social ads allow you to target specific demographics. You can run ads promoting your latest product or event to people who live within a certain distance from your store. This ensures your ads are seen by those most likely to visit.
Example: A local bookstore could run a campaign featuring “What’s New This Month” and spotlight local authors. It’s a simple, effective way to engage with the community and showcase what makes your store special.
4. Content Marketing: Educate and Engage
Think about the last time you searched for something online. Chances are, you found an article, video, or guide that answered your question. That’s content marketing, and it’s one of the most effective ways to build trust and credibility. When people find valuable information on your website, they’re more likely to buy from you.
How to Create Content That Works:
- Write Blogs That Appeal to Local Interests: A hardware store might publish an article like “How to Prepare Your Home for a Saskatoon Winter,” which not only helps readers but also promotes the store’s winterizing products.
- Incorporate Visual Content: Videos, infographics, and images can make your content more engaging. For example, a local bakery could create a short video showing how to make their signature bread, which drives both engagement and traffic to their website.
- SEO-Friendly Content: Include local keywords in your content so that when someone searches for information, your blog or video is one of the first results they see. For example, “top summer events in Saskatoon” could be a great blog for a local event planner.
Pro Tip: Always end with a call to action. Whether it’s to read more articles, visit your store, or book an appointment, guide your readers on what to do next.
5. Email Marketing: Direct Communication That Builds Loyalty
Social media is great, but nothing beats the direct connection of an email. Your email list is full of people who are already interested in your business, which makes it one of the most effective tools for driving sales and building loyalty.
How to Use Email Marketing:
- Offer Exclusive Deals: Give your email subscribers access to discounts, early product launches, or special promotions. It’s a great way to make them feel valued and keep them coming back.
- Personalize Your Emails: Use names, suggest products based on past purchases, and make your content feel like it’s written for them. Personalized emails perform much better than generic ones.
- Promote Events and Local Partnerships: If you’re participating in a local festival or sponsoring an event, let your email subscribers know. It gives them a reason to attend and reinforces your involvement in the community.
Pro Tip: Set up automated email campaigns to welcome new subscribers, remind people of items left in their cart, and thank loyal customers. It keeps your marketing consistent without extra effort.
Let’s Grow Your Business
Digital marketing doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. Start with one or two of these strategies, refine them, and watch what happens. The most important thing is to stay consistent and keep testing until you find what works best for your business.
Ready to take your marketing to the next level? Start today, and see how a few simple changes can transform your business into a local favorite.
