4 Questions About Digital Marketing Every Canadian Small Business Should Ask
- Adela Popescu
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Digital marketing can feel like a puzzle for small business owners, especially when every dollar counts. Tight budgets, local competition, and the challenge of standing out online can make it hard to know where to start.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need a massive ad spend to make an impact. With the right strategy, Canadian small businesses can build visibility, attract loyal local customers, and grow steadily.
At Adept Marketing Solutions, we’ve helped businesses across Canada do just that. In this article, we answer four key questions every Canadian small business should ask before investing in digital marketing; and show what really works when you’re working within a budget.
1. How Much Should a Small Business Spend on Digital Marketing?
One of the most common questions we hear from Edmonton business owners is: “How much should I budget for digital marketing and SEO?”
A simple guideline is:
Experts, including Neil Patel, recommend spending around 5–10% of your revenue on marketing.
For most small businesses, this translates to roughly $500–$2,000 per month, depending on industry, goals, and competition.
For example, a local bakery can attract customers searching for “birthday cakes near me” through local SEO and a well-optimized website, making a smaller initial budget sensible.
2. Is It Worth Paying for Digital Marketing?
Yes. Digital marketing is an investment that builds visibility, credibility, and customer trust. It works alongside traditional marketing and word-of-mouth to strengthen your business. A well-planned digital strategy helps you:
Show Up Online – Make it easy for customers to find your business.
Build Trust – A professional website and social presence reinforce credibility.
Drive Sales – SEO and targeted campaigns turn searches into paying customers.
Keep Growing – Content and SEO continue delivering results long after traditional ads stop.
For example, a stucco contractor can attract homeowners searching for “Edmonton stucco repair” by using local SEO, online reviews, and social media. When combined with traditional marketing like referrals, in-store promotions, and signage, these strategies create a steady stream of new business from both online and offline channels.
3. Can I Do Digital Marketing Myself?
Yes. Many small business owners start by doing their own marketing. Posting on social media, claiming your Google Business Profile, and writing blog posts are great first steps.
For example, a local coffee shop owner might post daily specials on Instagram to attract walk-in customers.
However, professional marketers can take your efforts further with:
Technical SEO to improve Google rankings
Data-driven strategies tailored to your market
Consistent content creation to engage your audience
Analytics to track performance and ROI
If you have time and patience, you can handle some marketing yourself. Working with Adept Marketing Solutions helps avoid costly mistakes and achieve results faster.
4. What Types of Digital Marketing Work Best?
A strategic mix of digital marketing approaches allows you to reach the right audience at the right time. Some strategies help customers find you online, others build trust and credibility, and some turn casual visitors into loyal buyers. By understanding the strengths of each approach, you can prioritize the tactics that make the biggest difference for your business without wasting time or money.
To get an idea, here are the most effective types of digital marketing for Canadian small businesses we usually recommend for Canadian small business owners:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – Improve your website’s visibility on Google.
Who is this for? Businesses that want steady, organic traffic without relying on ads.
SEO helps your website appear when customers search for your products or services. It involves optimizing pages, improving site speed, and earning quality backlinks.
For example, if you’re a plumbing company in Edmonton, ranking for “emergency plumber Edmonton” means customers find you right when they need help. SEO builds long-term visibility and keeps delivering leads even after the initial work is done.
Local SEO – Get found by customers in your city and neighborhood.
Who is this for? Local businesses that rely on foot traffic or city-based clients.
Local SEO ensures you appear in Google Maps and local searches. That means optimizing your Google Business Profile, collecting reviews, and building location-specific content.
If you’re a coffee shop, dental clinic, or contractor, showing up for “best [your service] near me” can drive more calls and visits.
Social Media Marketing – Build relationships and engage with your audience.
Who is this for? Brands that want to grow awareness and connect with their community.
Social media isn’t just for posting photos; it’s how you build loyalty and personality.
An Edmonton fitness studio can post workout tips on Instagram, while a boutique highlights new arrivals on Facebook. Done right, social media turns followers into fans and browsers into buyers.
Content Marketing – Showcase your expertise through valuable content
Who is this for? Businesses that want to educate, inspire, and rank higher on Google.
Blogs, videos, and guides help your audience while improving your SEO.
For example, a renovation company writing “5 Tips for Planning a Kitchen Remodel in Edmonton” shows authority and attracts qualified leads. Great content earns trust and turns readers into clients.
Email Marketing – Stay connected with customers and build loyalty.
Who is this for? Businesses that want repeat customers and higher lifetime value.
From newsletters to exclusive offers, email keeps your audience engaged.
A restaurant could share weekly specials; a retail shop might send seasonal promotions. It’s personal, cost-effective, and consistently delivers ROI.
Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising – Reach ready-to-buy customers instantly.
Who is this for? Businesses that want quick results or to test new markets.
PPC puts your ads in front of people searching for what you offer.
A landscaping company could target “Edmonton lawn care services” in spring, while a boutique runs Instagram ads for holiday sales. You only pay when people click, so every dollar counts.
Website Design and Optimization – Turn visitors into customers
Who is this for? Any business that wants a professional, high-performing website.
Your website is your digital storefront. Make it fast, mobile-friendly, and conversion-focused.
A contractor’s site should showcase projects and reviews; a retailer’s site should highlight products and simplify checkout. Great design builds trust and boosts sales across all marketing channels.
The ideal approach is a multichannel strategy. The best results come from combining strategies. If your budget is limited, start with one or two - like SEO and Local SEO - and scale as you grow. But no matter where you start, a strong website is essential. It’s the foundation that allows your other marketing efforts to deliver results.
Digital Marketing Success
Success does not mean spending more; it means spending smarter. Ready to take the next step?
Contact Adept Marketing Solutions today to discover how smart, cost-effective digital marketing can help Canadian small businesses succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a small business spend on digital marketing?
Small businesses in Canada should plan to spend 5–10% of their revenue, often between $500–$2,000 per month.
Is it worth paying for digital marketing?
Yes. Digital marketing increases visibility, builds trust, and generates consistent leads with long-term results.
Can I do digital marketing for my own business?
Yes. Start with social media and Google Business Profile updates. Hiring experts ensures faster results and fewer mistakes.
What Types of Digital Marketing Work Best?
SEO, local SEO, social media marketing, content marketing, email marketing, PPC advertising, and website design and optimization.
