The internet might feel global, but let’s not forget how powerful it can be locally.

Whether you run a skincare studio in North Vancouver, a pottery shop in Toronto, or a creative agency in Kelowna, showing up online in your community can be one of the most impactful (and cost-effective) ways to attract new clients.

You don’t need to go viral. You just need to get visible in the right places.

Here are seven practical tips to help you build a strong local presence online and start connecting with the people who are already searching for businesses like yours.

1. Claim your Google Business Profile

Let’s start with the basics. When someone Googles “graphic designer near me” or “bakery in East Vancouver,” Google pulls up a map with local business listings. If you want to be on that map, you need to claim your Google Business Profile.

It’s free. It boosts your local SEO. And it helps people find your hours, location, and website with one quick search.

If you haven’t done this yet, make it your top priority. Visit Google Business and follow the prompts to get started.

2. Get listed in local directories

Local directories are like modern-day phone books—and they still matter.

If you’re a Canadian business, start with sites like:

• Yellow Pages
• Yelp
• 411.ca
• The Indigenous Business Directory
• Directory of Canadian Businesses
• Your local Chamber of Commerce or municipal business listings

The more places your business is listed (with accurate, consistent info), the better chance you have of showing up in local searches and building credibility online.

3. Set up a Facebook Business Page

Even if you’re not posting every day, having a Facebook business page helps people find and trust you. It gives you another online touchpoint, allows you to appear in Facebook search results, and gives your community a place to connect with you.

Make sure your profile looks polished and includes:

• Your logo and business name
• Up-to-date contact info
• A clear description of what you offer
• Posts that reflect your brand values and voice

Facebook also gives you the option to list your business as local, which boosts your chances of being found by nearby users.

4. Engage with local blogs and online communities

Want to show up as a go-to in your niche? Be active where your community is already hanging out online.

Start by:

• Leaving thoughtful comments on local blogs or Instagram accounts
• Contributing a guest post to a regional website
• Joining Facebook Groups, Reddit threads, or Slack communities tied to your industry or region

Don’t spam. Just show up with value and be part of the conversation. People will start to recognize your name and associate you with your area of expertise.

5. Collaborate with local websites or media

Connections go a long way when it comes to local visibility. Partner with nearby businesses, nonprofits, or events. If they mention you in a blog post, news article, or social media shoutout, that local link can drive both SEO and traffic.

A few easy ways to do this:

• Donate a product or service for a community fundraiser
• Sponsor a local event
• Reach out to a local journalist or blogger with a unique story about your brand
• Join business associations that list members on their websites

Even a single backlink from a respected local source can help your site rank higher in search results.

6. Optimize your website for local search

Your website is your digital home base, so make sure it speaks to both humans and search engines.

If you want to show up when someone searches “wedding planner in Victoria” or “Vancouver-based copywriter,” use phrases like that in your:

• Page titles and headlines
• Meta descriptions
• Image alt text
• Body content
• Footer and contact page

And always include your location and contact info on every page. The easier it is for people to find and reach you, the more likely they are to book, call, or stop by.

7. Localize your online ads

Running Google or social media ads? Don’t waste your budget by targeting everyone, everywhere. Most platforms let you geotarget, meaning you can choose exactly who sees your ads based on their location.

Whether you’re promoting an offer, launching a new product, or simply trying to drive more foot traffic, geo-targeting your pay-per-click (PPC) ads ensures you’re reaching the right audience—without spending a ton.

Start small with a defined radius around your city or neighbourhood, and test what works best for your community.

Start Showing Up Where It Matters

Being found online doesn’t always require flashy campaigns or a massive following. Sometimes, it’s about showing up in the places that matter most to your neighbours, your community, and the people already looking for what you offer.

If you want help optimizing your local presence—from Google Business Profiles to SEO-rich website content… we’ve got you! At Unicorn Marketing Co., we specialize in imaginative, strategic marketing that makes your business easy to find and impossible to forget.

Want to build a stronger local presence online? Our Strategy Hour is a 60-minute 1:1 session where we dive into your brand, audit your current marketing, and map out clear next steps to help you get seen by the right people—right in your own backyard. Whether you need help with local SEO, Google listings, or a content plan that actually feels doable, this session is all about building momentum with purpose. Book your Strategy Hour here and let’s get started.