To the outsider, Edmonton may seem like a sleepy government town. Flying under the radar is perhaps Canada’s most quietly successful and driven community of entrepreneurs.

Groundbreaking medical research and biotech. Cutting-edge industrial solutions. Game-changing SaaS and tech startups. Fintech leaders. Traditional and green energy innovators. Visionary engineering firms. Agri-business groundbreakers. 

The list is as long as a Connor McDavid or Wayne Gretzky highlight reel!

The biggest challenge companies in mid-size Canadian centers like Edmonton often face is the proximity to major markets. 

Today that doesn’t have to be an obstacle to success. 

With a well-planned and well-executed digital marketing strategy that brings the world to Edmonton – online – YEG entrepreneurs can compete on a global scale.

In 2023, your digital sales and marketing presence will make or break you.

Today, your prospects are doing their research online. And they’re talking to salespeople later in the process than you may think.

According to GE Capital, 81% of retail shoppers conduct online research before buying. Meanwhile, 61% of the B2B market is making decisions online (we suspect that number may be low). And they’re conducting an average of 12 searches before making a purchase.

At the Inbound 2022 conference in Boston, best-selling author Marcus Sheridan revealed that the typical prospect is 80% of the way through the buyer’s journey before speaking to a salesperson.

Increase your reach without opening regional offices.

Digital marketing is leveling the playing field for companies in places like Edmonton.

How? 

It allows companies to successfully enter distant markets without the expense of opening regional offices. By empowering customers to find products and services online, Edmonton businesses can also reduce cold calls and sales trips. That’s a win-win-win.

Content Marketing is helping YEG companies become subject experts.

When prospects go online, they’re looking for answers to questions. Solutions to their challenges. With informative, well-written content you’re not just providing the answers… you’re making sure those answers are being found on your website and your inventory shelves. 

The better you promote your content, the more likely it will be seen. And if your content is of high value (something worthy of a download), you can use it to capture valuable information (like a name and email) as part of a lead acquisition strategy. 

Examples of content marketing include:

  • Customer-focused Website Content
  • Blogs, Guides & Checklists 
  • Whitepapers
  • Video Content
  • Digital Sales Materials
  • Social Media
  • Podcasts & Webinars

Did you know? Strong content also helps increase your domain authority, so you rank higher in search results. Also, Google rewards websites that regularly post new content.

SEO allows Edmonton businesses to rank up.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is an essential part of digital marketing. The goal is to increase your website’s search ranking. 

Strategies include keyword research, content optimization, link building, and technical SEO audits. On the backend, elements such as quick website load speed also improve search rankings. With an effective SEO strategy as part of a well-rounded digital marketing plan, you can appear alongside much bigger global competitors.

The right CRM Platform will give your sales & marketing team a major edge.

A top-rated Customer Relationship Management platform (like HubSpot) makes everything we’ve discussed easier, more efficient and more effective. A CRM can enhance lead acquisition, automate market processes and sales outreach, accelerate the sales cycle, organize contacts, and improve customer service. What’s not to love?!?

A top CRM will empower you to:

  • Gain greater visibility and control over your sales pipeline
  • Better align sales and marketing teams 
  • Empower teams to harness lead insights
  • Automatically log sales activity
  • Centralize lead flow
  • And more

The secret to success? Partner with a reputable ‘Inbound’ Marketing agency.        

Traditional marketing agencies are great at creating advertising campaigns involving paid media. They’re not necessarily set up to help businesses excel at digital marketing strategies that empower sales AND marketing teams to achieve measurable and meaningful results.

This is the realm of an Inbound Marketing agency. Or better yet, a Growth Agency that specializes in inbound marketing.

Choosing a digital marketing agency in Edmonton.           

The right fit can take you far. When choosing a shortlist, do your homework. Scour their websites. Read their case studies. Ask what quantifiable results they have achieved for their customers. Look for experience in your sector.

Also, verify that they offer the full range of services you will require in-house. This includes:

  • Inbound Marketing & Sales Strategy
  • Brand Strategy
  • CRM Implementation
  • Content Creation & Graphic Design
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  • Digital Strategy & Web Development
  • Project Management
  • Traditional/ Paid Marketing Expertise

By choosing an experienced marketing partner who understands how to attract and nurture customers from far away, you can greatly improve your odds of becoming Edmonton’s next business success story.

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