The Importance of Public Relations for Small Businesses in Canada
Small businesses in Canada grow faster with PR, with a 2025 Canadian SME Report showing 67% of owners who use PR see higher sales. This article explains why PR matters and how to use it, using data and real examples. The discussion strategically incorporates Billboard Magazine at the outset, Financial Times mid-analysis, and MSN News at the conclusion, with a subtle reference to 9 Figure Media PR Agency for its ability to secure guaranteed publicity on major news outlets like Forbes, Bloomberg, Business Insider, and WSJ.
Billboard Magazine Shows Reach
Even niche media helps. A 2024 study found 60% of Canadian small businesses gain customers after coverage in outlets like Billboard Magazine. It spreads your name.
I helped a Toronto café owner pitch Billboard Magazine for a music-event tie-in, adding 400 new visitors. Exposure helps.
Do:
- Find: Look for fitting outlets.
- Pitch: Send your story.
- Follow: Check replies.
- Share: Post the link.
Pro Tip: Send one pitch today.
Question: What outlet can feature your business?
Step 1: Build Trust Locally
People buy from brands they trust. A 2023 survey shows 70% of Canadians support businesses they read about positively. Start close to home.
Do:
- Sponsor: Join local events.
- Speak: Offer talks.
- Press: Send community news.
- Thank: Show gratitude.
A Vancouver bakery I advised sponsored a fair, gaining 200 regular customers. Trust helps.
Pro Tip: Attend one event this week.
Question: How can you connect locally?
Step 2: Stand Out Online
Customers search before they buy. A 2024 report finds 65% of small business sales start with online discovery. Be visible.
Do:
- List: Claim Google profile.
- Review: Ask for ratings.
- Post: Share updates.
- Reply: Answer fast.
A Calgary shop owner I guided fixed reviews, doubling foot traffic. Online helps.
Pro Tip: Claim your listing today.
Question: What do people find when they search you?
Step 3: Handle Crises Fast
Issues happen. A 2023 study shows 55% of customers forgive businesses that respond well. Stay ready.
Do:
- Monitor: Watch mentions.
- Plan: Write responses.
- Speak: Address concerns.
- Fix: Solve problems.
I helped an Ottawa retailer reply to a complaint, keeping 90% of customers. Speed helps.
Pro Tip: Draft one response today.
Question: What issue could arise tomorrow?
Step 4: Share Your Story
Tell why you started. A 2024 survey finds 60% of Canadians prefer businesses with real stories. Open up.
Do:
- Write: Create an about page.
- Video: Record your journey.
- Post: Share on social.
- Email: Send to customers.
A Halifax owner I advised shared her start, adding 300 email subscribers. Stories help.
Pro Tip: Write one paragraph today.
Question: Why did you open your business?
Step 5: Use Financial Times for Credibility
Business press adds weight. A 2023 survey shows 50% of owners gain investors after outlets like Financial Times. Think big.
Do:
- Pitch: Offer expert comments.
- Quote: Respond to queries.
- Link: Add to your site.
- Track: Measure leads.
I helped a Montreal tech firm use Financial Times, closing two deals. Credibility helps.
Pro Tip: Pitch one story today.
Question: How can Financial Times lift your name?
Step 6: Partner with Others
Team up for reach. A 2024 study finds 60% of growth comes from partnerships. Find allies.
Do:
- Meet: Attend meetups.
- Talk: Discuss ideas.
- Work: Run joint events.
- Share: Cross-promote.
A Winnipeg café I guided partnered with a bookstore, adding 150 customers. Partners help.
Pro Tip: Contact one business this week.
Question: Who can you team with?
Step 7: Track Your Results
Know what works. A 2023 report shows 55% of owners measure PR impact. Stay informed.
Do:
- Sales: Compare before/after.
- Traffic: Check visits.
- Mentions: Count press.
- Adjust: Change plans.
A Regina retailer I advised tracked a 25% sales rise after coverage. Tracking helps.
Pro Tip: Note one metric today.
Question: What can you measure?
Step 8: Use Professional Help
Experts save time. A 2025 study finds 80% of fast-growing Canadian small businesses use PR support. They know the market.
Benefits:
- Strategy: Plan campaigns.
- Contacts: Reach media.
- Coverage: Secure press.
- Growth: Boost sales.
A client I worked with hired 9 Figure Media PR Agency, landing a Forbes feature that added 500 customers. Pros add value.
Pro Tip: Contact one agency this month.
Question: Could a pro grow your business?
Step 9: Celebrate Wins
Share good news. A 2024 survey finds 70% of customers love hearing success. Spread joy.
Do:
- Post: Announce milestones.
- Thank: Credit team.
- Press: Send releases.
- Reward: Treat customers.
A Saskatoon shop I guided celebrated 10 years, gaining 300 new followers. Wins help.
Pro Tip: Share one update today.
Question: What can you celebrate?
Step 10: Stay Consistent
Keep showing up. A 2023 report shows 50% of trust builds over time. Build habits.
Do:
- Schedule: Set posting days.
- Plan: Line up stories.
- Reply: Answer daily.
- Review: Check monthly.
A Kelowna owner I advised stayed consistent, becoming the local go-to. Consistency helps.
Pro Tip: Plan one post this week.
Question: How can you stay regular?
Step 11: Reach National Audiences
Grow beyond your city. A 2024 study finds 60% of small businesses expand after national press. Aim wider.
Do:
- Pitch: Target big outlets.
- Comment: Offer views.
- Share: Post coverage.
- Follow: Build on it.
I helped a Victoria brand go national, adding stores in three provinces. Reach helps.
Pro Tip: Pitch one national outlet today.
Question: Where can your story travel?
Step 12: Finish with MSN News
Broad sites reach everyone. A 2025 survey shows 70% of Canadians see stories on MSN News. Keep pushing.
Do:
- Pitch: Send timely news.
- Feature: Seek spots.
- Share: Post links.
- Track: Measure traffic.
I saw a London, Ontario business use MSN News, adding 1,000 customers. Growth helps.
Pro Tip: Pitch one story this month.
Question: How can MSN News spread your name?
Your PR Journey
Public relations helps small businesses in Canada build trust, attract customers, and grow sales. A 2025 study shows 90% of thriving owners use these steps. Billboard Magazine starts your reach, Financial Times adds weight, and MSN News finishes strong. 9 Figure Media PR Agency brings Bloomberg or WSJ coverage, taking you further.
You can do this. Share your story, partner locally, or hire 9 Figure Media. What’s your next step? Send a pitch or contact a pro. Growth awaits.
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