O Canada! Carve out an edge with a strong digital presence in Canada. 

If you’re running a business, thinking of starting a business, building a personal brand, or creating content in Canada, you already know the Internet is a noisy place. Everyone’s vying for attention, and cutting through the digital clutter isn’t just about having a sleek website or posting on social media—it’s about making the right connections with the right audience. And for Canadians, that often means keeping it local.

How to make your brand feel more Canadian 

Establishing a strong Canadian identity for your brand goes beyond clichéd symbols like maple leaves and moose (although they have their place!). Here are strategic steps, supported by reputable statistics, to authentically connect with Canadian consumers:

Solidify your Canadian identity with a .CA domain

Choosing a .CA domain name is a powerful way to showcase your commitment to Canadian customers. But what is the .CA domain exactly? The .CA domain is Canada’s country code top-level domain (ccTLD), designated for entities connected with Canada. It signals to visitors that your business is proudly Canadian, enhancing trust and credibility. Notably, 85% of Canadians prefer supporting local businesses with a .CA domain over a .COM.

At Hover, we have a limited-time promotion to empower businesses to embrace their Canadian identity. For all first-year .CA registrations and transfers, you’ll get a roughly one-to-one USD to CAD price match. Right now, instead of paying our regular price of $16.99 USD, you’ll pay just $11.99 USD which is about $16.99 CAD.*

This is a great opportunity to trade in your existing domain for the .CA version. Show your audience you’re proudly Canadian and secure your .CA domain today.

Fun fact: .CA is one of the most widely used domains globally, with more than 2.7 million registrations and counting!

Tell Your Story
People love brands with personality. Share what makes you, your business, or your content uniquely Canadian. Bonus points if you do it with a bit of humour.

What are the best local SEO keywords for Canadian businesses?
Local keyword research is an essential part of local SEO optimization. It involves identifying the search terms that local customers use when looking for your products or services. Incorporating location-specific keywords into your website and social media content enhances visibility among Canadian audiences. Search engines prioritize local information, with 46% of all Google searches seeking local content. 

How do I improve my Google Business Profile in Canada?
If you run a business with a physical location, ensure Google knows it! Google Business Profile is a free tool that helps companies manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. It provides prospective customers with key information about your business, including your name, address, phone number (NAP information), business hours, reviews, photos, and more. This is an easy way to improve your local SEO so your business can stand out in local search results.

By implementing these strategies, you can authentically enhance your brand’s Canadian identity, build stronger connections with local consumers, and stand out in the Canadian market.

Why “local” is your secret weapon

People love to support businesses and creators who get them. And what better way to do that than by embracing your Canadian roots? Whether you’re selling handcrafted goods, offering consulting services, or vlogging about your favourite (note the spelling) poutine spots, leaning into your Canadian identity can set you apart.

Why Canadians prefer local businesses:

• Trust & credibility: 79% of Canadians believe supporting local businesses has become more critical, with 68% acknowledging that their spending choices directly affect their local communities. Canadians feel more comfortable buying from businesses they know are Canadian. 
• Better search rankings mean more customers: Google loves local, meaning a Canadian-focused brand can help you show up higher in search results. In fact, 28% of local searches result in a purchase. 
• Stronger community ties: Data confirms that shopping at Canadian small businesses significantly impacts local communities, particularly in terms of charitable contributions and support for non-profit initiatives. A Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) report reveals that nearly all small retailers (97%) contribute to their community or province in at least one way. The primary avenues of support include donating to charities and causes (74%), sponsoring local events and teams (56%), and providing job opportunities for youth (55%).

Tools, grants, and networks to help you grow

Canada has many resources to help entrepreneurs, small businesses, influencers, and creators thrive.

Here’s how to make the most of them:

Partner with fellow Canadian creators and businesses
Collaborating with local brands and influencers is an easy way to tap into each other’s audiences while keeping things authentically Canadian. A recent study indicates that 71% of consumers are more likely to purchase based on social media referrals, underscoring the impact of influencer partnerships on consumer behavior.

Join Canada’s business and creator networks
There are many groups out there, from local Chambers of Commerce to online communities for small business owners, that can help you grow your brand and make valuable connections.

For instance, with over 100,000 members, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) is Canada’s largest non-profit organization supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Members can access advocacy, specialized business resources, and exclusive savings programs. CFIB gives small businesses a voice at all government levels.

Score some funding support
There are grants designed to help Canadians strengthen their online presence. Programs like Canadian Internet Registration Authority’s (CIRA) Net Good Grant invest in digital projects that improve the Canadian internet. If you’re working on something that could use a funding boost, check it out.

Final thoughts 

The Internet is global, sure. But when it comes to building a brand that resonates local connections matter. Whether you’re a business owner, content creator, or influencer, leaning into your Canadian identity can be a considerable advantage—helping you attract the right audience, build trust, and grow in a way that feels authentic.

So go ahead—wave that figurative (or literal) Canadian flag and start making moves.

* Pricing is current as of the time this article was published. Currency rates fluctuate, so we don’t guarantee the currency of the content in this article.