Why Canadian Small Businesses Must Embrace Digital Marketing

Why Digital Marketing Is Essential for Canadian Small Businesses

Canadian small businesses are navigating a perfect storm of challenges: the lingering effects of the pandemic, rising interest rates, economic instability, and decreased consumer spending. For many, survival hinges on making every dollar count, and traditional marketing methods often fall short in today’s fast-paced, digital-first world.

This is where digital marketing steps in. It’s not just an option anymore—it’s a necessity. At Amber 90, we specialize in empowering small businesses to thrive in the digital age with strategies that drive measurable results.


The Digital Shift Is Non-Negotiable

The way consumers interact with businesses has fundamentally changed. Online research, social media, and e-commerce now dominate the customer journey, making digital presence essential for success.

Did you know that 65% of Canadians prefer online shopping? This stat underscores the importance of meeting customers where they are—online. Digital marketing offers small businesses cost-effective ways to reach their audience at the right time with the right message.

At Amber 90, we help businesses adapt to this digital shift with strategies tailored to their unique needs. Whether it’s creating a website, optimizing for search engines, or running online ads, we ensure every effort aligns with your business goals.


The Power of Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn are more than just communication tools—they’re business growth engines. These platforms enable small businesses to:

  • Build brand awareness.
  • Engage directly with customers.
  • Drive traffic and sales.

Canadian small businesses have achieved incredible success by leveraging social media. For example, local coffee shops and boutique stores have grown their customer bases and revenue through targeted social campaigns.

Amber 90’s social media expertise ensures your business maximizes these opportunities. From crafting engaging posts to running ad campaigns, we help you connect with your audience authentically.


Influencers and User-Generated Content

Influencers and user-generated content (UGC) are game-changers in the digital marketing world. By partnering with influencers who resonate with your target audience, small businesses can tap into pre-built communities of potential customers.

UGC, on the other hand, adds a layer of authenticity. When customers share genuine experiences with your brand, it builds trust and credibility.

Amber 90 specializes in influencer collaborations and UGC strategies that amplify your brand’s reach and reputation. We help you choose the right partners and create campaigns that resonate.


Content Is King

In the digital world, content remains king. High-quality content does more than attract attention—it establishes your business as an authority in your industry.

From blog posts and videos to podcasts and infographics, there are countless ways to connect with your audience. But consistency is key. Regularly publishing valuable, engaging content keeps your business top of mind and fosters customer loyalty.

Amber 90’s content marketing services ensure your message cuts through the noise. We craft strategies that highlight your expertise and drive meaningful engagement.


Conclusion: Embracing Digital Marketing Is the Path to Growth

For Canadian small businesses, embracing digital marketing is no longer optional—it’s essential for survival and growth. By leveraging social media, influencer collaborations, and high-quality content, you can navigate today’s challenges and position your business for long-term success.

At Amber 90, we’re passionate about helping small businesses thrive in the digital landscape. Let us guide you through the process, providing the tools and expertise needed to elevate your brand and grow your customer base.

Ready to transform your business? Contact Amber 90 today and take the first step toward digital success.

LinkedIn Posting Made Simple

Expert Tips to Boost Engagement and Build Connections on LinkedIn

LinkedIn isn’t just a professional networking platform—it’s a space where meaningful conversations create opportunities. Whether you’re sharing insights, commenting on trends, or celebrating milestones, every post is a chance to connect with like-minded professionals.

At Amber 90, we understand that crafting the perfect LinkedIn post requires more than just hitting “publish.” It’s about strategy, authenticity, and consistency. Drawing from LinkedIn’s own tips, here’s how to elevate your LinkedIn game and strengthen your professional presence in 2025.


Step 1: Set the Foundation for Success

Complete Your Profile

Before posting, ensure your profile is fully optimized. Did you know that profiles with complete information receive up to 5x more views? This simple step can increase the visibility of your posts.

Include sections like:

  • A professional photo
  • Industry and location
  • Skills and summary
  • Current role and education

Fine-Tune Your Post Settings

Set your post visibility to “Anyone” to maximize reach. This ensures your content appears on your connections’ feeds, in search results, and even on your public profile.

Build and Engage Your Network

A strong network amplifies your content’s reach. Make it a habit to connect with colleagues, clients, and alumni. Regularly engaging with their posts builds reciprocal relationships and keeps you visible.


Step 2: Write Posts That Grab Attention

Find Your Voice

Your audience craves authenticity. By sharing personal experiences, actionable insights, or addressing trending topics, you can resonate with readers.

Structure Your Posts for Impact

  • Hook Your Reader Early:
    • Share a surprising stat: “The average manager wastes 12 hours weekly—here’s how to reclaim that time.”
    • Ask a bold question: “What if your top-performing employee is secretly holding your team back?”
    • Make a thought-provoking statement: “Remote work is overrated.”
  • Break Up Text for Readability:
    Use short paragraphs and white space to make posts easy to skim, especially on mobile devices.

Step 3: Share Content That Resonates

Reflect on Career Lessons

Share pivotal moments, challenges, or advice that others can apply to their own journeys. For instance:
“What I wish I’d known when I started my career in [field].”

Comment on Industry Trends

Showcase your unique perspective on current events or innovations. Example:
“Here’s how [industry trend] is reshaping the future of [sector].”

Celebrate Professional Milestones

Share achievements or team wins with a personal touch. For example:
“Our team just launched [project/product]. Here’s what we learned along the way.”

Go Behind the Scenes

Let your audience see your work environment or day-to-day activities. Example:
“A sneak peek into our latest brainstorming session—here’s how we approached [challenge].”


Step 4: Use Formatting and Features to Enhance Posts

Incorporate Hashtags Thoughtfully

Use 3-5 relevant hashtags to boost discoverability. Example: #LeadershipTips, #MarketingStrategy, #CareerGrowth.

Leverage Mentions and Tags

Tagging individuals or companies encourages engagement and expands your reach.

Explore Content Formats

  • Video:
    • Keep it between 30 seconds and 2 minutes.
    • Add captions for accessibility.
  • Images:
    • Use high-quality photos, infographics, or team snapshots.
  • Polls:
    • Engage your audience with questions to spark discussions.
  • Documents:
    • Share presentations or reports with a compelling summary.

Step 5: Engage With Your Audience

Respond to Comments

Thank commenters, answer questions, and encourage further dialogue. Example:
“Hi Jen, thanks for sharing! Can you elaborate on how you tackled [specific challenge]?”

Ask for Feedback

Encourage readers to share their perspectives or tag others who might benefit.

Stay Consistent

Post regularly (1-2 times per week) and keep a running list of content ideas for inspiration.


Step 6: Measure and Improve

Use LinkedIn Analytics to track your performance:

  • Impressions: How many times your post was seen.
  • Engagement: Reactions, comments, and shares.
  • Audience Insights: Demographics of viewers.

Refine your strategy based on what performs best to continuously improve engagement.


Conclusion: Authenticity Wins on LinkedIn

The key to LinkedIn success is showing up authentically and consistently. Share your insights, celebrate milestones, and always invite your audience into the conversation.

At Amber 90, we’re here to help you navigate LinkedIn’s unique ecosystem and make your professional presence shine.

Ready to elevate your LinkedIn strategy? Let’s connect and build a plan that works for you.

Where Social Platforms Stand on External Links in 2025: A Guide for Marketers

For marketers, external links are a cornerstone of driving traffic and generating leads. But in 2025, social media platforms are making this more challenging than ever, as they prioritize keeping users engaged within their apps over sending them to external sites.

So, how can you navigate this landscape effectively? This guide will break down how major platforms treat external links, explore the impact on referral traffic, and share actionable strategies to optimize your content.

At Amber 90, we help marketers and businesses stay ahead of trends and maximize their digital presence. Here’s what you need to know.


Why Social Platforms Limit External Links

Social platforms rely on user engagement to generate ad revenue. Encouraging users to click away from their platform disrupts this model, so many platforms either limit the visibility of external links or penalize them outright.

Key Challenges for Marketers:

  • Reduced Reach: Link-based posts often see less organic distribution.
  • Increased Costs: Platforms like LinkedIn encourage paid promotions to amplify link visibility.
  • Algorithmic Bias: Platforms prioritize native content that keeps users engaged over posts with external links.

Understanding these challenges is the first step in crafting a strategy that works.


How Major Social Platforms Handle External Links

1. Facebook

  • Current Stance: Facebook doesn’t officially penalize link posts, but their visibility has declined over time.
  • Key Stats: Less than 5% of posts in user feeds contain external links, with a growing emphasis on Reels and AI-recommended content.
  • Best Practices:
    • Use Reels or carousel posts to share insights and direct users to links in comments or bios.
    • Pair links with engaging visuals or video content to boost reach.

2. Instagram

  • Current Stance: Links aren’t allowed in captions or comments but can be included in Stories and bios.
  • Impact: External links see limited reach beyond your followers.
  • Best Practices:
    • Use link stickers in Stories to make access seamless.
    • Leverage tools like Linktree to optimize your bio for multiple links.

3. Threads

  • Current Stance: Threads claims not to penalize links, though user behaviour may limit engagement with link-based posts.
  • Best Practices:
    • Share engaging content that naturally integrates links without making them the focus.

4. X (formerly Twitter)

  • Current Stance: Explicitly limits the reach of link-based posts.
  • Notable Insight: Elon Musk has publicly stated that links are deprioritized in favour of native content.
  • Best Practices:
    • Use multimedia posts to tell a story, then include links in replies or threads.
    • Focus on starting conversations and sharing links as follow-ups.

5. TikTok

  • Current Stance: Links can’t be added to captions or comments but are supported in bios and paid ads.
  • Impact: TikTok blocks links to competitors like Amazon but allows seamless integration for TikTok Shop.
  • Best Practices:
    • Collaborate with influencers to drive traffic indirectly.
    • Use TikTok Ads for direct conversions with embedded links.

6. Snapchat

  • Current Stance: Links are supported in Stories but not in public posts.
  • Best Practices:
    • Focus on creating dynamic, engaging Snaps with clear CTAs to encourage clicks.

7. LinkedIn

  • Current Stance: Reduces the size of link previews for unpaid posts, encouraging paid promotions.
  • Impact: Link-based posts often see lower organic reach.
  • Best Practices:
    • Pair links with professional insights or thought leadership content.
    • Include links in comments or articles for improved engagement.

How Marketers Can Adapt and Succeed

1. Create Platform-Specific Content

Tailor your posts to fit the unique features and audience expectations of each platform.

  • Example: On TikTok, prioritize short, engaging videos with subtle calls to action.

2. Focus on Native Formats

Platforms favour native content that keeps users engaged. Use Stories, Reels, or carousels to maximize reach while embedding links strategically.

3. Leverage Paid Ads

Invest in paid promotions to amplify the reach of link-based content, especially on LinkedIn and TikTok.

4. Use Analytics to Refine Strategy

Monitor performance metrics to understand what content resonates and adjust your strategy accordingly.

5. Optimize Landing Pages

Ensure that links direct users to mobile-friendly, fast-loading landing pages that drive conversions.


The Future of External Links on Social Media

Social platforms are unlikely to reverse their trend of deprioritizing external links. Instead, marketers will need to adapt by:

  • Diversifying Traffic Sources: Don’t rely solely on social media—invest in email marketing, SEO, and other channels.
  • Exploring Emerging Platforms: Platforms like Bluesky, which embrace external links, could offer new opportunities.

Conclusion: Mastering External Links on Social Media

While social platforms are making it harder to drive traffic with external links, a strategic approach can help you maintain visibility and grow your audience. By understanding platform-specific limitations and focusing on value-driven, native content, you can turn these challenges into opportunities.

Ready to optimize your social media strategy?

  • Partner with Amber 90 for expert guidance and cutting-edge solutions tailored to your business.
  • Let’s navigate the future of social media marketing together.

Contact us today to start driving results in 2025!