Celebrating Canada's Small Business Month Through Eco-Friendly Local Enterprise Insights

The 1.19 million small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Canada employ 10.7 million Canadians (88.1% of the private labor force) and contribute 50.4% of the gross domestic product (GDP). Canadian SMEs wield tremendous collective power through their formidable numbers, percentages and contributions, overshadowing large businesses in many respects. This means Canadian small businesses are well-positioned to help lead the vital transition to sustainability that is urgently needed to protect our shared planet.

Localized green production is considered one of the top methods for healing the climate. In order for customers to find and select sustainable businesses, those companies need robust visibility in Google's local search results. Let's get tips from three phenomenal Canadian local search engine optimization experts on how to rank highly in Google's local pack: Darren Shaw, Colan Nielsen and John Vuong.

We'll also highlight some inspiring green business models for entrepreneurs aiming to build sustainable companies or transition existing ones. This shift away from fossil fuels brings gains, not losses. As a local business owner, you can play a starring role in the crucial evolution towards a sustainable future.

I reached out to my esteemed peers in the northern region to inquire about the primary element they perceive as influencing Google's local pack rankings in Canada, as depicted. The feedback offered a rich variety of perspectives, as every local SEO expert observes unique patterns across various sectors and locations, ensuring that each piece of guidance is valuable. Below, you'll discover their insightful recommendations tailored for you:

Unfortunately, this motivates some businesses to spam their titles with keywords, which goes against Google's guidelines. 

"The predominant element I observe influencing local search standings in Canada is consistent with what I notice internationally. Regrettably, it's the presence of keywords in the Google Business Profile name. Google allocates an excessive amount of ranking significance to this aspect, enabling companies to manipulate their way to the summit of search outcomes. Although it contravenes Google's own regulations to list a business name that diverges from the genuine real-world name of the enterprise, the unfortunate truth is that Google seldom enforces or sanctions this, leading to the widespread tactic of stuffing the business name with extra keywords."

Darren Shaw, CEO of Whitespark, says:

Although Google doesn't police this, keyword-stuffed names can look untrustworthy and spamming can leave you vulnerable if Google eventually edits the titles.

Reporting spammy competitors by flagging their names may lead to edits, but spammers often persist. If you don't spam, spammers may outrank you, but your authenticity attracts customers. New companies could consider branding with 1-2 keywords, but avoid going overboard. Specific names like "Toronto Farm to Table" may need rebranding if you expand.

Local SEO Search's John Vuong says physical proximity is currently the top local pack ranking factor. Optimize for your local area to rank well nearby. Earning local reviews with terms like "close by" and your city name also helps. You're most likely to rank for nearby searchers, so consider location strategy. Use city and neighborhood names in optimization.

Sterling Sky's Colan Nielsen agrees about keywords in names, and stresses the importance of selecting the right primary business category in Google My Business. Recently, Nielsen advised a law firm to switch their primary category from "law firm" to "family law attorney," significantly improving rankings. Compare your primary category to competitors' using tools like the GMB Everywhere Chrome extension.

Explore these three robust Canadian small business concepts rooted in sustainability
If you're an aspiring entrepreneur eager to join the eco-friendly wave by launching a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Canada, these innovative models are worth your attention:

Snapshot from Joyfully Organic Farm's webpage, a Canadian small-scale business

Image from the Habitat ReStore's online portal

The antidotes to excessive consumption, rapid-fire fashion trends, extensive shipping routes, and designed obsolescence lie in sustainability. A promising solution is the establishment of a neighborhood ReStore. If your skills lie in rejuvenating and refurbishing a wide array of products, your shop could play a significant role in diminishing how often your local community members need to purchase new items. This initiative is gaining momentum in Europe, exemplified by Sweden's inauguration of the world's first mall dedicated to recycled goods, which is on the cusp of its decennial celebration.

Preview from Raven and Hummingbird Tea Co.'s website

An ecological movement that has captured my attention is the shift from finding happiness in material possessions to seeking fulfillment in intangible experiences, such as local vacations and communal programs. These can enhance contentment with one's immediate surroundings. Nonetheless, we all have a basic set of needs including access to potable water, nourishing food, clothing, shelter, warmth, and a selection of household items.

For those initiating a new business or transforming a current one, it's crucial to ponder over how to prioritize the local fabrication of these necessities. Owned by the Squamish Nation, Raven and Hummingbird Tea Co. curtails the demand for imported beverages by cultivating traditional herbs right in their community garden. Those in search of drinkware can turn to TAV Ceramics of Vancouver, which procures its clay locally and employs non-toxic glazes. Another local enterprise, Just Potters, showcases the integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sustainable energy transition by providing employment to community members who face physical and mental health challenges.

Take a moment to survey your living space, workplace, and community to pinpoint items that are routinely imported and transported over great distances. Could you produce these goods locally? Are there aspects of your current supply chain that could transition to more regional sources? A business vision that incorporates innovative ideas, compelling unique selling propositions (USPs), impactful content marketing could pave the way to a more promising future.

“Farming was the ideal fit for us – it represented a tangible, impactful avenue for fostering positive change.” — Liz Beasley and Matt Rock

Local organic cultivators such as Joyfully Organic Farm, situated in Markham, Ontario, go beyond just abstaining from synthetic pesticides; they engage in regenerative farming practices. This approach not only progressively revitalizes the earth but also slashes the carbon footprint associated with bringing food to local tables. Organic farming methods, such as direct sales at farm stands, community-supported agriculture (CSA) subscriptions, farmers' markets, and urban garden initiatives, can provide a wealth of nutritious, locally sourced, and minimally processed produce that health professionals applaud. Even during Canada’s cold months, farmers advocate that local consumption can continue through a blend of resilient crops and time-honored food preservation techniques.

"Thrift outlets are often romanticized as treasure troves for one-of-a-kind, budget-friendly finds that also benefit local causes. However, the stark reality is that a vast majority of donated goods end up abroad. In stark contrast, Habitat’s ReStore operates with utmost transparency, ensuring that your acquisition indeed makes a difference for families in the vicinity.” — Habitat ReStore, Ontario

Nestled within a forest scene, the iconic symbols of the Canadian maple leaf and the Californian bear unite, representing a shared vision for a greener future.

Canada's charm is undeniable. Often viewed through the lens of its abundant oil reserves, Canada's true essence is far grander, embodying inspiration and majesty that transcend its natural resources.

My excitement was palpable when SAMI broadened its horizons from Seattle, planting roots in Vancouver to enhance our SAMI Local services for Canadian enterprises. As a native Californian, my admiration for Canada has been a quiet yet steadfast flame. Childhood memories are laced with affection for the heartfelt narratives of Canadian television like "Degrassi Junior High," and my imagination once found a home amidst the red sands of PEI with Anne of Green Gables. Canada has gifted the world with the musical prowess of Rush, the athletic grace of its figure skaters, the prowess of its hockey legends, the beauty of its manicured gardens, and the grandeur of its vast natural landscapes. Canada, you resonate with my profound appreciation for maple syrup and beavers, your commendable spelling, and what I believe to be the most stunning flag across the globe.

My connection to Canada has deepened, especially as both our nations confront the ravages of Climate Change, with wildfires scorching our beloved lands. The urgency to transition away from fossil fuels has become a shared and pressing reality for us both. As I draft this piece, a veil of wildfire smoke has barred me from stepping outside for days, a somber reminder of Climate Change's far-reaching effects on business and life across North America.

Yet, there is a silver lining. By promoting sustainable local products and services online, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint. This not only supports our economies but also redefines the meaning behind the emblems on our flags. A maple leaf for Canada, a bear for California—symbols that remind us of our intrinsic connection to and dependence on the natural world. With this in mind, here's to a robust and eco-conscious Small Business Month in 2023!

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