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Checklist: How to Start an Online Business in Canada ©

By Melody McKinnon on April 16, 2019 11 Comments Canadian e-commerce, Canadian entrepreneur, Canadian web-based business

Far too many people think the ease of launching a digital startup means success will come with little effort. Like any endeavor, the amount of work you are willing to put into it will be reflected in your bottom line. That said, it has never been easier to start and run an online business.

10 Spring Cleaning Tips and Tools for your Website or Blog

By Melody McKinnon on March 18, 2019 6 Comments Canadian Blogging, Canadian e-commerce, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), website development

There isn’t a site online that couldn’t use a little dusting off and reorganization. Spring is a wonderful time to have a close look at yours and do some cleaning. You can start by visiting your website like you would if it belonged to someone else. Better yet, have a friend or two visit and […]

Wholesale Drop Shipping for Canadian Online Sellers

By Melody McKinnon on August 26, 2018 83 Comments Canadian e-commerce, Canadian web-based business, drop shipping Canada, wholesale Canada

Drop shipping is a simple enough concept. You make arrangements with a wholesale supplier, manufacturer or distributor to sell their products direct online, as opposed to having an inventory of products in your physical location. You can offer these products on your own website, or via online auctions like eBay, or through a sellers’ market […]

2018 Social Media Use in Canada

By Melody McKinnon on July 17, 2018 2 Comments Canadian consumers, Canadian demographics, Canadian marketing, Canadian statistics, social media

It comes as no surprise that virtually all Canadians with internet access use social media to one degree or another. The vast majority of us have a Facebook account, at the very least. Online marketers need more than a basic awareness of social media use in this country, however. Targeted campaigns require data pertaining to […]

Checklist: Choosing a Website Host for your Canadian Business ©

By Melody McKinnon on February 27, 2018 36 Comments Canadian e-commerce, Canadian small business, Canadian web-based business, website development

I did a lot of research as I prepared to move to a more robust, reliable host for our Canadian websites. In doing so, I came up with a list of considerations involved with reviewing each hosting option (based on 20+ years of experience and learning the hard way). I’ve expanded upon that here, in […]

Canadian Social Media Use and Online Brand Interaction (Statistics)

By Melody McKinnon on May 24, 2016 28 Comments Canadian consumers, Canadian marketing, Canadian statistics, social media

Canadians love using social media in 2016 and Facebook continues to be the social network they use most, a new survey from InsightsWest has determined. Facebook, YouTube and Instagram use is still growing at a healthy pace overall in Canada, while Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Tumblr and Reddit usage has slowed down a bit. A […]

Canadian Social Media Statistics ©

By Melody McKinnon on March 9, 2013 11 Comments Canadian consumers, Canadian demographics, Canadian marketing, Canadian statistics, social media

ComScore has released it’s 2013 Digital Future in Focus statistics, including social media use in Canada by citizens and businesses. It’s packed with useful information for Canadians marketing online. We’re covering it in segments over the next week, enhanced by tips and guidance for how to utilize this information in 2013. This series begins with […]

By Melody McKinnon on January 5, 2013 7 Comments analytics, Canadian Mobile Marketing, Canadian statistics

Mobile Advertising Jumps by Over 75% in Canada {Statistics} ©

eMarketer reports that display and search mobile advertising is skyrocketing globally, with Canadian growth second only to the US. All statistics point to that being a very smart marketing move, with mobile usage at an all-time high in Canada. eMarketer also predicts that over 50% of Canadian mobile users will have SmartPhones by the end […]

By Melody McKinnon on November 1, 2012 6 Comments Canadian Business Finance, Canadian entrepreneur, Canadian small business, Canadian statistics, home-based business Canada, work at home Canada

Starting a Canadian Small Business Costs Less Than You Think [Statistics] ©

Intuit Canada produces TurboTax and Quickbooks, Canada’s leading financial management and accounting software for small businesses and the self-employed. They’ve recently released the results of their Canadian entrepreneurship survey of 500 successful Canadian entrepreneurs, and we think you’ll be encouraged by what they found.

Canadians Among Top 10 in Twitter Accounts

By Melody McKinnon on July 30, 2012 5 Comments Canadian statistics, social media, twitter

The latest Twitter study from Semiocast indicates that the social media network reached half a billion accounts last month, lead by the US. Japan remains one of the most active countries, although growth has slowed. Top 10 Countries in Twitter Accounts US Brazil Japan UK Indonesia India Mexico Canada Spain Philippines There’s a marked difference […]