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“E-Commerce isn't an industry; e-commerce is a tactic!” - Tobias Lütke, Shopify Founder and CEO
UPDATED August 7, 2024.
In the dynamic landscape of Canadian small business, navigating the digital realm has become not just an option but a necessity for sustained growth. Enter the Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP) Grow Your Business Online Grant, a $2400 lifeline for businesses eager to enhance their online presence and explore the vast opportunities that the digital space has to offer. Applications close September 30th, 2024.
Niche Up Digital, with our à la carte approach and expertise, is perfect partner for small business owners eyeing the CDAP Grow Your Business Online Grant. Let's delve into how we can help your businesses capitalize on this grant and accelerate your digital transformation with e-commerce, social media marketing and advertising management.
With that said, here's how you can get your e-commerce in tip-top tactical shape this year! 👊
Understanding the CDAP Grant Criteria
The CDAP Grow Your Business Online Grant presents a golden opportunity for Canadian-owned for-profit businesses that serve consumers (i.e. not B2B). Additional eligibility requirements is that you have one other employee, OR you had at least $30,000 in revenue in the last tax year. The grant specifically caters to projects related to developing or enhancing e-commerce websites, encompassing aspects such as online ordering systems, SEO, and digital marketing strategies.
Navigating the Grant Application Process
Is that you?! Great! The journey begins with a simple four-step process starting on the Government of Canada’s Innovation, Science and Economic Development website.
Step 1: Create your account
Step 2: Confirm your eligibility
Step 3: Work with a digital advisor in your Province to develop your digital adoption plan
Step 4: Submit your claim to receive your grant payment
Either during or after the advising phase you can start discussing the services that Niche Up Digital could provide, subject to approval.
Niche Up Digital's Sample Action Plan
Let’s say you already have a website set up, but it doesn’t yet have e-commerce capability. You need a lead-magnet and an email provider to deliver “relationship building” opportunities for your clients. As part of your approved plan, you are also investing time and energy in rebooting your social media so that it delivers more effectively on your KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). You need to get the back end of your Meta and Google Analytics accounts set up so that you’re effectively tracking visitors. And finally, you’d like to start some Sprint Tests with the Meta Ads Manager to give you valuable insight on messages that will convert to leads.
Here’s what we’d do together:
Months One & Two: Marketing Funnel Months
Niche Up Digital's approach is strategic and comprehensive, spanning over two months. The first phase focuses on optimizing your digital presence, starting with a SEO reboot. From meta tags to alt descriptions, we’ll boost your online visibility.
The next steps involve setting up an e-commerce widget, email service provider, and creating an enticing opt-in form for newsletters. We’d also develop one or two effective lead magnets. Simultaneously, we’ll guide your business in harnessing the power of social media for lead generation and establishing a strong online presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and maybe even TikTok or LinkedIn, depending on where your best audience hangs out.
Collaborative onboarding/project meetings ensure that both parties are aligned on objectives, and Niche Up Digital provides training sessions like "Rock Your Niche: The Leads & Sales Ecosystem" to empower your business for sustained success after our work together is complete.
Month Two: Ads Set Up and Management
The second month shifts gears towards maximizing the impact of digital advertising. Niche Up Digital dives into advanced strategies, setting up Meta Pixel with different conversion events, and utilizing Google Analytics and Tag Manager for comprehensive tracking.
The focus then turns to Meta Ads "Storytelling" funnels, carefully designed for both cold and warm audiences. Niche Up Digital meticulously manages ads, providing regular updates and optimizing for the best return on ad spend (ROAS). As the campaign gains traction, budgets can be adjusted for greater reach and impact.
Looking Towards the Future
With Niche Up Digital at the helm, businesses can confidently step into the digital arena in 2024 and 2025, armed with a comprehensive strategy to maximize the benefits of the CDAP Grow Your Business Online Grant. The roadmap provided by Niche Up Digital not only aligns with the grant's objectives but also sets the stage for sustained growth and visibility in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
In a world where digital adoption is no longer a choice but a necessity, Niche Up Digital is here for you!
Sarah Peel
Sarah Peel is the Founder of Niche Up Digital Media. She loves entrepreneurship, sustainable fashion, houseplants and her two cats. Spiritual practice and community stuff is pretty darn important to her, too. She lives in Whitby with her sporty, Art Teacher husband, Wes, and is serious about being a pretty cool Auntie.
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