Support Local or Go Home - Why Tech is Small Towns’ Best Friend

Oh, Canada: Business, Tourism, and Economic Truths
- Support Local or Go Home - Why Tech is Small Towns’ Best Friend

Small towns are the beating heart of Canada. They’re where you find the best butter tarts, the friendliest people, and those quirky little businesses that give a place its charm. But let’s be real—running a business in a small town isn’t easy. Foot traffic isn’t what it used to be, and let’s not even talk about how tricky it is to compete with big-city marketing budgets and e-commerce giants.

Enter: technology. Not just any tech, but smart, accessible, small-business-friendly tech. It’s the game-changer that’s helping small-town businesses not only survive but thrive. And if you’re not on board yet, it’s time to grab your double-double, shove a timbit in your mouth and listen up.

Once upon a time, people discovered businesses by wandering down Main Street, checking out window displays, or hearing about them from a neighbour over coffee. That still happens, but let’s be honest, most people’s first stop these days is Google. I know it's mine. And then I get annoyed with the useless answers and I ask ChatGPT...which will possibly be DeepSeek soon...so much change, so fast. And of course for tourism, I check Roamlii 😉...yup, you witnessed it, a shameless plug for my tech startup. Anyway, if a business isn’t online, it might as well not exist.

• A simple website, a Google Business profile, and some strategic social media? That’s how people find the best little bakery in town before they even leave their house.

• It’s the digital version of word-of-mouth, and without it, small businesses are missing out on a huge slice of the proverbial pie.

Of course, being discoverable is just the first step. The real challenge for small-town businesses is competing with the big guys—without losing what makes them special in the first place. Amazon and big-box stores have made it painfully easy to buy anything with the click of a button, but small businesses have something they don’t: community, personal touch, and products with a story. The trick is using technology in a way that amplifies those strengths.

• E-commerce tools make it possible for small shops to sell beyond their storefront.

• Automated marketing helps businesses stay in touch with customers—without the owner having to manually send emails at midnight.

• Online booking makes life easier for tour operators, restaurants, and service providers who don’t have time to chase down reservations over the phone.

• The right tech doesn’t replace what makes small businesses unique—it helps them shine.

But here’s the thing—small-town businesses can’t always rely on locals alone, especially in tourism-driven areas where business is seasonal, and you're often seeking to bring visitors in from outside your area. That’s where technology plays another crucial role: keeping customers engaged even when they’re not in town.

• A well-managed social media presence means people remember that charming little coffee shop long after their road trip is over.

• Email marketing keeps visitors in the loop about new products, upcoming events, or exclusive deals.

• Loyalty programs encourage repeat visits, even if a customer only passes through once or twice a year.

• The best small businesses don’t just focus on who’s here right now—they build relationships with people who want to come back.

• Industry-specific online marketplaces create a marketplace effect, helping small businesses benefit from collective visibility. By joining a niche marketplace—whether for tourism experiences, artisan products, or local services—businesses don’t just market themselves; they gain exposure to an audience already primed to buy.

The best small businesses don’t just focus on who’s here right now—they build relationships with people who want to come back.

One of the biggest misconceptions about technology is that it makes things less personal, but when it’s used well, it does the exact opposite. It helps businesses tell their stories. It creates opportunities for deeper engagement, beyond just a single transaction. And it allows small-town shops, cafés, and services to compete in a way that actually feels authentic.

Supporting local isn’t just about walking into a store and buying something—it’s about making sure these businesses have the tools they need to succeed, online and offline. Whether it’s booking a local experience through a website, buying handmade goods from a small-town artist online, or just following your favourite café on Instagram, tech is what keeps these businesses relevant, thriving, and ready for whatever comes next.

So if you’re running a small business in a small town, the message is clear: tech isn’t the enemy—it’s your ally! And if you’re a consumer? Support local. Follow them, share their stuff, buy from them whenever you can. Because small towns are what make Canada, well... Canada.

Yours in tourism, innovation and startups,

Founder & CEO
Roamlii