How Can a Small Business Get Started with Search Engine Marketing (SEM)?

Want more visibility on Google? If you're a small business owner trying to reach more customers online, Search Engine Marketing (SEM) is one of the smartest ways to do it.

Search ads put your business in front of people actively looking for your products or services—and you don’t need to be a digital expert to get started, especially with the right support.

Our Expert Answers: How Can a Small Business Get Started with SEM?

"Like most SEM campaigns, our campaigns are tailored to generate meaningful traffic for your business. Having a robust and easy-to-navigate website would be the first thing needed to get started. If you already have this in place, then perfect! But if not, we can also assist you with building out a new website for your business. Beyond that, our experienced teams will design a campaign tailored for your business’ goals—be it targeting specific regions you work in, or specific services you want to highlight. From bouncy castle rentals to plumbing services to dental work, we’ve helped countless businesses advertise on Google for over a decade!"

So, How Do You Get Started with SEM?

1. Make Sure Your Website Is Ready

   Before launching ads, make sure your website:

   • Loads quickly

   • Is mobile-friendly

   • Clearly explains what you offer

   • Makes it easy for customers to contact you

   No website yet? We can build one tailored to your business and optimized for conversions.

   
   

2. Define Clear Goals

   What do you want from your SEM campaign?

   • More phone calls?

   • Online bookings?

   • In-store visits?

   We help you set measurable goals to ensure every dollar spent delivers value.
   

3. Target the Right Audience

   Whether you serve a local neighbourhood or an entire province, we customize your campaign to show up in front of the right people, in the right places, at the right times.
   

4. Let the Experts Handle the Rest

   SEM involves:

   • Keyword research

   • Ad writing

   • Budget optimization

   • Performance tracking

   With over a decade of experience managing Google Ads for Canadian small businesses, Yellow Pages knows how to get your business found—and your phone ringing.

   
   
   
   

Why SEM Works for Small Businesses

Unlike traditional ads, SEM targets people actively searching for what you offer—so you’re not just creating visibility, you’re creating intent-driven leads. And with flexible budgets, detailed performance tracking, and fast results, it's one of the most cost-effective ways to grow.

Ready to Start Showing Up on Google?

Search engine marketing isn’t just for big brands with big budgets. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways for small businesses to grow—and we’re here to help you do it right.

From your website to your first ad campaign, Yellow Pages can help you get discovered by the people searching for exactly what you offer.

Let’s get your business found – starting today.

Discover Search Ads

About Cheryl

Cheryl celebrated her 18 years of service with Yellow Pages in 2024. Starting with the Operations team as a Business Services Manager in 2006, she quickly made an impact within the organization and took on a Senior Sales Manager role only 2 short years after joining the company.

Since 2008, Cheryl has helped small and medium businesses across Canada enhance their presence online with exemplary leadership for her sales teams, all while developing and deploying go-to-market training for Yellow Pages' nationwide sales force.

She has a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a concentration in Marketing from Memorial University of Newfoundland and currently resides in Airdrie, AB.