Running a small or medium-sized business isn’t getting any easier. Across Canada—and
especially here in the Annapolis Valley—business owners are facing a perfect storm: rising costs, hiring headaches, and pressure to “go digital” without the time, team, or tools to do it well.
The good news? While some challenges are out of your control, others can be solved (or at least softened) with the right strategy—and that’s where inbound marketing and tools like HubSpot come in. Here are the five biggest struggles businesses are facing right now—and what you can do about them:
1. Rising Costs and Inflation
79% of small businesses cite rising costs—inputs, insurance, and services—as a major growth barrier.
What to do: Create smart, automated nurture campaigns to improve ROI, convert more
website visitors, and stretch your marketing dollars further.
2. Hiring and Retention
Nearly 40% of Canadian SMEs still struggle to attract and keep qualified people.
What to do: Treat hiring like marketing. Use HubSpot to build a talent pipeline, publish
culture-rich content, and nurture potential candidates before you’re even hiring.
3. Cash Flow and Access to Capital
More than 60% of SMEs report cash flow challenges, and many don’t know what funding is
available.
What to do: I can help identify grants (like CDAP, Invest NS, or WIPSI) that cover digital
upgrades—often covering up to 90% of the cost of working with someone like me.
4. Digital Overwhelm
Many businesses know they need better websites, email marketing, social strategy—but don’t have the in-house time or expertise.
What to do: Start with a free inbound marketing assessment. I’ll help you map a realistic plan and recommend tools (like HubSpot) that save time, simplify workflows, and drive real results.
5. Supply Chain and Vendor Uncertainty
Unpredictable supply chains can lead to stock issues, order delays, and frustrated customers.
What to do: Use HubSpot to automate customer updates, track orders, and keep your most
loyal customers in the loop—even when things don’t go to plan.
You Don't Have to Tackle This Alone
At More in Store Marketing Solutions, I help local businesses create marketing and hiring
systems that work—even with a small team. That includes:
✅ Building smarter websites that convert
✅ Using HubSpot to track leads, candidates, and customer relationships
✅ Automating repeat tasks so you can focus on what matters
✅ Accessing funding support to make it all more affordable
Ready to see what’s possible?
Book your free inbound marketing assessment today and let’s find the right tools, tactics, and funding to get you back to growing with less guesswork.
Let me know if you'd like a version tailored for a particular industry (like food producers, healthcare, tourism, etc.) or one formatted for LinkedIn or your newsletter.
