10 Surprising (But True) Fun Facts about Marketing

Marketing Isn’t Boring; It’s Your Business’s Secret Weapon

Marketing is a mix of strategy, creativity, and psychology; sometimes, the stats behind it are more surprising than you'd think. If you're wondering whether digital marketing is really worth the investment, these fun facts (and real-world examples) will show you just how much potential you’re sitting on.

Maybe you’ve dabbled in social media, set up a website years ago, or tried a few Google Ads, but you’re still not sure how digital marketing can apply to your industry. The truth is, most business owners feel the same way. But digital marketing isn't just for tech companies and big brands—it’s for anyone who wants more leads, better visibility, and stronger customer relationships.

Whether you're a white-collar consultant or running a brick-and-mortar shop, these insights can help you connect with your audience, stay ahead of trends, and build trust where it matters most: online.

Grab a coffee and dive in—your business’s next big move might be below.

1. The Average Canadian Logs 6 Hours and 18 Minutes of Daily Screen Time

Canadians spend over six hours every single day on internet-connected devices, and nearly half of those hours are on mobile. That’s not just doom-scrolling. It’s researching products, browsing services, checking reviews, messaging businesses, and making purchases.

Think about your customer. They’re not necessarily sitting at a desk googling you on a big screen. They’re standing in line at a coffee shop. Sitting on the couch after dinner. Waiting in the carpool lane. And what are they doing in those moments? Scrolling. Searching. Clicking.

If someone lands on your site from their phone, is it a good experience? Does the page load fast? Can website visitors tap to call you or book an appointment in a few seconds? If the answer is “not really,” you might be missing out on the exact moments your customers are ready to act.

• Pizza Pizza noticed that their audience was already living on mobile, so they didn’t just develop a mobile app and call it a day, they optimized it. By adding features like click-to-call and one-tap ordering, they made it ridiculously easy for hungry customers to place an order without thinking twice.

2. It Takes a Person 0.05 Seconds to Form an Opinion About Your Site

That’s how fast it happens: 50 milliseconds. That split-second decision affects whether people stay, click, or leave.

Your website isn’t just a place to display your phone number: it’s your digital first impression. When someone lands on your site, they’re subconsciously asking: “Is this professional? Can I trust this business? Is this what I’m looking for?” All of that is decided in less than a blink.

For small and medium-sized businesses, this is a big opportunity (and a potential risk). A clean, modern site builds instant trust. A cluttered, slow, or outdated one? It could be turning away customers before they even see what you offer.

• Lululemon nails their first impression. The moment you land on their site, the layout is clean, the imagery is high-quality, and the brand message is clear: modern, confident, and premium. Even before you browse the products, you feel the brand. That trust is earned in seconds, and that’s exactly the point.

3. There Are Over 31 Million Social Media Users in Canada

Social media isn’t just for selfies, memes, or viral dances: it’s where people discover new businesses, research products, ask for recommendations, and build trust before they ever visit your website. Whether you’re selling tires, tacos, or tax services, your next customer is likely scrolling right now—and expecting to find you online.

But here’s the thing: just being “on” social media isn’t enough. If your last post was from 2022, or your feed looks inconsistent or off-brand, people might assume you're not active… or worse, not reliable. Social media is your public proof of life, and it needs to reflect your professionalism, personality, and what makes you different.

• TELUS has built a distinct, recognizable presence across social platforms, without screaming “corporate.” Their posts blend community impact stories, tech innovation, and yes—those lovable animal mascots. The mix of emotional appeal and strong visuals keeps the brand feeling human, approachable, and trustworthy. They don’t just promote services, they tell stories and build connections.

4. Around 6 out of 10 Consumers Read Google Reviews Before Going to a Business.

Let’s say you’re searching for a nearby café, mechanic, or physiotherapist. Three options pop up. One has 4.7 stars with lots of glowing comments, one has 3.5 stars with no replies, and one has no reviews at all. Which one are you most likely to choose?

Exactly.

Reviews act like digital word-of-mouth: they show real people’s experiences and give potential customers confidence that your business delivers. But it’s not just about the stars. How you respond to reviews, both positive and negative, shows that you care and take your reputation seriously.

• Canadian Tire exemplifies effective online reputation management. Their consistent efforts in responding to customer reviews and addressing their concerns have contributed to their strong reputation. This proactive approach not only builds trust with potential customers but also enhances their visibility in local search results.

5. Blog Articles Increase Website Traffic by 55%

Let’s be real: you probably don’t dream about writing blog posts. You’ve got services to deliver, invoices to send, and customers to serve. But here’s the thing: every time someone Googles a question related to your business like “how much does ___ cost?” or “what’s the best ___ near me?”, you have a chance to show up with an answer.

Blogging gives your business a voice, positions you as an expert, and boosts your SEO by giving Google more reasons to show your site. More indexed pages (aka the ones Google crawled and shows in results) = more entry points for new visitors.

• Home Depot is a great example. Instead of just selling tools and paint, they publish seasonal DIY guides, maintenance checklists, and “how-to” blog content. Whether it’s “How to build a deck in 5 steps” or “Choosing the right laminate flooring,” their blog attracts search traffic, educates customers, and reinforces trust, all while keeping people on their site longer.

6. Nearly 1 in 3 Mobile Searches Has Local Intent

When someone searches for “dentist near me” or “best Thai food in Montreal,” they’re not looking to be inspired, they’re looking to make a decision. Fast.

That’s where local SEO comes in. If your business isn’t showing up in those moments, you're invisible to potential customers who are already looking for what you offer. This isn’t just about ranking on Google—it’s about being found by people right down the street who are ready to book, buy, or visit.

• Canadian Tire has done an excellent job with this too. The integration of their online and offline channels have helped customers easily check in-stock items at nearby stores. Combined with localized landing pages and strong Google Business listings, it drives both online and in-store traffic; customers know what’s available, where, and when.

7. 45% of Businesses Invest between $100 and $10,000 Each Month in PPC Ads

PPC might sound like a big-budget tactic, but it’s one of the most flexible and scalable forms of advertising out there. You can start small, target specific keywords or locations, and see results fast. The beauty of PPC is that you only pay when someone clicks, which means every dollar goes toward people who are actively searching for what you offer.



Whether you're a landscaping company trying to get more summer bookings or an accountant looking to fill your calendar during tax season, PPC gives you direct access to high-intent leads at the exact moment they’re looking to buy.

• 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is a textbook example of smart PPC done right. The company uses hyper-targeted Google Ads campaigns that appear in specific cities and neighbourhoods the moment someone searches for junk removal. Their ads are simple and effective, usually showing a friendly headline, a local phone number, and a clear call to action like “Book Now.”
  
  This local-first strategy helps them dominate search results and convert high-intent leads quickly—all while keeping campaigns efficient and scalable across regions.
  

8. Consistent Branding Boosts Revenue by 10-20%

When your brand feels consistent, whether someone sees your website, Instagram post, or a Google ad, it builds familiarity. And familiarity builds trust. But if your visuals, tone, or messaging are all over the place, people notice. Even if they can't pinpoint why, it creates hesitation.

For SMBs, this is huge. You don’t need a massive ad budget to build a memorable brand, you just need to show up the same way, everywhere you’re seen. Whether you’re offering services, retail products, or consulting, consistency is a signal of credibility.

• Aritzia is a textbook case of consistent branding done right. Whether you're walking into one of their stores, browsing the website, or seeing their latest Instagram Story, the vibe is the same: elevated, minimalist, fashion-forward. Their photography style, muted colour palette, and confident voice create a seamless experience; and it’s a key reason why the brand has grown a cult following, both in-store and online.
  

9. Original Content Makes 82% of People Feel More Connected to a Company

Today’s consumers want more than just a product or service. They want to understand, connect, and trust the brand behind it. Custom content is how you earn that trust. When you share helpful tips, relatable stories, or industry insights, you're not just marketing, you’re building a relationship.

And here’s the magic: unlike ads, great content keeps working long after you hit publish. It brings in organic traffic, boosts SEO, and gives people a reason to stick around on your site (and remember you later).

• Nike Canada is a masterclass in content-driven storytelling. Instead of just promoting shoes, they highlight the people who wear them: athletes, creators, underdogs, and everyday heroes. Their Canadian campaigns often centre on social impact, mental health, or local stories of perseverance, all tied back to their “Just Do It” message. The result? Deeper emotional connection and long-term brand loyalty.
  

10. Gamified Marketing Can Boost Engagement by Up to 48%

Gamification taps into something we all love: the chance to win, participate, or unlock something fun. And it doesn’t have to be flashy. A simple scratch-and-win promo, a punch card, or a giveaway where people tag a friend can drive massive engagement, especially on social media.

Even small, service-based businesses can use gamified marketing to keep customers engaged, turn them into repeat buyers, and build buzz around your brand, without spending a fortune

• Tim Hortons’ “Roll Up the Rim” campaign is iconic. For decades, Canadians have looked forward to peeling back that cup for a chance to win everything from coffee to cars. It’s now gone digital, but the effect is the same: daily engagement, repeat visits, and a sense of excitement tied directly to the brand. It’s a brilliant example of how a simple idea can drive loyalty and buzz for years.
  

From Fun Facts to Real Results

If there’s one thing these 10 fun facts prove, it’s this: digital marketing isn’t just for big brands or trendy startups, it’s for you. Whether you're running a local service business, selling products, or managing a team of professionals, your customers are online. They're searching, scrolling, comparing—and making decisions faster than ever.

From building trust with custom content to showing up in the right place at the right time with PPC or local SEO, there are dozens of ways to grow your business online. And the best part? You don’t have to do it all at once.

Small, strategic steps like updating your website, optimizing your Google listing, or posting regularly on social media can make a big difference. Digital marketing is powerful, measurable, and surprisingly accessible when you’ve got the right partner.

At Ubiweb, we’ll meet you where you’re at and grow from there.

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