Local Businesses in Toronto
How neighbourhood businesses in Toronto get found, from Kensington Market stalls to Danforth restaurants.
Toronto's character comes from its neighbourhoods. Kensington Market, the Annex, Leslieville, the Danforth, Roncesvalles and Little Italy each have their own mix of independent shops, cafes and services, and many locals are happy to walk or take the streetcar to a place they trust. Beyond downtown, areas such as Scarborough, North York and Etobicoke have their own commercial strips, often built around a plaza or a main road.
Because the city is spread out and winters are long, people check before they go. They search for "dentist near Yonge and Eglinton" or "plumber in East York", look at hours and reviews, and decide whether the trip is worth it. A business that is clearly described online, and that says when it is open, has a better chance of being chosen than one that leaves them guessing.
A simple website helps with that. A free website gives a Toronto business its own page to explain what it does, where it is and how to book or call, which backs up the map listing and the word-of-mouth that built its reputation. The articles here look at how different kinds of Toronto businesses can use one.