Breaking Into New Markets with PPC: A Guide for Canadian & U.S. Brands


Expanding into new markets is a critical growth step for any business. Whether you're an eCommerce brand in Toronto or a tech startup in Chicago, PPC advertising services can provide a fast, measurable, and scalable entry into new territories.
But breaking into a new market isn’t just about launching ads—it’s about strategy, precision, and local adaptation. If you’re working with a PPC agency in Montreal or managing campaigns in-house, here's how to do it right.
1. Understand the Market Before You Advertise
Before you spend a single dollar on ads, research the new market thoroughly:
What are local buying behaviours?
What languages do they speak (important for regions like Quebec)?
How competitive is the PPC landscape?
A skilled Google Ads agency in Montreal can help with in-depth market research tools like Google Trends, SEMrush, and local search insights to gauge demand and understand regional nuances.
2. Geotargeting: Pinpoint Your Ideal Audience
Geotargeting lets you laser-focus your ads to reach only the most relevant users by:
Country
Province
City or even postal code
For example, a fashion retailer expanding from Toronto to Montreal would want to create location-specific campaigns tailored to French-speaking audiences. A trusted PPC agency can set this up with localized keyword groups, bilingual ad copy, and city-specific offers.
3. Localized Ad Copy That Connects
One of the most common mistakes brands make is using the same ad creative for every market. To truly connect, your ad copy needs to reflect local culture and values.
If you're targeting Quebec or other French-speaking regions, bilingual ads are essential. A Google Ads agency with experience in both English and French campaigns can give your ads a competitive edge.
4. Custom Landing Pages for Each Market
Sending all users to the same landing page won’t work across markets. Customize your pages by:
Using local currency and tax info
Showing region-specific testimonials or reviews
Translating content into the local language
Your landing page should align with the user’s expectations based on the ad; otherwise, bounce rates go up and conversions go down.
5. Use A/B Testing to Learn Fast
When entering a new market, you’re making educated guesses. A/B testing helps you validate those guesses by comparing:
Headlines
CTAS (calls-to-action)
Product images
Promotional offers
Your PPC advertising services provider should continuously test and iterate to identify what resonates best in the new region.
6. Stay Legally Compliant in New Markets
Each province, state, or country has its own advertising laws, privacy requirements, and digital regulations. Ensure you comply with:
Canada’s CASL (Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation)
GDPR if targeting European expats
Local advertising disclaimers or language laws
A PPC agency in Montreal is familiar with compliance in both English and French Canadian contexts, reducing your risk.
7. Track the Right KPIS
Your PPC goals should align with your market-entry strategy. Common KPIS include:
CTR (Click-Through Rate)
Cost-per-conversion
ROAS (Return on Ad Spend)
Customer acquisition cost (CAC)
Work with a Google Ads agency in Montreal that provides transparent reporting and custom dashboards so you can easily compare market performance.
8. Budget for Testing & Growth
Expect to invest more in the beginning, especially in competitive markets like Vancouver, NYC, or Montreal. Don’t be afraid to start small and scale gradually as data proves success.
A smart PPC advertising services provider will:
Monitor early results closely
Shift budget toward high-performing areas
Recommend new campaign types like Smart Shopping or Performance Max
9. Use Google Ads Tools to Gain Market Advantage
Google Ads offers advanced tools like:
Location targeting
Demographic filters
Local inventory ads (great for retailers)
Performance Max for omnichannel campaigns
A certified Google Ads agency in Montreal can help you leverage these features to gain a first-mover advantage in new markets.
10. Collaborate with Local Influencers & Creators
Local influencers can help you build trust and awareness quickly. Consider running YouTube or Display campaigns featuring regionally popular content creators.
Your PPC team can identify creators whose audiences match your target demographics and help coordinate branded campaigns that reinforce your PPC strategy.
Final Thoughts
PPC can be the fastest way to break into new markets—but only when done strategically. By working with a seasoned PPC agency in Montreal or a reliable Google Ads agency in Montreal, you can localize your strategy, optimize performance, and gain market share faster than your competitors.
If you’re serious about growth, invest in PPC experts who understand not just Google Ads, but how to adapt it for Montreal, Toronto, New York, and beyond.
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