Is an internet marketing agency the same as a digital marketing agency? In practice, yes: both terms describe a company that markets your business online through search, social media, paid ads, email, content and your website. “Internet marketing” is the older phrase from the early web era, while “digital marketing” is broader and can also cover offline digital channels like digital screens, apps and SMS, so what matters is the services an agency actually delivers, not the label.
This guide explains the difference, the services a Toronto internet marketing agency should offer, how to compare agencies and what to expect when you start.
What is the difference between internet marketing and digital marketing?
| Internet marketing | Digital marketing | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Channels that run on the web | All digital channels, online and offline |
| Typical channels | SEO, websites, pay-per-click, email, social media | All of those, plus apps, SMS, digital displays and connected TV |
| Era | Common from the late 1990s to the 2010s | The standard industry term today |
| What it means for you | Almost nothing: judge agencies by services, process and reporting | |
Some businesses still search for “internet marketing” because it is the phrase they know. Either way, you are looking for a partner that can bring customers to you online.
What services does an internet marketing agency in Toronto offer?
Search engine optimization (SEO)
Improving your site so it ranks on Google for the services and locations your customers search, including technical fixes, content, local SEO and Google Business Profile management. See our SEO services.
Website design and development
Fast, mobile-friendly websites built to turn visitors into enquiries. A website is the foundation every other channel sends traffic to. See our web design and development service.
Pay-per-click advertising
Google Ads, Meta ads and LinkedIn ads that put you in front of buyers immediately, with budgets you control.
Social media marketing
Planned content, short videos, community management and social ads on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and TikTok. See our social media marketing service.
Content and email marketing
Guides, articles, case studies and newsletters that build trust and keep you top of mind.
Analytics and reporting
Tracking calls, forms and sales so you know which channels pay for themselves.
Which internet marketing channel should you start with?
| Your situation | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Outdated or slow website | Website rebuild | Every channel performs better with a site that converts |
| Need leads this month | Google Ads | Reaches people already searching for you |
| Local service business | Local SEO and Google Business Profile | Map results drive calls and directions |
| Visual product or lifestyle brand | Instagram and short video | Builds awareness and demand |
| B2B or long sales cycle | LinkedIn plus content | Reaches decision-makers and builds trust |
How do you compare internet marketing agencies in Toronto?
- Relevant experience: have they worked with businesses like yours, at your size?
- Clear process: can they explain what happens in the first 30, 60 and 90 days?
- Who does the work: will you speak with the people actually running your campaigns?
- Transparent pricing: what is included, what costs extra, and how long is the commitment?
- Reporting: do reports connect activity to leads and revenue?
- Ownership: your domain, website, ad accounts and analytics should belong to you.
- Realistic promises: be careful with anyone guaranteeing rankings or instant results.
Our guide on how to choose a marketing agency in Toronto includes a full checklist.
How much does internet marketing cost?
Cost depends on how many channels you need, how competitive your industry is and whether ad spend is included. Agencies usually charge a monthly management fee, and paid channels need a separate ad budget paid to Google or Meta. Website projects are normally priced as a one-time build. You can see starting points on our pricing page.
What should you expect in the first three months?
- Month 1: audit, tracking setup, strategy and quick fixes.
- Month 2: campaigns live, content publishing, first optimizations.
- Month 3: clearer data, budget shifted to the best channels, early SEO movement.
Paid ads can produce leads within weeks. SEO usually takes several months to build. Google’s own SEO starter guide is a good primer on why.
Why work with a Toronto-based agency?
A local agency understands the GTA market, from neighbourhood search habits to competition in each city, and can meet you in person. Hustle Toronto has worked with local businesses since 2019. Explore our full range of services to see how the channels fit together.
Frequently asked questions
Is internet marketing the same as digital marketing?
They overlap almost completely. Internet marketing covers web channels; digital marketing also includes apps, SMS and digital displays. In practice, both mean marketing your business online.
What does an internet marketing agency do?
It runs online channels such as SEO, websites, pay-per-click ads, social media, content and email, and measures the leads and sales they bring in.
How long does internet marketing take to work?
Paid ads can bring leads within weeks. SEO and content usually take three to six months to build momentum.
Do I need a separate ad budget?
Yes. Agency fees cover management. Ad spend for Google, Meta or LinkedIn is paid separately, directly to the platform.
Should I choose a local Toronto agency?
A local agency understands GTA competition and search habits and can meet in person, which helps for local and service businesses.
Talk to a Toronto marketing team
Want to know which online channel will bring you the most leads? Book a free 30-minute strategy call, call +1 437 333 3496, or send us a message.