For example, targeting Vancouver exclusively might not be the best strategy for your business. Specifically targeting other cities in metro Vancouver can be a huge asset; you don't intend to neglect customers in Burnaby, Richmond, or Surrey. Depending on the nature of your business, you might also intend to target regions like Fleetwood or Gastown, or even communities slightly outside of the metro area.
Understanding the news and nuances in an area is essential to SEO; you need to make content that's relevant to what people are looking for. While most people aren't even aware of how ride sharing works in Vancouver, an auto shop with content about the different ride sharing services could attract people who are looking for an Uber because their car broke down. They could even target the article to people in Port Coquitlam who don't have ready access to the SkyTrain.