Google has long been pursuing small businesses and reaching out for ways to help small businesses get online and create an online presence. According to this article, it appears that Google is now partnering with the Small Business Administration in creating tools to help small businesses drum up more business by utilizing what Google knows best: the internet.
They are offering videos for small business owners that cover things like: establishing an online presence, engaging with customers, using free online marketing tools, and other items. While it is great that Google is honing in on helping small businesses build an online presence, I think it may be a little difficult because some small business rely heavily on word-of-mouth or the target customers for a small business may not be online savvy — so a lot of time and investment may eventually be wasted.
But you got to love Google for reaching out to the small businesses who do see potential in creating an online presence. Of course, it could not hurt if every business did have a very basic website, even a website without the bells and whistles that Google may be trying to promote. I know it drives me crazy when a little shop I know exists but can’t remember where does not have a website or any type of web presence to help potential customers find them.
So the courtship between Google and Small Businesses continues, a courtship that I hope will end in a love story that will be profitable for all.