Google Launches New Resource Hub for Small Businesses

Google recently announced the launch of a new resource hub for small businesses aimed at helping them thrive using digital tools, and sharing stories from companies that are doing so.

According to Google, 82 percent of small businesses attribute revenue growth to digital ads, with 79 percent saying these tools help them compete with much larger companies. Google is using AI to support its tools like Google Ads, Business Profile, and Merchant Center, which it says helps democratize access to "faster and smarter ways of working" for businesses that can’t afford large marketing teams.

"Twenty-five years ago, Google introduced digital ads to its search engine," says Selin Song, President, Google Customer Solutions. "I’ve had the privilege of seeing the incredible journey from the early days of AdWords to today’s sophisticated, AI-powered solutions. The story of the last 25 years is about the growth of millions of businesses across the world, and how Google’s growth is tied to the success of these businesses and the people and stories behind them. Seeing how entrepreneurs have used our tools to turn ideas into legacies continues to inspire us to do what we do."

The resource hub helps businesses learn how to use the tools mentioned above while providing insights from small businesses that have used them. Among those highlighted are Louisiana Crawfish Company, My Medic, and VIM & VIGR. Louisiana Crawfish Company’s story involves using Google’s ad products to transform itself from a wholesale-only company to a consumer brand. My Medic, which sells first-aid kits, used Google’s tools to go from selling at trade shows to reaching a national audience (especially via YouTube). VIM & VIGR, initially a basement operation selling compression socks, is now shipping products around the world. Small businesses can take inspiration from companies like these and learn about their stories via Google’s new hub.

The hub is essentially split into four sections: Success Stories, Attract Customers, Transform Business, and Build a Website. Success Stories highlights businesses like those discussed above. The Attract Customers section provides resources for setting up your business profile, getting listed with Merchant Center, utilizing Google Ads, and advertising with YouTube. The Transform Business section points to resources about utilizing AI tools and Google Analytics for data. The Build a Website section provides resources for various website-building platforms, including Google Sites, Shopify, Wix, HubSpot, and WooCommerce.

Google’s hub isn’t necessarily a one-stop shop for everything a business needs for its online presence, but it’s certainly a good start for small businesses looking to make an impact online.

"Over the years, we’ve had a front-row seat as countless small businesses turned passion projects into thriving enterprises," says Song. "We’ve seen these successes translate into people being able to send their kids to college, take vacations for the first time and pay extra bonuses to their employees. It’s an incredible privilege to witness the pride that business owners have in their work and to play a small part in their journey."

The hub can be found at http://g.co/smallbusiness.