When starting a business, entrepreneurs quickly discover a long list of to-do items, including finding space to rent, hiring employees, and identifying vendors and suppliers. Overcoming the challenges of starting a business isn’t for the faint of heart, and resources and support are welcome and appreciated.
Google for Small Business is an invaluable source of information and support for entrepreneurs and small business owners. In fact, retailers, service providers, restaurateurs, local businesses, nonprofits, schools and community-based organizations can all take advantage of the digital resources, tools and guides in the Google for Small Business portal.
Google for Small Business is a free online portal designed to give businesses resources for growth and success. Google launched the offering on International Small Business Day in 2019 as a way for the tech giant to help small businesses develop their online presence and learn the ins and outs of digital marketing using Google’s tools.
Google for Small Business started as a one-stop shop for small businesses to access Google tools for business. The portal now offers more specialized recommendations by business type – restaurant, retail, and services.
Many businesses use Google Ads to reach targeted audiences. To optimize Google Ads, carefully choose your keywords, keep them local if possible, and ensure your website is ready to handle the traffic you generate.
Google for Small Business serves as a portal for the tech giant’s small business-facing tools and services. It’s organized into three interconnected sections covering all things digital. There are three points of entry for users:
When small business owners enter the Google for Small Business portal, they can select the Get the essentials link to access the Digital Essentials Guide. Some tools here are free, while others offer free trials or list straightforward, inexpensive prices.
The guide walks business owners through four essential elements of a digital presence:
Small business owners can easily start using any of these tools to grow their businesses.
Retailers, product-based businesses and restaurants can dig into the in-depth guides for each business type, including guidance and advice tailored to their unique business needs.
Google Forms is a handy tool that allows businesses to create straightforward RSVP forms, complicated surveys and much more.
Small business owners in any industry can get more support from the portal’s library of video lessons. Topics include the following, but there are many more video lessons on the site:
These helpful tips and practical lessons are invaluable resources for small business owners.
Every business owner likely will have to manage a crisis and lead their team through a rough patch. To help business owners prepare, Google for Small Business includes guidance on preparing for natural disasters and managing a business during a natural disaster. It also includes updated guidance and policies for COVID-19.
Business owners will likely face many challenges, so resilience and adaptability are key to business success in general and entrepreneurship in particular.
Google for Small Business includes many other resources, including Grow with Google initiatives aimed at supporting entrepreneurship worldwide. Here are some of the initiatives:
Google for Small Business has valuable tools for any small business that is looking to grow its online presence. The portal provides digital resources, tools and periodic funding opportunities to help small business owners and entrepreneurs not just survive, but thrive.