Google Announces New Digital Essentials Guide for Small Local Businesses

If you own a retail, service, or restaurant business, and want to get on Google, here’s the place to start.
SIA Team
August 17, 2021

I know: you’re strapped for time. You’re establishing or growing a small- to medium-sized business, and there seems to be a never-ending list of things to do (or that could be done).

Yet, you’ve heard others imply that you need to “get on Google.” 

But, it seems daunting. 

Well, I can assure you that it’s only daunting because you’re not sure of the process, and it seems so…technical. 

Well, it’s actually pretty simple, and I’ll show you. 

Last week, on one of its Twitter accounts, Google announced an essentials guide.

From a bird’s-eye view, this guide (which you can get by clicking here) aims to walk you through a 4-part process. 

The 4 parts are: 

One: Be Found on Google

Two: Do Business Online

Three: Work Smarter

Four: Reach Customers

Part 1: Be Found on Google

Over 90% of consumers use a search engine during some aspect of their buying journey. 

That’s why it’s important to be findable–to have visibility in as many places as you can be. 

When it comes to being found on Google, there are many things that you can do (social media, SEO, paid advertising, YouTube, and others), and I’ll touch on those below. That said, to keep things simple, just go through this easy process and be found on Google and Google Maps. 

Part 2: Do Business Online

Of course, the concept of doing business online is broader than being found on Google. That is, you can technically do business online without a presence on Google.

But of course, that’s not why you’re here. 

If you already have a good website that’s functionable and has all the features you need, then you’re in good shape. 

I mention that because this step, or phase, talks about building a website

Part 3: Work Smarter

You know what this phase is about (or at least the first step is)? Having an email address. 

You see how easy this process is?

If you don’t have an email address for your business yet, it’s easy to get one. Google offers Gmail as well as Workspace solutions. 

Part 4: Reach Customers

Social media and email marketing are how you reach customers. (Of course, not the only ways, but the 2 highlighted here.)

In fact, social media is another way you can be found on Google. If you have a Facebook Page for your business, that page could rank in the search engines for your business. 

There are entire videos and courses dedicated to social media. What I’ll say is that, if you use it well, it can be a way to keep in the forefront of your customers’ minds. 

A Few More Things You Can do to Be Found on Google

Earlier, I mentioned that, in addition to getting your profile on Google, there are a number of other things you can do. Search engine optimization (SEO), is one endeavor that can, over the long term, bring you a very positive ROI. Google actually has a short, introductory course to SEO here

Also, this site, SEOIntel.com, is, as its name suggests, a site about SEO. Google’s short course is a good introduction, but if you really want to dive deep, there’s a wealth of knowledge you’ll find here. 

Source: Google Small Business Twitter channel