8 Hidden but Powerful Google Tools for Business
Google is far more than a search
engine. If you know where to look, you can find a treasure trove of free or
practically free tools to help grow your business.
Just about everyone uses Google in
some form for their business. I'm sure you know about Google Maps, AdWords,
Google Analytics, and Gmail. You might also know about Google Drive, Google
Calendar, and Chrome, Google's Web browser. I even bet a few of you out there
have delved into Google's "Even More" section, where you'll find
several dozen Google products listed. But Google provides tools beyond those
published in this section, and many of them can help you in your everyday
marketing and business operations. Let me take you on a brief tour.
1. Google Trends
You're in the process of evolving
your business with the changing times. You need to determine what kind of
marketing language and descriptive terminology to use for your sales materials,
website copy, and search engine optimization. Consider plugging some of your
terms into the Google Trends
search bar to see how searches for these terms have changed over time. Look for
those still trending upward, and review the additional detail Google provides.
2. Think With Google
Speaking of seeking data to help
your company evolve, don't miss Think With Google.
It's a free marketing resource loaded with consumer trends, marketing insights,
case studies, industry research, and creative inspiration.
3. GoMo
Did you know that 67 percent of
people say a mobile-friendly site makes them more likely to buy a product or
use a service? (Or that even if these people like your business, 50 percent
will use you less often if your website is not mobile friendly!)
Don't fall into the latter category. In last year's article about mobile marketing, I mentioned how Google offers a way for you to build a
free mobile website for a year. Google's GoMo can also take your existing website through a free
diagnostic test to determine to what extent it is (or is not) already mobile
friendly.
4. YouTube's My Business Story
Create free high-quality online
videos using this Google guide and tool. All you
have to do is create a free YouTube account and upload some video clips and
photos, and the tool will guide you through templates to add graphics and
music.
5. Google+ Hangouts
In my article about GooglePlus,
I mentioned that live video chat and collaborative screen sharing tool Hangouts is a fan favorite. Businesses can
use Hangouts for small team meetings, virtual office hours, or brainstorming
sessions or customer Q&A sessions.
6. Get Your Business Online
Because 97 percent of Americans who
use the Internet look online for local goods and services, every small local
business needs a website. But according to Google, more than half of U.S. small
businesses don't have one. To help solve this problem, Google offers Get Your Business Online free website building, domain name registration, and
hosting for up to one year. The site also has free resources to help small
businesses grow and advertise online.
7. Trusted Stores
For those websites offering an
online shopping experience, Google's Trusted Stores
can help alleviate customers' doubts about your site's legitimacy and how well
they'll be serviced. Google Trusted Stores have to pass a test for reliable
shipping and customer service, and in so doing, they earn the right to display
a Trusted Store badge.
8. Google Apps for Business
Competing head-to-head with
Microsoft Office, Google Apps for Business software lives in the cloud instead of being server-based.
Pricing starts at $5 per user per month depending on the features you select.
You can then take advantage of Google Apps Scripts to further empower your business.
So go ahead--dig around Google for a
little while. What it can provide your business beyond mere search tools might
surprise you.
Hollis Thomaseshttp://www.inc.com/hollis-thomases/8-hidden-but-powerful-google-tools-for-business.html?cid=em01019week09e
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