In order to help small businesses speed up in the economic slowdown, Google Australia has today unveiled a business stimulus, offering small businesses a free $75 search marketing campaign, to help them reach new customers and drive sales in tough times.
In the current climate, many Australians are turning to online first for information on products and services, with search engines central to online navigation.
According to Julia Persuad, Google Australia’s head of online they have seen a “strong growth” in search queries in Australia over the past 12 months.
Persuad said the package they are offering will put Australia’s small businesses in front of potential customers at the moment they are looking for information.
“At Google, we want to propel the Australian digital economy… encouraging more Australian businesses to connect with customers online is a major part of that vision.”
Small businesses are being encouraged to take advantate of Google’s $75 stimulus offer before June 30 2009.
Both online and traditional “bricks-and-mortar” businesses will benefit from the offer, and CEO of COSBOA (Council of Small Business of Australia) Jaye Radisich believes small business will find a lot of value from the offer.
“COSBOA welcomes this initiative which will give many small businesses a kick-start in the important online environment and potentially put millions into the small business sector.”
A number of small businesses have already been shifting their marketing budgets to search marketing and have been reaping the rewards.
Owner of mobile coffee cart business Café in a Box, Michael Wilcocks said, “For every $1 I spend on Google AdWords, I’ve received atleast $50 in sales. It’s been the best investment I’ve made. My customer bnase has grown 85 percent due to online advertising.”
For more information, please visit www.google.com.au/stimulus
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