7/15/25 – SBDC – Grow with Google – In-Person Event

June 3rd, 2025

Join us for this 1.5-hour interactive in-person workshop designed to help small business owners harness the power of Google’s free tools to increase visibility, attract customers, and grow their business. Learn how to optimize your Google Business Profile, explore leverage with Google Guaranteed, and use Google Reviews effectively. Whether you’re looking to improve local search rankings or enhance online marketing, this workshop provides actionable insights to drive success. No technical experience required! Don’t miss this opportunity to grow smarter with Google.

Why Google Marketing for Small Business Matters More Than Ever

When it comes to growing a small business, few tools are as powerful—or as necessary—as Google. From search visibility to local SEO, Google is the cornerstone of online marketing strategies that work. If you’re a small business owner trying to reach new customers and grow your brand, understanding how to leverage Google’s tools is no longer optional. It’s essential.

What Is Google Marketing for Small Business?

Google marketing for small business refers to the use of Google’s suite of products—like Google Search, Maps, Business Profile, Ads, and Analytics—to improve online visibility, attract customers, and drive growth. It includes:

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for ranking higher on Google Search

• Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) for local discovery

• Google Ads for pay-per-click (PPC) advertising

• Google Analytics to track and understand customer behavior

Whether you’re a local bakery or a mobile service provider, these tools work together to help customers find you when it matters most.

The Power of Being Found on Google

Roughly 93% of online experiences begin with a search engine—and Google owns over 90% of that market share. When a potential customer searches “best coffee near me” or “emergency plumber in (fill in the blank),” appearing on the first page of Google could be the difference between a sale and a lost opportunity.

Google marketing helps your business:

• Increase local visibility

• Build trust through reviews and verified listings

• Drive web traffic and foot traffic

• Compete with larger brands using targeted ads

Why Your Google Business Profile Matters

Claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile is one of the easiest—and most impactful—ways to enhance your online presence. This free listing allows your business to appear in Google Search and Maps results with essential info like hours, phone number, reviews, and directions.

✅ A complete profile can get 7x more clicks
✅ Businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions
✅ Customer reviews build trust and social proof

In short, your profile is your digital storefront. Keeping it accurate and up to date ensures customers can find and choose you.

Paid Ads: Fast, Targeted Growth

While SEO builds long-term visibility, Google Ads offer fast, measurable results. You can target your ideal customers by:

• Location

• Interests and keywords

• Device type

• Time of day

Plus, with tools like Smart Campaigns, even businesses with small budgets and no marketing staff can launch professional campaigns with confidence.

Measuring What Matters with Google Analytics

Marketing without measurement is like driving with your eyes closed. Google Analytics gives small businesses real-time data about how people interact with your website:

• Which pages they visit

• How long they stay

• What traffic sources brought them in

This data lets you optimize your website, tweak your marketing strategies, and understand what’s actually converting visitors into customers.

Common Myths About Google Marketing (And Why They’re Wrong)

❌ “I don’t need online marketing—I rely on word of mouth.”
Even local referrals search your business online before calling.

❌ “Google Ads are too expensive.”
📊 Google Ads are scalable—you control your budget and only pay for clicks.

❌ “I don’t need to update my Google profile.”
⚠️ Inaccurate or outdated info turns customers away and hurts your search ranking.

FAQs: Google Marketing for Small Business

Q: How much does Google marketing cost?
A: Many tools like Google Business Profile and Analytics are free. Google Ads can start with any budget—you pay only when someone clicks.

Q: Is it hard to manage all these tools?
A: Not at all. Google offers guided setups, tutorials, and even AI-powered features to make it easier for busy business owners.

Q: Do I need a website to use Google tools?
A: While it helps, some tools (like Business Profiles and Ads) can direct users to your phone number or storefront instead of a website.

Conclusion: Google Is Your Business’s Best Marketing Ally

If you’re serious about growing your small business, it’s time to treat Google as more than just a search engine. It’s a full-scale marketing ecosystem designed to connect you with the right customers—at the right time, in the right place. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up, Google marketing for small business is the smartest move you can make.

Ready to grow smarter? Start by claiming your Google Business Profile today.