Google gives Missoula eCity Award

Google gives Missoula eCity Award

 
    Google joined with an independent research firm called Ipsos MORI to analyze the online strength of local small businesses in cities in every state, and the city with the highest score relative to population size was designated a Google eCity.

To celebrate, representatives from Google will join the Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce, the Montana Community Development Corp. and the Missoula Economic Partnership for a reception at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts, 200 N. Adams St., from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

The public is invited to this free event, and small businesses can attend “Let’s Put Missoula on the Map” workshops and get one-on-one help from Google experts, also at no cost. There will be treats from local vendors, games, giveaways and appearances by Mayor John Engen and local business leaders. Soo Young Kim, a senior product marketing manager at Google, will be on hand to give business owners a quick lesson in ways to boost their presence online.



“It’s sort of a pilot program,” explained Melanie Calahan, director of marketing at the Montana Community Development Corp. “They will talk a little bit about business development in Missoula. Missoula is a great place to be for a small business and this is a great resource. They’ll be helping people put together websites, and Google will offer free website hosting for a year. It’s a neat opportunity for businesses that don’t have a website or people who don’t quite understand what it means to have a digital presence.”

The workshops will also be valuable to those who are more tech-savvy and want an even greater level of understanding of the power of online marketing and data analysis. Specifically, Google Analytics, AdWords, Google Apps for Work and Google My Business will be the main topics. All are powerful tools for businesses to use to market their products and connect with potential customers.

“This will allow people who do have Internet savvy, people who have played with AdWords and Google Analytics, to make the most of their digital tools,” Calahan said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what they bring to the table. Anybody who has just a little interest should take advantage.”

Amita Patel from the MTCDC said there will be a lesson in StartLogic, a web hosting and domain name registration service.

“Most businesses can’t afford a marketing company,” she said. “This is a good way for businesses to use a template to create a website, and Google will pay for a year’s worth of fees.”

Business owners can also learn how to be discovered online and connect with customers on Google Search, Google Maps and Google+ for free.