Sashee Chandran, founder of tea company Tea Drops, noticed in 2020 that there were spikes on Google Search for terms like “boba” and “boba shop.” So she created a boba kit, and grew her revenue by 350%. Fat Witch Bakery, founded in 1991 with only one brownie recipe, relied on their storefront for 50% of their revenue. After their store closed due to the pandemic, they doubled down on Google Ads to sell more than 30 types of brownies, and over the last few months their online orders have doubled. They aren’t only surviving — they’re thriving.
As more businesses and communities reopen and recover, I’m inspired by the countless number of stories like these. We know using digital tools makes a meaningful difference — during the pandemic, revenue performance was 50% better for digitally advanced small businesses versus those that are less savvy. We also know that consumers want to support small businesses — Google searches for “support local businesses” grew by over 20,000% since last year.
Ahead of the United Nations’ Micro-, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day, Google is dedicating a full week to celebrating and supporting small businesses during our second annual International Small Business Week. As part of the week’s celebrations, consumers who shop at a small business through July 4 will receive $10 cashback when they pay with Google Pay on their Pixel phones. We’re also looking forward to sharing our very first YouTube Small Biz Day on Thursday, June 24: Tune in for Grow with Google workshops, panels and a live shopping event. All across Google we’ve been working on a variety of new initiatives to make it even simpler for small businesses to use digital tools to succeed. Here are some recent updates that can help as you transition your business to a post pandemic world.
Show customers what you offer
You’ve asked for easier ways to manage your business presence on Google. Over the past year, we’ve been rolling out new ways for businesses to edit details on their Business Profile directly from Google Search and Maps — including how to update basic business information, message customers and see detailed performance insights. Now, we’re adding more features to Search and Maps that enable retailers, food and local services businesses, like personal care, to adjust how they show up and connect with customers on Google — from adding specific services, such as beard trimming, to sharing menu and accepting food orders.
Get discovered across Google
We’re also making it easier for e-commerce businesses to be discovered and connect directly with customers. Businesses on Shopify, WooCommerce, GoDaddy and Squarewill now be able to show their products across Google for free. This means businesses will have even more ways to get discovered across Google, and shoppers will have more choices.
Add products to your Business Profile
Shoppers are increasingly looking for products online before they head to the store. In fact, Google Searches for “who has” + “in stock” have grown by more than 8,000% year over year. If you’re a retailer, manually adding your product information can be a hassle. Pointy from Google creates a connection between your physical store and your Business Profile on Search and Maps so you can drive more traffic to your store. As you scan barcodes on the items to be sold, Pointy automatically adds the product to your profile so that customers can see what’s in stock. Eligible retailers can now get Pointy for free through September 30, 2021. Pointy box supplies are limited and shipping may be delayed; the offer excludes ads.
Create video ads in minutes
We’re committed to making it easier for small businesses to use video to reach their customers. Last year we introduced Video Builder, a free tool that allows small businesses to quickly set up a video ad using just two images and a logo. Today we’re introducing a faster, easier way to create video ad campaigns on YouTube. Just add the video ad, the audiences you want to reach and your budget to launch a campaign in minutes. And with the new mobile experience, you can now more easily measure campaign performance. Access the new experience today at youtube.com/ads.
Find resources tailored to your business type and digital experience
Two years ago we launched Google for Small Business, our one-stop-shop for small businesses to find the Google tools that can help them reach their business goals. We’re now expanding to include recommendations by business type: Restaurant, Retail or Services. The new Digital Essentials Guide is focused on the basics of being found and transacting with customers on Google and across the web. When you’re ready to explore more advanced recommendations, we have you covered with in-depth guides to introduce you to additional tools.
If you’re a small business owner looking for free, interactive training to brush up on your digital skills or learn more about new features, Grow with Google has live and recorded workshops, primers and quick help videos for entrepreneurs of all skill levels.
Throughout International Small Business Week, we’ll continue sharing resources to help you celebrate, whether you’re just getting started, turning to digital tools to help grow your business, or simply looking for additional ways to support your favorite small businesses. Stay updated by following Google Small Business on Twitter.
