Recently Google worked with dozens of small businesses across Central Oregon to help them create their own, free websites through their Get Your Business Online program -‐ a fast and easy way for Oregon businesses to get online. This program, which was designed in partnership with local partners, gives businesses the tools and resources to establish a website, find new customers, and grow their business.
Small businesses need to be online because their customers are. While 97 percent of Internet users look online for local products and services, 57 percent of Oregon’s small businesses do not have a website or online presence. Having a website is a key piece of a successful small business. In fact, businesses with an online presence grow on average at a 40 percent faster rate than those who don’t. Increasing the online presence of Oregon’s small businesses helps drive economic growth for Oregon and its small business owners.
“The perception that getting online is complex, costly and time-‐consuming has prevented many Oregon small businesses from taking the first step,” said Soo Young Kim, marketing manager for Google’s Get Your Business Online Program. “This program makes it fast, easy and free for businesses to get online.”
Congressman Greg Walden attended the event, telling participating small businesses, “As a small business owner in Oregon since 1986, I know that small businesses must constantly learn new skills to grow and thrive. That’s why I’m proud to join with Google to bring this exciting workshop to Central Oregon. Their team of experts will teach local entrepreneurs how to get online and better connect with potential customers. This will be a win for local businesses, consumers, and Central Oregon’s economy.”
If businesses were unable to attend the event, they can still take advantage of this great program. Participating Oregon businesses can go to www.oregongetonline.com to get a free website as well as free tools, training, and resources to help their business succeed online. Google is partnering with StartLogic to provide its popular website offerings for free, including an easy-‐to-‐build website, a customized domain name, and web-‐hosting for one year.
