Google Moves To Get More SMBs Online

Early this month, Google and MYOB Business Monitor launched a campaign called "Get Aussie Business Online."  Now a sort of follow-up program has commenced under the more awkward name "Canada Get Your Businesses Online."

This effort has the backing of Google, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, CIRA, the Globe and Mail, RBC, Rogers, Silver Lining Limited, and Yola.com.  Its primary goal is to help more SMBs establish websites (an estimated 40 percent of Canadian SMBs don’t have one).

So a post on the Google Small Business Blog explained, "If you’re a Canadian small-business owner, you’ve got some good news coming your way.  Starting today, you are eligible – and encouraged! – to take your first step toward enhancing your online presence."

A free web address, free website hosting, and free online marketing advice and tools are all part of the package.  Business owners just need to visit GYBO.ca to get started.

That’s a pretty good deal.  We’d definitely recommend small business owners who don’t have websites check it out, and even some people with them may want to investigate the different benefits.  Google’s offering a "free $75 AdWords coupon" to people who haven’t used it before, for example.

Good luck finding something that’ll help your business move forward.