Since 2011, Google's Get Your Business Online team has been on a mission to make it fast, easy and free for businesses to get online. Garland first got involved during a presentation at the National League of Cities, when Garland's own Mayor Douglas Athas was inspired. Struck by the statistic that only 37% of businesses have claimed a local business listing on a search engine, he knew he had to do his part to help Garland businesses get online. Since that time, the City of Garland and Garland Chamber of Commerce have been dedicated partners with Google in spreading the word about this valuable program.
"With Google's support, we've been able to expand opportunities for a lot of different businesses all over town."
Mayor Douglas Athas, City of Garland
In 2014 Google's newest initiative, Let's Put Our Cities on the Map, launched with a small group of pilot cities across the country, one of which was Garland, Texas. The Mayor's office and Chamber worked diligently to help local businesses increase their online presence by using Google's online verification tool found at www.gybo.com. The verification process allows local business owners to review their Google Search and Google Maps listings to ensure that the 97% of customers who search for business information online find exactly what they're looking for.
"Local businesses are vital to America's economic future. In fact, small businesses comprise half of the U.S. GDP and create two-thirds of all new jobs. And although nearly all consumers look online for products and services, many small businesses do not have any web presence at all. We believe every small business should be found online and we offer the ability to do this through Google products like Google Maps – for free."
Posted on www.gybo.com
Through interactive workshops teaching businesses how to grow their business online or measure success with analytics and great resources like a free website from Google's partner StartLogic, Google is making huge strides in helping local businesses get online. Google's local partners in Garland continue to see progress as success stories pour in from program participants.
"Our greatest mission is to ensure the economic sustainability of our city, and it starts with the success of each individual business. Having Google on our side, helping businesses take one more step toward generating growth -- that's something we can get excited about. "
Jenna Dickson, Garland Chamber of Commerce
Let's Put Our Cities on the Map launched nationally on March 25, 2015 with a Google Blog post featuring Garland business owner Marieshia Hicks, who runs Dependable Care Health Service. Marieshia got her business #OnTheMap at a Chamber-hosted workshop and has seen great results. Within a few months, she had more customers come through the door and referrals from doctors who could now reach her using her updated business listing.
The launch also featured some familiar Garland faces in a video about the initiative. Mayor Athas, a Chamber representative and two local business owners who participated during the pilot phase were highlighted. Check out the video, then visit www.gybo.com to verify your business listing today. Let's Put Garland On the Map!