Small businesses can certainly benefit from the web. And here, Google is hoping to help them out.
The tech and search giant has launched Google Small Business tool that aims to help users get the necessary information to thrive on the web. Using the tool, they can input some basic information about their business, including its name and website address.
The tool can then find that company on the web, and ask the user some questions about its goals. This includes whether the user wants to grow the business' online presence, get more customer reach out, and other common goals.
When providing the business location and some basic frameworks of what the user's company does, Google can give even more results and suggestions.
In other cases, the tool offers some tips for improving search presence.
But the thing about this tool is that, it's Google-focused as it suggests products and services that are Google's.
For example, the tool suggests users to "Set yourself up for success before starting with online advertising". And here it suggests "Advertising online with Google Ads" because it "can be a great way to stand out and reach more customers".
Considering the sheer number of places users can use to advertise a business, Google Small Business only suggests a relatively small slice of what users can really do globally.
Even when users' business is already using videos to promote their brand, the tool suggests them to use YouTube, as "Over 90% of people say they discover new brands or products on YouTube".
In short, it promotes Google, and doesn't suggest anything from competitors.
There is no doubt that Google is one of the most successful companies of the web. With the many varieties of products and services it offers, Google can certainly be much help for businesses of any size.
And with the tool, Google simply wants to showcase what it can do to help them.
For new businesses who just want to get traction, the tool can for example, give suggestions that include: creating a free Business Profile on Google Search and Maps, use Google Analytics "to tap into how your customers are engaging with your website", and more.
There is also a section where users can seek in-person training directly from Google. The "Grow with Google' workshop allows users to get instructions from experts about the "ins and outs of managing a business online", get hands-on help "from knowledgeable industry professionals", and engage with community of peers to "learn alongside other business owners".
There is also a news section where users can receive updates for motivation.
But for businesses that are already thriving, the case can be different. While the tool can also be useful as it can give suggestions about what they should or shouldn't be doing, the suggestions won't necessarily be life-changing.
Unless, of course, if the business is entirely reliant on Google.