This is a collection of free Google Tools and Resources that every small business should be using.
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Make sure your business shows up correctly in Google search results and Maps. Google My Business is where you can claim/create your Google business listing, update your contact information and respond to reviews. While previously interconnected with their social network, Google+, Google My Business is now aligned with Google Maps.
If you don't conduct business with your customers at your location, then you can define your service area and your street address will not be displayed.
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Google Analytics provides detailed information about your website traffic. There is so much data available that it can be overwhelming, but the key is to have Analytics setup so that you can be collecting data that you can later use to look at trends over time.
If you want to learn more about the many different ways that you can leverage Google Analytics, you can visit Google’s free Analytics Academy.
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Google Search Console (previously called Google Webmaster Tools) is a collection of tools and data from Google that will help you optimize your website and make it easier for Google to find your content. Think of it as a way of helping Google help you. You will also be able to see if Google has applied any penalties against your site which could results in your site being completed removed from Google search results or flagged as being hacked.
Here are links to some additional tools Google offers to help you evaluate and optimize your website:
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Google Alerts |
Google Alerts lets you receive emails when there are new search results available for any terms or topics you choose. At the very least you should setup an alert for your personal name and business name. It’s not perfect, but this is a great way to be aware of new content being written about you or your business.
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Learn about SEO and Marketing
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Google Search Engine Optimization Starter Guide is a free PDF guide from Google that explains the fundamentals of how to improve your rankings within Google search results. For anyone looking to learn about SEO this is a great place to start. It can be a little technical for the average person but it has a glossary to explain all the different terms and includes lots of helpful screen shots.
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Google Primer is an educational app that provides quick lessons in online marketing on your phone whenever you have a few minutes free to learn. It's available for both Android and iOS
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Learn about Google Services
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G Suite Training is a Chrome Extension that adds an icon within the Chrome browser that gives you immediate access to training information for Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, and other G Suite (Google Apps) services.
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Google Tips |
Google Tips is a website that uses clickable cards to explain Google’s services and offer advice on everything from staying safe online to getting the most out of your new phone. It’s designed well, making it easy to use while providing lots of great quick tips that are simple to follow.
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