Google Program Offers Free Web Site & Training For North Carolina Small Businesses

There is a new resource available to small businesses owners in the state that helps them grow their customer base through the Internet.

“Our research has shown that even though 97 percent of Americans are looking for local products and services online, over 60 percent of small businesses in North Carolina do not have a website, said Soo Young Kim, senior project marketing manager at Google.

Google is offering a free program called “North Carolina, Get Your Business Online."

“What we will provide through the site is a free, easy to build professional website through one of our partners, a customized domain name and free hosting for one year,” said Young Kim.

The company said according to a recent report, three out of four smartphone users have contacted a business they found on their phone. Nationally, more than 250,000 businesses have participated in Google's program over the past few years, including more than 5,000 small businesses in the Tar Heel state.

Young Kim said the process is quick and easy.

“There are multiple templates that you can choose from, so we see business owners come in and get their business online in about an hour with the basic information. We also teach businesses how to make sure they can be found on search and on an app, so your information comes up current and accurate,” said Young Kim.

Small business owners who are interested in “North Carolina, Get Your Business Online” can learn more about it during an information session on February 21, 2014 at the Royal Banquet and Conference Center in Raleigh.