google marketing

No doubt you are already aware that there opportunities on Google for marketing yourself, your company, products and services, but did you know there's much more to it than just search?

google webmaster central

If you believe in good Search Engine Optimisation or "SEO" (and if you don't, you should!) then Google's Webmaster tools are the essential starting point for web marketers and developers alike. This comprehensive resource includes pretty much everything you need to ensure that your website is indexed on Google and lots of guidance on how to improve your site's visibility.

google adwords

Google AdWords enables advertisers to target people searching on Google and their advertising network and reach those actively looking for information about particular products and services online. Google AdWords was pioneering in that, rather than charging for impressions (or views), it allowed advertisers complete control over costs, charging only when people actually click on their adverts. It also allows local and regional geo-targeting. What's more Google AdWords charges on a bid basis meaning that the advertiser only has to pay an agreed cost per click based on how competitive that key word or phrase is. This means that, depending on how competitive your sector is, you can get away with literally spending only a few pence per lead. Google AdWords really is a must for most B2C and even many B2B organisations.

google adsense

Essentially the other side of AdWords, Google's Adsense enables website and blog owners to earn money by placing relevant ads on their website. AdSense matches ads to the site's content and they earn money whenever visitors to their site when they click on them. Although not for all (who wants people to leave their site?) Adsense can be an easy way to generate revenue where your content doesn't have an obvious commercial focus.

google analytics

Google Analytics provides easy-to-understand interactive reports to make measurable improvements to campaigns and websites. Read more about our thoughts on Google Analytics.

blogger

Blogger is a great (and free!) way for users (individuals and organisations alike) to publish their thoughts and opinions on pretty much anything. Its simple-to-use interface (now even available on mobile) enables users to write, format, add pictures and video, and 'tag' content quickly and easily. From a social media management point of view, brands can also use Blogger to browse for mentions of themselves, manage any negative content publicly or privately and also source brand champions to review and promote the brand's products and services. As with other blogging software, from a marketing perspective, not only does it give you the opportunity to show off in-house knowledge and experience through corporate and employee blogs (great for positive branding as well as new business generation), but Blogger is also a fantastic channel for generating loads of keyword-rich content (relating to your industry, brands, products & services) AND links in, which help both with Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and generating leads.

youtube

YouTube is one of the leaders in online video and is the go-to destination for people to watch and share original videos worldwide via the web. Not only an essential destination in its own right, YouTube also acts as a fantastic repository for brands looking to host (publicly available) video content for use on their site completely free of charge.  Publishing on YouTube itself enables users to rate, subscribe and add your content to their favourites, displaying your content on their channels which can attract new audiences - great for branding! The other benefit to brands of using YouTube is the increased importance being given to video by the search engines (particularly Google). The question should be: why aren't you publishing video content on YouTube?!

local business center and google maps

Google's local business tools are another must, especially local businesses. Yet another freebie from Google, create a listing for your local business to ensure that potential customers can find you alongside the products and services they are looking for. Easily updateable, you can include your address, phone number, hours of operation, and other items. You can even create coupons and display product photos and videos! Google also enables you to learn where your customers come from and what they searched for in order to find you. Including Google Maps functionality on your actual website can also be beneficial as it enables people to quickly and easily find your location and even directions to you - very helpful to your customers but also great for reducing the amount of time required on the telephone!

google checkout

Google Checkout enables online retailers to sell more and spend less by using Google Checkout to accept and process payments. In conjunction with Google's AdWords, it can also generate more leads. Potential customers who see the Google Checkout badge on AdWords ads will know shopping is fast and secure. A quick, secure checkout process also means shoppers are more likely to complete purchases with you which means more conversions. And with free fraud protection, invalid orders don't reach.

google site search

Another useful tool for your website is Google Site Search. For a few hundred dollars per year (depending on the size of the site), you can integrate all the powerful functionality of Google Search onto your site but on-brand and with all results restricted to your own content and without any Google Ads. Google Site Search enables you to increase conversions and reduce support costs. Why develop your own site search?

google sites

At launch back in 2008, Google Sites was heralded as Google's answer to Microsoft's Sharepoint. That claim was perhaps a little hasty, although in conjunction with Google Docs they certainly offer elements of the same functionality. Google Sites offers a quick and easy way to create simple, easily-indexed web pages for instance profiling yourself, your company or your brands, products and services. For now Google Sites is another (free!) opportunity to get controlled mentions and 'links in', all of which help with search engine optimisation (seo).

orkut

Orkut is an online community designed to make its users' social lives more active and stimulating. orkut's social network is designed to help users maintain existing relationships with pictures and messages, and establish new ones by reaching out to people they've never met before. Find people who share hobbies and interests, look for romantic connections or establish new business contacts. Users can also create and join a wide variety of online communities to discuss current events, reconnect with old school friends and exchange content. This is of course all tied in with a user's Google account so it's easy to access from your Google home page but, considering the demographic (primarily under 25's based in Brazil, India & USA looking for friends), what it's worth in terms of business opportunities to those looking to capitalise on the UK and European markets is open to debate.

google friend connect

Another foray for Google into social media, Google Friend Connect offers a range of free functionalities to help you develop the community of your website by enriching content with social features. Allow anyone to join your site and discover other members by using information from a variety of services, including Google, Yahoo, Twitter, AOL, orkut and Plaxo.

Contact us to find out how we can help fulfil your Google marketing requirements.