WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains, is sponsoring the video-based training “Get Your Business Online (GYBO) with Google” through Sept. 30.
“Ninety-seven percent of consumers look for local goods and services online, but only 37 percent of businesses have claimed a local business listing on a search engine,” according to SBTDC Coordinator Bronwen Madden. “SBTDC is partnering with Google to help every business in our community get online with one simple initiative: Let’s Put Our Cities on the Map.”
Participants in the six-part training series will learn how to use free Google tools to increase sales and marketing online, Madden said. It will teach business owners how to get found on Google Search and Maps, how to build a free website with StartLogic, how to grow a business online, how to use AdWords to promote businesses with online advertising, how to use Google Apps for cloud-based business support, and how to set goals with Google Analytics.
The workshop takes place through a series of online video tutorials with supplemental documents, Madden said. Customized support is available by scheduling an appointment with SBTDC staff. There is no cost for any of the training seminars or for customized one-on-one support, she stressed. To register, visit http://sbtdc.eventbrite.com or call the SBTDC office at 417-255-7966.
Everyone who registers will receive a free T-shirt, which can be picked up at the SBTDC office in the Missouri State-West Plains University/Community Programs office suite on the second floor of the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St.
The SBTDC provides assistance to individuals who want to start or run their own small businesses. SBTDC staff work with Missouri entrepreneurs and small businesses that are for-profit (not a non-profit charitable or educational organization). Whether you are currently in business or thinking about starting a business, the SBTDC can assist you in your venture.
The West Plains SBTDC serves entrepreneurs in seven counties across the region: Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Shannon, Texas and Wright. Since it is funded in part through the Small Business Administration, virtually all of the services are free.
For more information about the online Google training sessions or any other programs or services offered by SBTDC, contact Madden at 417-255-7966 or WPSBDC@MissouriState.edu.