"Web and Main" Ignited by Google

We uncovered a crucial insight: shockingly, while 97% of consumers search online for products that local businesses offer, a staggering 40% are not optimized for SEO. 71% lack any significant online presence that can lead to real sales. In this day and age, this was a real surprise. This digital disconnect meant lost jobs and customers for Main Street.

We launched the "Web and Main" initiative. On online initiative with a very analog down-home, look and feel. Central to our campaign was "Google Cheering," a community-driven effort where locals rallied to support by “CHEERING” their favorite businesses to get them the tools they needed to optimize.

The businesses that garnered the most cheers received special tools from Google to establish an online presence quickly and affordably. Cheering also let them know there were customers waiting for them online. Additionally, the top-cheered businesses enjoyed free publicity and ad space on social network community sites, enhancing their visibility and customer reach. We set out at the same time to create awareness of the Google Cheer program and to provide the right tools to businesses.

  1. Workshops and Webinars:

    • Conducted educational workshops and webinars to help local business owners understand the importance of an online presence.

    • Provided step-by-step guidance on setting up websites, using online marketing tools, and optimizing their online presence for better search visibility.

  2. Partnerships with Local Chambers of Commerce:

    • Collaborated with local chambers of commerce to reach out to small businesses in various communities.

    • Leveraged these partnerships to promote the campaign and encourage participation from a broader audience of business owners.

  3. Customized Digital Toolkits:

    • Developed and distributed digital toolkits tailored to the needs of different types of businesses, from retail to services.

    • These toolkits included website templates, SEO guides, social media strategies, and online advertising tips from live representatives.

  4. One-on-One Consultations:

    • Offered personalized consultations to businesses needing extra assistance in getting online.

    • These consultations provided customized advice and solutions, ensuring each business could effectively implement the tools and strategies provided.

  5. Collaborations with Influencers and Industry Experts:

    • Engaged local influencers and industry experts to endorse the campaign and share success stories of businesses that benefited from getting online.

    • These endorsements helped build trust and credibility among business owners.

  6. Follow-Up Support and Resources:

    • Ensured ongoing support by creating a dedicated help center hib where business owners could access additional resources and get answers to their questions.

    • Provided continuous updates on new digital tools and strategies to help businesses stay competitive online.