What Happened?
At this year’s U.S. Conference of Mayors, Louisville won $50,000 in cash and a technology package for its program to help small businesses connect online. The award was given through Google’s Get Your Business Online Challenge that aims to equip new business initiatives with technology resources.
The Goal
Google’s Get Your Business Online Challenge recognizes cities with initiatives to support local business growth with increased online connectivity. According to Google, businesses that optimize their internet connectivity will grow 40 percent faster over the next three years compared to those that do not. Because 58 percent of U.S. businesses still do not have a website, the Google challenge is working to increase accessibility of online resources.
The Challenge
Louisville, Kentucky; Garland, Texas; and Revere, Massachusetts all won Google’s Get Your Business Online Challenge. The winning cities will receive phones, tablets and laptops to support its local business initiatives, as well as the $50,000 cash prize. All participating cities conducted outreach and created partnerships in the community to identify opportunities to help local businesses get online. The three winning cities presented far-reaching plans for online optimization that were scalable and sustainable:
- Revere partnered with high school students to assist local business owners with online connectivity
- Garland launched public service announcements to encourage them to get online
- Louisville incorporated online connectivity into their Digital Economic Corridors project to support 3,000 business owners
Louisville Digital Economic Corridors
Louisville’s Digital Economic Corridors project shares many of the goals of the Google challenge working to help local businesses be found by consumers online. Louisville’s project addresses the lack of awareness and information available for local businesses. The city has outlined valuable and free tools to help businesses create and enhance their online presence to drive economic growth including:
- Google Places and Sites
- Yelp
- Better Business Bureau
- Yahoo! Local
- Citysearch
- Menu and Hours
Local officials also launched a pilot project to help local businesses in Louisville learn how to properly present themselves online with a digital workshop event. Local business owners will receive assistance and best practices for utilizing third party portals such as Google Maps so consumers can find accurate information faster.
Because many consumers are now using smartphones to find businesses, products or services, the city’s plan focuses on local search optimization and mobile-friendly initiatives. Louisville offers tools and recommendations on how to build digital profiles, as well as update information regularly and target local search consumers.
According to Louisville’s data, only 16 percent of its local businesses showcase up-to-date and accurate information online. About 43 percent of local businesses have a presence in online portals, but much of their information is inaccurate or missing, making it difficult for consumers who find the business to follow through and complete a purchase. The city’s pilot program is focused on an up-and-coming section of the community where new businesses are blooming.
Local Economic Initiatives
Gov1 has followed the annual Conference of Mayors and other events to see how local leaders are increasing access to valuable tech resources.
Promo: Louisville is one of three cities to receive $50,000 from Google’s Get Your Business Online challenge.