.
Are you one of the people who use the word “Google” as a verb? If so, you surely realize the critical importance the search engine plays in the evolving business environment. But have you considered Google’s power apart from its function as a search engine?
Google has many assets that businesses can overlook or forget about. But as a marketer, you cannot afford to make this mistake. That is why we created a comprehensive list of Google's properties that could be used for marketing:
1. Google Places/Google Maps
If you haven’t done this yet, you need to create your Google Places listing as soon as possible. It is a free way for you to get listed on the first page of Google and level the playing field. When creating the listing, optimize for the right keywords and feature images and videos relevant to your business. Check out HubSpot’s Google Places page, for instance, and the way we have highlighted some details, photos and specific links.
2. Google Tags*
If you have already created your Google Places listing, consider experimenting with Google’s new ad platform, Google Tags. Tags are symbols that will appear next to your listing and thus allow you to stand out from other businesses showing up in Google Places. Check out this quick video for a simple explanation of Google Tags.
3. Google AdWords
The chances are you have probably already tried out Google AdWords. If you haven’t yet, here is how it works: you create ads that target specific keywords related to your business. Then, your ads appear on Google when people search for these keywords. This could become a pretty expensive marketing channel, but if used smartly, you can boost your organic search traffic. For instance, you can identify good keyword combinations to create content around.
4. Google's Search-based Keyword Tool
Google’s search-based keyword tool provides keyword suggestions based on actual Google search queries. Just submit your site and the tool will list phrases extracted from your web pages. You will be able to see how these keywords perform in terms of monthly searches, competition and price for suggested bids.
5. Google Gadgets
Depending on what your business offers, you might be able to take advantage of Google’s quirky gadgets. The list is long, but you will recognize a few useful and fun applications. For instance, you can add a countdown gadget to an upcoming event you are hosting. Or you could feature a calendar. Maybe your target audience is international and a Google Translate box would help them understand your resources.
6. Google Docs
Google Docs offers a terrific opportunity for collaborative projects. A Gmail account would give you access to this tool, which makes the process of sharing work-in-progress even easier. Consider using Google Docs (documents, spreadsheets, images, presentations) for updating your team on marketing offers, keeping a list of blog post ideas or for any other type of collaborative projects.
7. Google Alerts
Google Alerts allows you to monitor specific keywords on the Web and receive messages when these phrases are being used. Sign up to receive emails when someone mentions your company’s name or your competition. This is a great way to keep up with latest news and respond to questions in a timely manner.
8. Google News
One of the keys to successful PR is to leverage the buzz around hot news. Use Google News to search for news relevant to your industry and write content based on these newsworthy stories. In this way, you will take advantage of high demand queries.
9. Google Reader
There is a direct correlation between reading and coming up with fresh content ideas. The takeaway: read a lot. Google Reader gives you a way to filter through a lot of important information quickly. Subscribe to your favorite websites and the blogs of industry thought leaders. This is a great way to stay up to date on controversies and news stories in your field.
10. Google Trends
Want to develop a smart keyword optimization strategy? Then, check out Google Trends. It enables you to evaluate the popularity of certain terms and see how their demand varies overtime as well as in other countries and languages.
11. Google Voice
In an era when people use their phones to surf the Web, it is only natural to start using the Web to browse through the contents of our phones. As your time spent working online increases, you should consider using the Web to communicate via the phone. Google Voice allows you to do exactly that by listening to your voicemail online and sending transcribed messages to your inbox.
12. Google Calendar
Getting organized is the key to being productive. Are you still using post-its to remember meetings? Or sending emails as invitations? It's high time you changed these time-consuming habits. Use Google Calendar to invite people to meetings, book rooms, receive reminder emails and plan effectively. Here is a short video going over how you can set it up.
13. Google Groups
Google Groups provides you with an opportunity to find industry insights and build relationships with web-savvy customers. For instance, there are about 5929 groups in the Recreation category in the U.S. If you are a local spa, for instance, you could search for Recreation groups nearby and apply for membership.
14. Google Checkout
Are you an eCommerce with a small budget? Google Checkout provides you with a cost-effective way to ensure a secure checkout for your customers. The benefits of Google Checkout include using a single login and providing an excellent payment guarantee on orders.
15. Google Analytics
Google Analytics gives companies insights into their website traffic and provides them with overall analytics intelligence. For instance, it shows you how people find your site, navigate through it and become customers. In this way, Google Analytics enables you to identify powerful marketing opportunities and “strengthen your marketing initiatives.”
16. Google FeedBurner
Want to grow your reach? Then, you need to be using feeds. Google FeedBurner will allow your website visitors to subscribe to your content and receive regular updates. For instance, this is how you would subscribe to blogs, podcasts and news channels.
Are we missing anything from this list? Add it by commenting below!
Image credit: rakerman
*Note: Google Tags is no longer available.
Free Download - Improving SEO: A Practical Guide