If you lead or otherwise work for a small business, you may be struggling economically more than ever in the wake of mandatory closures implemented to “flatten the curve” of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
In response to the pandemic crisis, many governments and community institutions have developed new relief programs and resources specifically to help small businesses during these uncertain times. Certain large companies have also pledged to support small businesses – including Google.
This Rise of Digital Commerce and How Small Businesses Can Take Advantage
As brick and mortar stores have been required to shut their doors during the COVD-19 pandemic, digital commerce has increased. Consumers are turning to online shopping, not only for essentials like food and toilet paper but for a variety of items to both pass the time at home and prepare to build for a better tomorrow.
While online sales have been rising steadily over the past several years, the coronavirus lockdown has accelerated this shift – and now that more people have gotten used to buying online, the popularity of online sales may very well continue even after shelter-in-place orders are lifted.
If you’re a small business looking to take advantage of the increase in eCommerce, Google’s latest initiative might help:
In a recent announcement from Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet (Google’s parent company), Google is pledging $340 million in Google Ads credits that will be available to all small businesses who have had active accounts over the past year.
In a further development from Bill Ready, Google’s President of Commerce on Tuesday, April 21, Google will now make it free to list and sell on Google Shopping. If your business has already been paying for advertisements, you will be able to augment your campaigns with free listings.
Answering Questions from SMBs
If you’re wondering how these credits will work for your business, here’s what you need to know:
Q. Is my small business eligible for Google Ads credit?
A. According to Google, the Ads credit will be applied to global small- and medium-sized businesses that have spent money on Google Ads for at least 10 out of 12 months in 2019 and have had active campaigns in January and/or February this year. You must have advertised either directly with Google or through a Google partner and have adhered to their Google Ads policies.
Q. How will Google Ads credits work?
A. Your Google Ads credit can be used for future ad spend through the end of 2020 across all the Google platforms that support ads (this includes Google Search, Display, and YouTube). Every eligible small business will receive one ad credit, and the amount will be determined based on your country, the value of its currency and your previous Google Ads spend.
Q. When Will I Get My Google Ads Credit?
A. Google will start rolling out the credits in phases starting in May. Eligible small businesses will be notified, and the credit will automatically be added to your account.
For answers to more FAQ’s check out Google’s Help pages on COVID-19 Google Ads Credits for Small Businesses and this recently published whitepaper Navigating the road ahead: A guide to help businesses adapt marketing strategies in wake of COVID-19.
These certainly are trying times we’re all living through in 2020. But now is the time to find the opportunity to emerge stronger than ever from the coronavirus chaos. As a Google Premier Partner, our entire team here at JXT Group is proud to work with Google and all our small business clients to forge ahead into a new future.
