Local business owners: grab your lunch and laptop (if you’ve got one!) because Wheeling-based digital marketing agency Direct Online Marketing (DOM) is on a mission to help you grow presence online, with a little help from their pal Google. DOM, one of Google’s Top 200 partners worldwide, which has joined the initiative Get Your Business Online, which aims to bring community members, business owners, marketers, and civic leaders together to help small businesses succeed on the web.
The workshop, Let’s Put Wheeling on the Map, is designed with small to mid-size businesses in mind. It will be hosted on Sept. 25, 2015, at West Virginia Northern Community College’s auditorium in the B&O building, from noon-1 p.m.. Those in attendance will leave with their businesses verified on Google, familiarity with available, free resources to measure their success online, and everyone’s favorite: SWAG.
Why is DOM doing all of this? The answer is simple, at least for Direct Online Marketing President, Justin Seibert.
“I love West Virginia, Wheeling especially. I moved back here to raise my family and start my business. The recent growth of new businesses around town has proven that the revitalization of Wheeling is real. One key to running a successful business is being accessible to your clients. Let’s Put Wheeling on the Map is our way of helping local businesses by introducing them to resources that will help them grow.”
The workshop will be divided into two segments. First, DOM’s digital experts will give an overview of the tools and resources available to help businesses grow online. After the presentation, you’ll get hands-on assistance from the DOM team, where you’ll be navigated through Google maps, shown how to claim and verify your business, and learn what Google resources will be available free of charge once your business is on the map.
“Four out of five consumers use search engines to find local information nearby, yet only 37 percent of businesses have claimed their listing on a search engine,” says Soo Young Kim, Head of Small Business Engagement at Google. “Small businesses are the engine of local economies, and when they flourish, their communities do as well.”
“Shopping local” isn’t just a saying; it’s a point of pride for Wheeling residents. Unique restaurants, theaters, entertainment groups, boutiques, and museums are all right here in the Friendly City. Let’s Put Wheeling on the Map wants them to be found, enjoyed, and frequented.
The event is free, but space is limited, and pre-registration is required. If you are interested in growing your business online, please RSVP here: www.directom.com/gybo-wheeling.