Google, the search engine behemoth, is encouraging the small business sector to establish an online presence as that would benefit its growth and survival. Though many individuals search for products and services they need online, the number of businesses that have an online presence is not that great. The chief reasons why small scale businesses refrain from setting up their own websites can be attributed to loss of time and cost. There is a general belief amongst small business owners that setting up a website and maintaining it is a complicated, time sapping and expensive affair.
In order to silence such wrong notions and highlight the significance of an online presence, Google has decided to offer free websites to small businesses for one year to a host of small entrepreneurs. It has given away more than 1000 websites to such SME entrepreneurs. Many small businesses with fewer than 10 employees, who until now never thought of having a business website, are now being encouraged to go online. Google’s offer includes a cost-free website for one year. After the year is over, the firm can choose to keep the site alive by paying a monthly fee of about seven dollars.
