Google is more than just a search engine with a variety of helpful tools. Discover the best google tools for business here.
Google is the world's largest search engine, serving up answers to more than 60,000 searches every second.
But Google is also so much more than a search engine. Since its beginning over 20 years ago, the tech giant has branched out and evolved. Over time, Google has created tools and technology that have revolutionized business.
Today, Google has a cadre of tools every business owner and marketer should be aware of. We've singled out these 11 Google tools for business as the absolute essentials to help you get started.
1. Google Analytics: The Holy Grail of Google Tools for Business
Any business should have a company website. If you have a website, you should be using Google Analytics.
Google Analytics is a powerful tool that collects information about your website visitors. Using it, you can learn more about your audience. You can discover where they're visiting from and what language they're searching in.
You can also learn where your traffic is coming from, as well as which social networks they're using.
You can target your campaigns to increase brand visibility and reach.
2. Bring Your Phone into the 21st Century with Google Voice
Many Google tools are focused on web technology, but Google Voice integrates with your phone. It brings this tried and true technology into the modern era.
With Google Voice, you can manage multiple phone lines. You can also create personalized voicemail messages for different callers. It's easy to transcribe voicemail messages.
3. Google Alerts Keep You in the Loop
If you want to keep your fingers on the pulse of the Internet, Google Alerts is the tool for you. Tell the tool what keywords and phrases you want to track, then let it work its magic.
This tool is great for businesses that want to keep track of their mentions across the web. It makes it easier to manage their brand reputation. It's also vital for marketers conducting research on trending topics and keywords.
4. Google My Business for Local Search
Google marketing tools tend to develop around the behavior of people searching the web. As more people switch to mobile devices to surf the web, search terms have become much more localized.
That's led to a rise in local search, which Google has capitalized on with its My Business tool. Business owners fill out a profile, which Google uses to provide local search results. If you want to get your business in front of your local audience, this is the tool for you.
5. Google Webmaster Tools
Google Analytics isn't the only tool Google has for business websites. You may also want to check out Google's Webmaster Tools. They can provide insight into how Google sees your website.
As you try to boost your search result rankings, it's helpful to understand where Google thinks you could improve. Webmaster Tools can direct your efforts to improve your site.
Much like Analytics, Webmaster Tools can also provide insight into your website traffic and your audience.
6. Use Google Trends for Keyword Research
If you do any Google marketing, Google Trends is an absolute essential. Google Alerts can notify you when someone mentions your brand or uses a keyword you're tracking.
Google Trends gives you the bigger picture. It lets you view the popularity of search terms over time. It can also show you related terms. It can even help you compare the popularity of keyword variations.
Google Trends gives you the information you need to make smarter keyword decisions.
7. Google Calendar Keeps You on Track
A calendar is probably a staple tool in your business. You use it to plan everything from work schedules to marketing campaigns to meetings.
So why not bring this staple into the digital age with Google Calendar? Although it may seem like a simple tool, Google Calendar adds more functionality. You can share your calendar or set reminders.
No matter what you need to keep track of in your busy day-to-day schedule, Google Calendar has your back.
8. Power Marketing Campaigns with Gmail
Gmail, Google's version of email, is one of those tools that's easily overlooked. Gmail offers a powerful filtering tool and even incorporates Google's search technology. The result is a much smarter inbox.
You may also want to think about Gmail when it comes to optimizing your email marketing. With so many Gmail users out there, you want to be sure your email campaigns are at peak performance.
9. Google Ads is Indispensable
Google Analytics and Google Trends are key tools, but Google Ads takes first place as the most important Google marketing tool.
Google Ads helps you use paid search to complement your organic search traffic. If your SEO efforts could use a helping hand or you want to use search engine marketing in your strategy, this tool is for you.
10. Enter the Cloud with Google Drive
The cloud has been a buzzword in business circles for some time now. One of the easiest ways to adopt cloud computing is to use Google Drive.
Drive allows you to store and share your files with ease. Upload or create files in your Drive, then share them with colleagues to collaborate. If you're looking to make backups of local files or drives, Google's cloud solution can help you get started.
11. Google Suite Combines Functionality and Shareability
If you're using Google Drive, chances are you'll also want to adopt some of Google's suite of productivity tools. Google Suite includes Docs, Sheets, and other key tools for office productivity.
These cloud-based apps work like the word processing and spreadsheet software you're used to. Then they add the shareability of the cloud to power collaboration.
The Right Tools to Keep Your Business Growing
These are just some of the many Google tools for business. There are many more, each with their own unique advantages.
Google seems like a one-stop-shop for technology needs, but there are other apps you should pay attention to. Stay up to date by checking in with us for the latest news and tips.
