Helping small businesses thrive online
Twenty-five years ago, Google introduced digital ads to its search engine. I’ve had the privilege of seeing the incredible journey from the early days of AdWords to today's sophisticated, AI-powered solutions. The story of the last 25 years is about the growth of millions of businesses across the world, and how Google's growth is tied to the success of these businesses and the people and stories behind them. Seeing how entrepreneurs have used our tools to turn ideas into legacies continues to inspire us to do what we do. That’s why today, we’re launching a new resource hub to help small businesses thrive using digital tools — and sharing stories from a few companies that are already doing just that.
Digital tools have helped to level the playing field: 82% of small businesses attribute their revenue growth directly to digital ads, and 79% say these tools help them compete with much larger companies. Through tools like Google Ads, Business Profile and Merchant Center, we can bring the best of AI to support these businesses by streamlining their advertising efforts and helping them to stand out to customers. For businesses that can't afford huge marketing teams, technology democratizes access to faster and smarter ways of working.
Over the years, we've had a front-row seat as countless small businesses turned passion projects into thriving enterprises. We’ve seen these successes translate into people being able to send their kids to college, take vacations for the first time and pay extra bonuses to their employees. It’s an incredible privilege to witness the pride that business owners have in their work and to play a small part in their journey. Here are just three of their stories:
Louisiana Crawfish Company
For four decades, Louisiana Crawfish Company has been sharing a taste of the Bayou with customers across the United States. What began in 1985 as David McGraw's far-fetched idea to ship live crawfish has since become a thriving multi-generational business. In 2002, they started using Google Ads to connect directly with crawfish boil enthusiasts nationwide, evolving from a wholesale-only model to a beloved brand.
My Medic
After their father died in a car accident, the Udy family created My Medic to sell life-saving first-aid kits, despite having no business experience. They started by selling the kits at local trade shows, but turning to digital tools was a game-changer for them. Google Ads allowed them to reach a national audience and YouTube allowed them to share critical training tips.
VIM & VIGR
Michelle Huie’s physical therapist taught her the health benefits of compression socks, but she couldn't find any that were both attractive and high-quality. So she decided to take the leap and create them herself. Her company, VIM & VIGR, began with her packing orders in her basement, but with the help of Google Ads, they now ship internationally, sharing the socks’ health benefits with customers around the world.
These stories, and many more, are what keep us committed to building the tools that will help businesses continue to thrive for the next 25 years and beyond. Visit g.co/smallbusiness to explore our new resource hub with AI-powered resources. We are proud to provide a little help to these proudly-owned businesses and the impact they make.
