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Hi.
I'm Maile Ohye.
I'm a Developer Programs Tech Lead at Google.
I'd like to share my best advice to help local business
owners get their business on the web
and build an online presence.
The goal of this video series is to help potential customers
find and select your business online,
whether they're on the go with their smartphone
or at home with their desktop computer.
These videos are targeted to local business owners, those
who conduct business in person and want to reach customers
online, but aren't sure where to start.
I'll share the same advice I'd give
to my friend, a piano teacher.
Or the advice I'd give to my cousin
Scott, who works as a realtor.
Or my sister Marni, who owns a jewelry store.
Hopefully, you'll relate to one of these entrepreneurs.
Remember you can pause the videos at any time.
Before we begin, let's set the context
for building an online presence.
There have been big changes in the last decade.
In the past, for potential customers
to find a local business online, they
might use their desktop computer at home
to search for a business's website.
Websites require time and often technical help,
ongoing security protection, as well as the cost of the domain.
Today, much has changed.
Potential customers might be at home on their desktop,
but they could also be riding a bus or at a game,
using tablets and mobile phones.
Now there are many more channels and opportunities
to put your business online.
There are review sites like Yelp and social media sites like
Facebook or Google+.
Unlike a decade ago, having a website today is helpful,
but it's certainly not a necessity.
And I want to further highlight the shift from desktop
to many more devices.
For example, it really is important to pay attention
to your potential mobile customers
as 85% of smartphone users have searched for local info.
81% have taken action as a result.
40% visited in person.
And 35% called a business after searching.
To help you make sense of the online landscape,
I've created a six-part video series.
This video, part one, covers just the introduction
and hot topics.
The entire video series covers much more.
The next video introduces the marketing funnel
and requires you to answer the important high level
questions that will focus your overall online presence.
The third video discusses where to find customers.
By the end of the fourth video, you'll
have learned how to position your business online
to attract potential customers.
The last two videos go beyond the basics
and help you differentiate yourself from the competition
and create a holistic online identity.
I hope you can join me for some or all of the remaining videos
so we can get your local business online.