IN an effort to establish cooperation between Google and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in increasing Internet awareness and connectivity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), organizer of “Google my business and digital marketing sessions for SMEs and Exporters,” attended a briefing and seminar with Google Philippines at Net Park Building, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig on June 13.
Samuel Jeanblanc, sales manager of Google Philippines, said Internet users are 2.8 times more likely to grow and 4 times more likely to export with an online presence. Statistics showed 92 percent of Filipino businesses are doing research online, while on travel and 76 percent are booking online. Only 1 percent has a web site.
To address this concern, Google offers SMEs to promote themselves using the free “Google my business” page. Through this page and YouTube Philippines, businesses can tell their story to the world. Google will send verification via post card to those who registered. It will do the verification through Negosyo Centers nationwide.
Jeanblanc said the Philippines is the best country to invest in for the next 30 years, especially since its users will have 24 years old as their median age. There are 12 million overseas Filipinos with $31-billion remittances. In addition, 1.3 million Filipinos are employed in business- process outsourcing, generating $25 million in revenues annually.
The falling prices of smart phones and mobile data will see more Filipinos use connectivity. It is projected that 42 million Filipinos will do transaction online by 2025 with a $19-billion Philippine digital economy in 2025.
Jeanblanc reported a $70-million production loss is incurred per day due to traffic. To illustrate the logistics problem, 80 percent of Lazada orders are fulfilled by clients on their own.
While companies can build their brand and work with celebrities and influencers, Google can connect customers to the companies just by the customers searching online.
The free online Google my business was demonstrated during the briefing and seminar with the participants navigating the site.