Google will be running a series of free online workshops in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban with the aim of helping travel and tourism small businesses get connected and succeed online.
Businesses with an online presence grow faster than those that don’t but, according to a recent survey by Google, more than a third of small businesses still do not have a website.
“Tourism in South Africa is expected to grow from 9% in 2011 to 12% in 2014, and small businesses are the driving force of this growth,” said a statement by Google.
Participants will be shown how to set up a free website easily using Woza Online, a free business website platform, and will learn step-by-step how to promote their businesses via a Google AdWords campaign, as well as other key online tools.
Attendees will also have an opportunity to explore other useful Google tools, including Google+ and YouTube, learning vital e-skills that will assist them in growing their businesses in the travel and tourism industry. In addition, ‘e-tourism’ business owners will be available to share their success stories and provide advice and guidance for aspiring tourism entrepreneurs.
“Tourism is an industry that really benefits from being online, with potential customers searching locally and from overseas to find better deals and services. Small businesses can really reap the benefits of the Internet by promoting their enterprises to attract customers, so we encourage businesses owners to sign up for our free workshops to learn more about how they can grow their customer base and revenues,” said Luke Mckend, Country Manager for Google South Africa.
Workshops will take place in:
• Johannesburg: Wanderers Club, 21 North Street, Illovo on August 27
• Durban: Durban Jewish Centre, 44 Old Fort Road, North Beach on August 29
• Cape Town: CTICC, Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town on August 31
To sign up for a free workshop session, visit www.google.co.za/ads/travel2012. Please note that spaces are limited.
Free online workshops with Google
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