10 Google Tools for Local Business

Google may be a global search giant, but there are lots of ways to leverage the power of search to promote your small business to local customers. If you haven't yet embraced digital marketing for your local business, Google is a good place to start.

Google Places is a good place to plant your flag. When you're ready to invest in advertising, you can take advantage of Google's AdWords. This is self-service, keyword-based advertising that works on a cost-per-click basis. You only pay when someone clicks on your ad and comes to your site.

Learn with Google can help business owners get acquainted with Google's business side. Entrepreneurs can check out free video courses, read how-to guides and follow worksheets to promote their businesses online.

Here is a brief overview of Google tools that will help you get your business going in the digital direction.

Ad Words Express

Since many small-business owners don't have a lot of time or advertising agencies at the ready, this is a quick and simple solution. Business owners provide some basic information and Google creates their ad.

Google will also manage your ad, pushing it to the right people whether they're searching on laptops or mobile devices.

Google+ Your Business

Facebook has become an unstoppable marketing force for many businesses, and Google has its own version.

You can share links, photos and promotions with the right customers at the right times.

The posts can be public so people can find them using search, or you can use the Circles feature to tailor specific messages to specific followers. You can even initiate live video chats with potential customers who want to dig deeper.

Google Analytics

You need to know that your marketing efforts are not being wasted, and Google Analytics can measure your success. You don't need an army of analysts or even an enterprise to use this enterprise-worthy tool.

The free system allows business owners to track sales and conversions and measure your site engagement goals against thresholds. Once you know who is coming to your site and what they're looking for, you can write more highly targeted ads and strengthen your marketing initiatives.

Google Offers

Customers are still driven by deals and Google Offers matches your business with relevant customers in your area looking for discounts.

Customers prepay for these targeted discounts and small-business owners are paid a few days after the offer runs.

Google AdSense

While Google can drive customers to your business, it can also be a money maker.

Small-business owners can add custom search engines to their site and earn cash from ads on the search results pages.

With AdSense, entrepreneurs can also display ads that match their audience's interests on their website and earn from valid clicks or impressions.

Google Keyword Planner

It is all about the keywords, and it is important to select the right ones to attract the right customers to your business. This feature enables you to test-drive keyword ideas using any combination of keywords, a URL and categories.

Users can compare statistics for your keywords with one or more match types at the same time.

The mobile search component provides data by search volume and competition types.

Traffic Estimator

Once you perfect your keywords, you want to know how much your campaign will cost.

Business owners will get a report on average estimated cost per click, total estimated clicks and total estimate costs for each keyword.

+1 Button

Word spreads on the Web like wildfire, and Google's +1 button makes it easier for customers to share their experiences about your business.

The +1 button that connects Google+ makes it easier for your customers to start conversation with their circles while also providing timely recommendations. In addition, +1 annotations on Google search help bring these recommendations to users who are searching for your products and services.

Google Mobile

There are Google Search, Display and YouTube ads, but mobile is becoming a prime methods for targeting consumers at the point of decision.

It is also important that your website displays well on an array of mobile devices. Using howtogomo.com, business owners can see how their site looks on a mobile device and get customized recommendations for creating a mobile-friendly experience.