Google announced two tools in New Delhi on January 4, 2017 to help Indian small businesses go online fast. Sundar Pichai unveiled Digital Unlocked for free digital skills training and My Business Websites to build a mobile site in minutes. Leaders from the government and Google India joined the launch to explain why this move matters now and how SMBs can start today. The goal is simple: get Indian SMBs online and help them grow with digital.
Why Google Is Targeting Indian SMBs
Small businesses power local jobs and income across India, yet many still do not use the internet to reach customers. At the New Delhi event, the focus was on first time digital adoption and simple tools that work on low bandwidth.
According to the Ministry of MSME Annual Report 2015 to 2016, India had about 51 million MSMEs employing more than 117 million people. Even a small rise in online adoption by these firms can create outsized impact on sales, jobs and exports.
Speakers highlighted that India is a global test bed for building for the next billion users. As Sundar Pichai said, “When we solve for a place like India, we solve for everyone around the world.”
What Digital Unlocked Offers
Digital Unlocked is a free training program for business owners who want clear, simple lessons on online marketing and commerce. It combines short online courses with in person workshops across cities.
- Online lessons with a certificate supported by Google, ISB and FICCI for SMB credibility.
- Offline training sessions to learn search, ads, analytics and online safety with hands on help.
- Primer mobile app in Hindi and English to learn on the go in short, simple lessons.
Courses cover basics like how search works, how to be found on maps, and how to measure results. The design is mobile first and made for owners who have limited time and data.
For many shops and services, even one well run campaign or a complete Google Business Profile can lift leads within weeks. That is why the program pushes quick wins first, then deeper skills.
My Business Websites: Quick Mobile Site In Minutes
My Business Websites helps any verified business create a simple, mobile ready website fast. It pulls details from your Google Business Profile, so setup is quick and clean for first time users.
| Feature | Details For Indian SMBs |
|---|---|
| Setup Time | About 10 minutes using existing profile info |
| Mobile Optimized | Yes, loads fast on low speed networks |
| Cost | Free basic site within Google My Business |
| Updates | Auto syncs hours, photos, posts from your profile |
The aim is to give every shop a clean web address and a page that works well on phones without hiring a developer. Owners can add photos, product highlights and a call button to turn visits into leads.
For micro firms that only use social media today, this is a simple way to add a web presence that can rank on search and build trust with customers.
Reactions And Next Steps For Small Businesses
Ravi Shankar Prasad said India will lead the digital shift and not miss this moment. Google India leaders added that SMBs are the backbone of the economy and will get tailored support through these programs.
- Claim or create your Google Business Profile and verify your business.
- Complete all fields with accurate name, address, phone, hours and photos.
- Enroll in Digital Unlocked, finish the core modules and apply the lessons.
- Use My Business Websites to publish a mobile site and share the link with customers.
Focus on being discoverable on search and maps first, then add simple campaigns to drive calls and store visits. Track what works with basic analytics and keep your details fresh every week.
Early movers usually see faster growth in online leads because they face less local competition. Even one updated profile and a fast site can improve customer trust.
FAQ
What is Digital Unlocked for Indian SMBs?
It is a free Google training program with online lessons and in person workshops to teach small businesses how to get customers online. Owners learn search, maps, ads, content and analytics with simple steps.
How fast can I create a site with My Business Websites?
You can publish a basic, mobile friendly site in about 10 minutes using details from your Google Business Profile. You can update photos, posts and offers anytime and they sync to the site.
Do I need a developer or paid hosting to start?
No. The basic website is free inside Google My Business, so you can start without a developer. You can add a custom domain later if you want a branded address.
Will this help me get more customers near me?
Yes. Completing your profile, posting updates and adding a fast site improves local search visibility. Many SMBs see more calls and direction requests once their info is accurate and active.
Is there a certificate with Digital Unlocked?
Yes. After finishing key modules and passing the assessment, you receive a certificate supported by Google with partners like ISB and FICCI. This adds credibility when you pitch new clients.
Why is this launch important for India?
India had about 51 million MSMEs employing over 117 million people in 2015 to 2016, according to the Ministry of MSME. Bringing these firms online can boost sales, jobs and export potential across the country.
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