Google to place 500,000 Indian SMBs on web in one year

Internet search major Google Inc today said it was working with its strong partner ecosystem in India to provide web presence for around 500,000 small businesses across the country in the next one year. 

 

With a potential to serve 47 million small businesses (SMBs) in the country, Google expects to reach out to at least 8 million of them in the long-term. Currently, it has 300,000 SMB customers placed on the web in India. 

 

According to Allan Thygesen, vice president and global head of SMBs for Google Inc, the partner ecosystem is critical for meeting its long-term goals. The company is working on similar lines in other key priority markets. To make it attractive, it is offering web hosting services for as low as $1 in India.

 

Citing industry body FICCI and consultant firm Nathan Associates report, Google said SMBs utilising the internet platform reported a 51% rise in revenues and 49% more profit, when compared with offline counterparts. It has tied-up with 1,200 third party developers for offering its services. "We're ready to funnel more money into the segment, as it is the key driver for growth here," Thygesen said. 

 

The company expects good traction from customers associated with education, retail, travel, hotels and e-commerce for advertising on the web. It is catering to them in English and nine local languages. It plans to cover 100 cities by the end of this year, from the present 65.