To assist Canadian small businesses overcome the obstacles which are keeping them from getting on the web and fuelling Canada’s economy, Google is creating a brand new program called Canada Get Your Business Online which will offer free websites having a .ca domain. As outlined by Google estimates, as much as 1.2 million businesses in Canada don’t have a website simply because they see it as very costly, too challenging, not essential, or all three. 

“Canada’s small business owners know the strength of the Web, simply because they use it daily as consumers; however many are reluctant to create their very own web presence,” says Chris O’Neill, managing director of Google Canada. “These businesses are missing out on incredible opportunities that can help them realize significant profit growth.” “There are so many small business owners in Canada that are under the misperception that they can’t compete with larger companies; yet, the web allows them to do just that – it opens up new markets and levels the playing field so that everyone has equal opportunity in the virtual world,” says O’Neill.

According to Statistics Canada, over 80 % of the Canadian population is on the web, and one in every five searches on Google has a local intention. Statistics Canada also reports there are approximately 2 million small businesses in Canada and based on a variety of industry indicators, Google estimates that at the very least 1.2 million Canadian small businesses lack websites. Canadian small businesses and entrepreneurs have reached overall sales growth of up to 30% annually when positively using the Internet. Google would like to help by taking out the main barrier for small businesses to get online – expense and also a lack of skills.

You can set up and register your domain at http://www.gybo.ca

It’s a fairly easy process however it does have its limitations. The website is very basic and is certainly not suited for many types of businesses. We recommend you look around your competition to see what kind of websites they have and you be the judge if this program is for you. Another disadvantage is that yes the domain registration is free for 1 year, however the yearly price after is much higher than regular domain registration fees.  Hosting can be transferred after the free year to different hosting companies.

Here are a few examples of websites created by this program:

Cali Cruisers

STGuitarworks

K-Wood Kitchens

As you can notice it’s very basic. We repeat this solution is not for everyone.

What we offer: 

We can set up your free website for you with pictures and text for a minimal fee if you do not wish to spend your time on it. We would just have a short consultation with you about criteria and the website would be ready within a few days for you upon your approval.

We also offer website design services at very affordable prices for small businesses. The domain registration for the first 3 years and hosting is included in the price. We currently also have a promotion of a free mobile website version for every website design purchased. To find out more please visit our Website Design page.

Once your are online with your very own business website that is when the online marketing starts. Having your website is only the 1st step in creating a successful online marketing strategy.  This strategy is developed and implemented by us, using various techniques such as search engine optimization, social media marketing, mobile marketing and local search just to name a few. This is really on a case by case basis as each business and their need is different. Here is a summary of the internet marketing services that we offer. Please feel free to contact us for a free consultation.