South Carolina businesses generate $2.37 billion in economic impact due to google search and ads tools

In One Year, Google Helped 18,000 in South Carolina Grow

On Thursday, Google announced that 18,000 in South Carolina businesses, publishers and nonprofits used Google search and advertising tools to connect with the people and communities they serve — generating $2.37 billion in economic activity. By using Google products those businesses increased their online presence and were able to grow, bringing more money and jobs into the local economy. This is the ninth year Google has released its economic impact report.

“People turn to the web to learn, discover, find, and buy things. Being online can have a big impact; it’s where businesses can connect with their customers,” said Mary Ellen Coe, President of Google Marketing Solutions. “At Google, we see the power of the web working for American businesses and we believe that with hard work and the help of technology, every business in South Carolina can grow.”

Google’s South Carolina Economic Impact Report detailed how Quick Candles in Piedmont, S.C. used digital tools to increase their online presence and reach customers. In 2005, Rob Latham launched Quick Candles to provide brides and event planners candles and decor they needed at better prices. By creating a direct relationship with customers and selling exclusively online, Quick Candles went from offering 30 products at launch to offering over 5,000 products to customers around the world.

To help more small businesses, Google launched its Grow with Google initiative to help create economic opportunities for Americans. Drawing on Google’s history of building products, platforms, and services that help people and businesses grow, the initiative aims to give Americans access the best of Google’s training and tools to grow their skills, careers, and businesses. More about these resources are at grow.google.

Last month, Grow with Google came to Columbia to hold in person workshops, demos and trainings. Over 750 attended the event, and Grow with Google announced a $100,000 sponsorship presented to the Women’s Business Center of South Carolina at Columbia College so they can hold digital skills and workforce development trainings.

A recent national study by Deloitte found that over 80% of small businesses surveyed are not taking advantage of online digital tools. The same report determined the following:

• Digital small businesses are nearly three times as likely to have created new jobs in the last year.
• Digital small businesses are seeing four times higher revenue growth
• Digital small businesses are almost three times as likely to reach more customers via increased calls, leads and sales inquiries
• Digital small businesses are three times as likely to have exported a product or service