Google launches free tools, features to help get Indonesian SMEs online

• Primer app, with 24 five-minute business lessons, was downloaded over 400,000 times
• Company has put 850,000 Indonesian businesses on Google Maps and Search

GOOGLE on Oct 26 launched several new free tools to help Indonesian entrepreneurs grow their businesses: Test My Site, Postings in Google Bisnisku and a new way to manage a Google Bisnisku page from any browser.

“We believe these free tools will make it easier for business owners to manage their businesses online and attract new customers,” said Google Indonesia managing director Tony Keusgen.

“Test My Site will provide valuable information about how to speed up the loading and the appearance of a business’s website. Both are critical in this mobile-first era where the difference between losing or retaining a business can be measured in seconds.”

For businesses who have already started advertising online, Google also announced the ability to pay for AdWords via ATM.

“We are trying to provide as many payment options as possible for small businesses in addition to paying by credit card and bank transfer,” added Keusgen.

As part of its Womenwill initiative to get more female business owners online, the company also released new research showing a strong desire for self-employment in Indonesia as women currently want more flexible working hours.

“Indonesian women feel the internet is essential for daily lives yet there is a disconnect with this view and current daily usage levels,” explained Veronica Utami, head of marketing at Google Indonesia.

“The appetite for online learning is high among those interested in self-employment and we believe more online training could help women gain the skills and confidence they need without them having to relinquish their family or domestic duties.”

In Google’s multi-city programme to train entrepreneurs, she added, almost 20,000 people have taken digital skilling courses in ten cities through Gapura Digital, with 15,000 more signed up until the end of the year.

At the first #GoogleUntukUKM event in Menteng, central Jakarta, Keusgen announced that the free Primer app, launched in August with 24 five-minute business lessons, has been downloaded more than 400,000 times.

“Clearly, there is a huge appetite here to learn,” said Keusgen, adding that the company has already put 850,000 Indonesian businesses on Google Maps and Search.

“We are committed to helping unleash the potential of the Internet in Indonesia through innovation and education.”

Veronica concluded by saying: “We are always releasing new products for small businesses and plan to keep announcing more tools and features that will help Indonesian businesses make that critical transition to a digital future.“

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