Google announced that 39,000 businesses, publishers and nonprofits in the state of Georgia used Google search and advertising tools last year to connect with the people and communities they serve -- generating $7,150,000,000 in economic activity. Using Google products, these organizations increased their online presence and were able to grow, bringing more money and jobs into the local economy. This is the tenth year Google has released its Economic Impact Report.
 
A recent national study by Deloitte found that over 80% of small businesses surveyed are not fully using online digital tools. The same report determined that:

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.
 
“For American small businesses, the web is the most powerful tool to attract new customers and retain existing ones,” said Mary Ellen Coe, President of Google’s Global Customer Solutions. “Last year, our search and advertising tools helped generate billions of dollars in economic activity for millions of businesses. And we look forward to continuing our work with Georgia’s business, nonprofits and publishers to help them grow.”
 
Google’s Georgia Economic Impact Report detailed how Okabashi, a family-owned and operated shoe company in Buford, used digital tools to increase their online presence and reach customers.
 
Okabashi produces colorful, molded flip flops and sandals designed for foot health and is part of the one percent of shoe companies that still produce their footwear in the U.S.
 
Okabashi runs Google Shopping campaigns, uses Google Analytics to monitor its web traffic, and fields reviews from happy customers with Google My Business. To date, the company has grown to 200 employees and sold over 35 million pairs of shoes.
 
In addition to supporting other organizations in the state with digital tools and resources, Google is proud to call Georgia home for its own employees. The global tech company employs more than 350 Georgians full-time at its Midtown Atlanta and Austell offices as well as its data center in Douglas County.