Google Engage to launch in SA

Google has just announced the launch of Google Engage, a new partner programme to support South African web professionals who provide services to SMBs.

The Google Engage programme offers the training and support that small businesses need to help their clients benefit from Google AdWords and other Google products.

Advertising agencies, webmasters, search engine marketers, or anyone who provides web services to South African small and medium businesses can now apply to join the programme and receive support from Google. Engage members will receive free access to educational resources, online training material and promotional vouchers to help customers get started with online advertising.

“At Google, we’re committed to the success of South Africa’s digital economy and we believe that assisting small businesses in getting online and thriving is fundamental to that success,” says Luke Mckend, Country Manager of Google South Africa.

“There are many small companies in South Africa that would benefit from greater visibility on the internet, and we recognise that many of them call on freelancers and agencies to create and manage their online presence. Engage is Google’s way of reaching out to these agencies locally and providing them with the training and support they need to attract more small business clients and become more valuable to their existing ones.”

Google Engage South Africa will officially launch on 19 July 2011 in Johannesburg, where 500 people from all over South Africa will participate in a one-day seminar. Attendees will range from web designers and SEO (search engine optimisation) experts, to small business owners and consultants aiming to invest in offering digital marketing services to their clients.