Kalispell works with Google on special marketing for businesses
The Kalispell Chamber of Commerce is working with Google on two marketing projects aimed at helping Flathead Valley businesses.
“Let’s Put Kalispell on the Map” is an initiative that seeks to get every Flathead business online. The program walks local businesses through the process of beginning, updating or completing their business listing on Google.
About 63 percent of businesses have yet to claim their business listing on Google, according to the Kalispell Chamber, yet 93 percent of consumers look online now for goods and services.
A series of short workshops are planned Friday to give business owners and managers the tools they need to start growing online.
Businesses can choose one of three sections that best fit their schedules: 8 to 10 a.m. with a light breakfast starting at 7:30 a.m.; 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a light lunch to follow; or 2 to 4:30 p.m. with afternoon snacks and refreshments to follow. Workshops will take place at Flathead Valley Community College in the BSS 135 computer lab.
For each of the three sessions the Chamber is working with the Daily Inter Lake, Hagadone Digital, Big Sky Public Relations and Flathead Beacon Productions to feature workshops on subjects such as search engine optimization, building effective, responsive websites, social media marketing, building a cohesive brand image and more.
Workshop participants also will be able to access their Google Business account to start, update or complete their listings with hands-on guidance, according to Kalispell Chamber Marketing Specialist Kate Lufkin.
Accompanying the “Let’s Put Kalispell on the Map” initiative is the opportunity for local businesses to take advantage of an exclusive Chamber offer to bring the new Google Street View Indoors technology inside their business. Participants will have a Google-certified photographer visit their business and take a series of 360-degree photographs that will allow potential customers the ability to see inside the business in an interactive format online, Lufkin said.
Through the Chamber only, business owners can receive two 360-degree photographs, including all editing, published on their Google listing.
Additionally, the interactive photos will be featured on the home page of the Kalispell Chamber’s website in a new Virtual Area Guide feature. Participants also will receive the coding to use the interactive photographs on their own websites. This package is just $199 and is less than half what someone could expect to pay otherwise, Lufkin said. The option to add additional photographs is also available to build a more extensive look inside any business for just $60 each.
Businesses interested in either the “Let’s Put Kalispell on the Map” initiative or the “Give Consumers an Inside Look” opportunity should contact Lufkin at 758-2801 or k.lufkin@kalispellchamber.com.