Technology Milestones

Google and STI Colleges are offering to build for free websites for 200 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as well as give P2,000 worth of free credits on Google AdWords.

Derek Callow, head of marketing for Google Southeast Asia, said the one-time offer is meant to boost the online presence of local firms and help them harness the power of the Web to grow their business. He said the first 200 businesses who sign up at
google.com.ph/stimulus between now and December 15, 2009 will have their company websites developed by STI College for free.

He added that subsequent participants need only pay a one-time fee of P3,000 to STI College for the website development work.

“Any Philippine company that has a product to sell and a valid business permit can apply for the package,” he said in a presentation in Makati City.

Since the websites are hosted on Blogger.com, which is owned by Google, there would be no hosting fees charged to the business.

Callow said the business stimulus package, which was done in partnership with the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), Go Negosyo and STI Colleges, is “unique to this region.” He added that the package enables local businesses to harness the cost-effectiveness and reach of the Internet to access a wider market and increase sales.

“We had to take a step back and show businesses how to build a website first. It’s the first step in communicating with your buyers in a cost-effective way and promoting your products on the Web,” he said.

CICT Cyberservices group head Monchito Ibrahim said the government fully supports the project, which aims to develop an ICT-enabled economy.

Philippine Marketing Association president Mylene Abiva said building a website is an important first step for local businesses to conduct “niche marketing” on the Web.

“Online advertising allows you to see how many hits (clicks) you get, whether your ad is effective or not. Because of the high cost of advertising, say P350,000 for a 30-second TV spot or P48,000 for a 1/4th page newspaper ad, this online advertising is one way for entrepreneurs to show to the world their products,” she said.

Callow cited a study that showed that many consumers in the Philippines and Southeast Asia do research online and then purchase offline (ROPO). He noted, however, that businesses who have no online presence lose their edge to competitors who use the Web to sell their services or products.

 

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