Google and the Irish Software Association (ISA) today said they were working together help small companies better exploit the potential of the Internet in marketing their business. As part of a wider ISA campaign to increase cooperation between multinational software companies and small and medium size software enterprises, Google’s Learning and Development Team have just held the second in a series of free workshops to provide practical advice on how online advertising can be used to get ahead in a time of economic downturn.

The half day training programme focused on how to use search advertising and other forms of online marketing to help attract new customers. It also highlighted online trends in Ireland and outlined the free Google tools available to help businesses to understand changes in user behaviour and ways to exploit the revenue earning potential of business websites.

Google AdWords experts were available to help answer any queries on how to drive traffic to a website and design a customer friendly website.

Speaking following participation at the last event, Henry Scullion, Marketing Executive, VistaTEC Ltd. said: “I found the online advertising workshop to be very practical and useful. The presenters were extremely knowledgeable and more than willing to answer any questions. It was a great opportunity to ask specific questions directly to the Google experts as well as learn about new Google tools which can help achieve my marketing goals. I would definitely recommend this event to anyone interested in gaining more knowledge about online advertising”.

ISA Director, Kathryn D’Arcy noted that, “With total internet subscriptions increased to 1.4 million in Q4 of 2008, an 18.5% increase on Q4 2007, online advertising in tough economic times is of great importance for companies in terms of flexibility and cost competitiveness.”

Ronan Harris, Director of Online Sales & Operations, Google EMEA explained, “The global slowdown is hitting almost every part of every economy, but it is businesses that have recognised the opportunities the internet presents that are prospering. Technological advances are opening up new opportunities and driving down costs, the internet will be a key driver of our economic recovery with software enterprises helping to harness the opportunities it presents.”