Did you know that highly digitally engaged small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) are 1.5 times more likely to be growing revenue, 7 times more likely to be exporting, 8 times more likely to be creating jobs and 14 times more likely to be innovating, than those businesses with low levels of digital engagement?

This is a huge opportunity for SMBs across Australia.

New research from Deloitte suggests Australian SMBs have much to gain from boosting their digital skills but with the daily demands of managing a business and technology changing so rapidly, more than 90 per cent of SMBs are not taking full advantage of today’s digital tools.



The research identified inadequate digital skills as a barrier to making the most of the web. We believe everyone should have access to the digital skills they need for their business to thrive, that’s why we’re launching The Digital Garage: a free, online training platform to help SMBs learn the digital skills they need to make the most of the web.
Whether it’s a business that sells trampolines, greeting cards, guitars, or diving tours, The Digital Garage can help SMBs to build the digital skills they need to achieve their business goals.

The Digital Garage includes 90 training modules covering everything from search engine optimisation to social media to video and mobile marketing, to help SMBs find and engage with new customers from their suburb, around Australia or even overseas.

Small businesses make a major contribution to Australia, both through economic activity and employment, so thriving SMBs mean stronger economic growth and a boost for local communities.

Every day Australian businesses are embracing the digital opportunity. We hope The Digital Garage will help them to harness these digital tools to grow and thrive online.

Posted by John Ball, Head of Google Marketing Solutions Australia