google-business-owners-660x370According to a December 2014 report complied by data company Oxera, on behalf of Google, just 37% of small businesses have a local search listing on any search engine.

This figure is important because people are 38% more likely to visit a small business that’s listed online. And further, 29% of people asked said they are more likely to consider buying something from those businesses listed online. So, without a local business listing on a search engine, small businesses are missing out on potential customers.

To remedy this, Google has introduced a program in beta called “Let’s Put Our Cities on the Map” that aims to get small businesses listed on search engines. As part of this new initiative, Google is working in 30,000 cities across the country to equip small business owners with the tools they need to get their companies listed on search. Google will provide each city with its own custom website local businesses can use to find resources to boost their search presence. Further, Google will offer a diagnostic tool that shows business owners how their organization currently appears on the web.

On the street level, Google is linking up with local chambers of commerce and other small business groups. The company is giving these groups resources to help their local merchants through free training sessions and city materials to stage local workshops.

Businesses that are slow to get themselves online may get some help from loyal or impressed customers. The public, by visiting their city via the “Let’s Put Our Cities on the Map” website, can support their favorite businesses by listing their information online for them.