Analysis: Google pushes self-stimulus scheme

A Google Australia spokesperson disagreed with iTnews' analysis.

"Advertiser numbers and revenues in Australia are growing strongly and this initiative has been driven entirely out of the Australian office as a way to help small businesses participate in the digital economy and grow their sales," the spokesperson said.

Google said it made the offer today to help Australia's 1.88 million small and medium enterprises "reach new customers and drive sales in tough [economic] times".

But the "stimulus offer" is only available to small businesses "who have not yet dipped their toes in the AdWords water", Google said.

This could significantly affect how many businesses will benefit from the offer.

The exclusion of existing customers also raises questions over whether the offer will encourage growth in the digital economy - as Google says - or whether it's a way for the search giant to find fresh customers to prop up declining AdWords revenues.

Google last week said its Adsense program, which serves AdWords advertisements, saw a 3 per cent revenue decline in the first quarter compared to the same time last year.

Google offered existing advertisers a webinar next month to help them improve campaign performance.

Those selected will get "free, tailored campaign optimisation from a Google expert to drive better results and increased sales", Google said.

Google did not say how big a business could be to still qualify for its $75 offer. Those interested can apply here.