Reporter's Notebook

A GOOGLE OF USES

Google is good for a lot of things. When I was a kid “google” was a pseudo-mathematic term that meant, “a LOT” – like more than 100.

And today it means even more – the search engine is nearly indispensible for any web user who’s researching work or school projects, seeking the best price on a product or wondering what exactly happened with Miley Cyrus and that Jonas boy.

Last week I learned of yet another use for Google: a sole marketing source.

Gravitate Design Studio in Vancouver does its marketing exclusively targeting Google’s search engine. The company spreads the word about its services by 1) optimizing its website to appear at the top of Google search lists and 2) paying for high-ranked spots on Google’s sponsored links lists. No telemarketing, TV, radio or print advertisements.

The return on the company’s Google efforts is nothing to sneeze at. Just Google the word “gravitate” and you’ll see what I mean. Gravitate has solid client bases in the Vancouver area as well as Seattle, Phoenix, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and New York.

“We know it’s incredibly powerful because all of our customers come from (Google),” said Sterling Peak, a Gravitate account executive.

Watch for more about companies that rely on web marketing in the Oct. 31 issue of the VBJ.

Charity Thompson can be reached at cthompson@vbjusa.com