Google and Blogging: Pathways for an Ensured Future

        Technology has been constantly advancing throughout the years. As technology progresses, the internet also advances. This innovation of the internet can always be proven by looking at how Google develops its creative and helpful features such as the “Google Maps” application. This can also be seen by how blogging has been one of the most common activities on the internet. In the “GDAYSX Philippines” seminar event, I discovered that whether it is in times of crisis, or whether you’re trying to make a living, the internet has been the leading helping hand.

GDAYSX Philippines with UP Diliman students as audience

            Honestly, I thought that the only purpose of Google Maps is to locate a specific place you want to see or go to. I never thought it could actually be useful when a country is in a state of disaster. For instance, Google developed the “Typhoon Yolanda Relief Map” wherein icons of evacuation centers, crisis areas, and relief drop zone areas are embedded on the Philippine archipelago. This can help Google Map users who want to donate relief items or money to the closest relief station. Aside from this, Google Maps could also be used to look for a missing person in times of crisis. This can be done using the Google Person Finder, wherein Google provides an open platform to let people know who they are looking for and to put updates on missing people. With these features, Google has transformed itself into a portable “emergency hotline.”

      

          I also learned that Google Maps is very useful for business. It is said in the talk that 30% of the people looking for places might actually be looking for business. So with Google Maps, you can have potential customers brought to you immediately. It tells customers where you are and how to find you. Now imagine having a small cupcake shop in a big city with a hundred other business establishments. How can you “shine” amongst the other establishments? The Google Map Maker may solve this problem. With this, you can input the location of your shop on the Google Map. Soon enough, customers would be knocking on the door of your cupcake shop. If ever I would build a shop, I'd make sure it's input on Google Maps.

Talk on "Google Maps for Business" at GDAYSX Philippines

           Another way to expand your business is through blogging. I have always seen blogging for personal use, since it is a common outlet for expressing thoughts and feelings. But of course, it could also be used for selling items and showcasing establishments such as restaurants, shops, etc. According to the talk, studies show that 60% of businesses who blog acquire more customers. With blogging, you can share timely info about your establishment, and you can connect and engage with customers more efficiently. Thanks to the internet, blogging has become the heart of marketing. One way or another, it could actually be a businessman’s “best friend.”

            Everything we learned on the seminar is helpful for our future as students. We could utilize Google maps in times of crisis, and when we want to undertake business. Aside from personal use, we could also use blogging for an easy and creative way of advertising and expanding our business. With these ways provided by the escalating technology, our business-oriented lives would be much easier.

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