By Logan B. Anderson

For many, Google’s worth as the world’s most popular search engine is priceless – but for Delaware businesses in 2021, its impact was valued at $5.15 billion, according to a report released this month.

Google Inc. is an American worldwide technology company that does a lot more than help you find out what happened to a long-lost friend or how to cook an egg — it is a company that also focuses on artificial intelligence, online advertising, cloud computing, computer software, quantum computing, e-commerce and consumer electronics.

According to this year’s economic impact review, many of Google’s different divisions provided more than $5 billion in economic activity for thousands of Delaware businesses, nonprofits, publishers, creators, and developers.

On April 13, the internet giant released a study of its economic impact on Delaware. The report is part of an annual review Google conducts on its presence in all 50 states.

The study details that Delaware businesses received thousands of requests for directions, phone calls, bookings, reviews and other direct connections to their customers through Google in 2021.

Google’s reach and impact has grown through the years.

In 2009, the company estimated its economic impact was about $159 million. In 2015, Google influenced the Delaware economy by $716 million. Seven years later, that number has grown to $5.15 billion.

An example of a business that is savoring Google’s help, is Bridgeville-based Frozen Farmer, part of Evans Farm Produce.
Joseph and Rebecca Evans established Evans Farms in 1943. Since that time, the farm has seen changes in technology, crop production and how it connects its harvests with customers. The farm has stayed in the Evans family since the beginning. In 2005, Kevin Evans became the sole owner and operator of the farm business.

Mr. Evans has help from his wife, Katey Jo Evans. Ms. Evans, with the help of her mother, Jo Ellen Algier, added an entirely new and successful business to the family’s crop.

In 2015, Ms. Evans noticed that not all of the fruit and produce the farm raised was going to the produce stand for sale. The “misfit” fruits and vegetables were fine, but they didn’t look good enough to make it to the sales floor. Concerned with wasting edible and tasty produce, she went looking for another way to use those misfits.

Remembering how she used to make ice cream at home with her mother — that is what she decided to do. So, with the help of her mother, the duo launched Frozen Farmer creamery at the farm’s produce stand.

The business started to take off.

Part of Google’s report, Ms. Evans said Frozen Farmer used many Google products and services to help her business grow. The ice cream venture utilized Google Workspace products like Docs and Sheets to share ideas and data in real time with their harvest and logistics teams to keep the operation running smoothly.
In 2020, the creamery saw a sharp increase in business when it was featured on the reality television show “Shark Tank.”

To capitalize on the exposure fr, Ms. Evans turned to Google Ads.
In 2021, according to the report, Frozen Farmer saw both dollar and unit sales jump 2,100%.

To track her business’ growth data, Ms. Evans uses Google Analytics.

“It’s a matter of gaining brand recognition and product recognition. We raise awareness with Google Ads, and we ultimately gain loyal customers,” Ms. Evans said.

Another Delaware business Google has helped is Newark-based Greene House Scents.

In 2018, Kemeshia Greene was already very busy, but she decided to add entrepreneur to her list of titles which included wife, mother, full-time flight nurse in the Delaware National Guard, and part-time oncology nurse at the University of Pennsylvania.

“One day I bought my daughter a candle-making kit and I’m the one that got hooked,” Ms. Greene said.

Four years ago, she launched Greene House Scents, an online, made-to-order candle business.

In 2019, Ms. Greene started using Google Ads to draw traffic to her online business’ website.

“I know Google Ads helps tremendously, because when I drop the budget, sales go down, and when I raise it, they almost immediately go up,” said Ms. Greene.

During the COVID-19-related lockdown, Google Ads helped Greene House Scents reach customers across the country that wanted to buy candles to make their homes smell better.
According to the report, Google’s impact wasn’t just felt by companies and entrepreneurs.

The tech firm’s Google Career Certificates are helping people learn digital skills so they can connect with others online and potentially find better employment opportunities. No degree experience is required for students to learn and add the certificates to their resumes.

The Grow with Google initiative partnered with 40 organizations to train tens of thousands of Delawareans on digital skills, including public libraries, chambers of commerce, community colleges and more.

According to the April 13 study released by Google, the company also provided $2.93 million worth of free advertising to Delaware nonprofits through its Google Ad Grant program.