Shaping the Future of the Internet: Google & Interactive Advertising Bureau’s Internet for Growth Publisher Meetup by Elisa Schmitz

When your friends at Google invite you to their super-cool offices, you know you’re going to have a good day. But the Google and Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) Internet for Growth Publisher Meetup was even better than I anticipated. I had an absolute blast and learned so much, and I want to share the experience with you.

The meetup was a day-long event at Google’s downtown Chicago office. The intimate group of just 15 publishers created a tight-knit community where we could connect with other creators, share learnings and insights with our peers, and discover why our voices and stories are critical to shaping the future of the internet.

The event was hosted in partnership with Internet for Growth, an independent coalition led by the IAB to help elevate ad-supported small businesses in the U.S. The IAB “empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership comprises more than 700 leading media companies, brands, agencies, and the technology firms responsible for selling, delivering, and optimizing digital ad marketing campaigns.”

Internet for Growth “supports the transformative role the advertising-supported internet plays in empowering America’s small businesses, helping entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life.”

I’ve spent most of my career building online businesses and communities, so helping to ensure the continued growth and success of my industry is a top priority. That’s why I am grateful to Google and the IAB for shining a light on publishers like me and investing in our future.

Part of that investment was hosting a day for publishers to come together in a fun and inspiring environment. With activities like story-telling workshops (where we created our own “six-word memoirs”), and reader engagement workshops (where we learned best practices for delivering the best user experience), we took a deep dive into improving our messaging and value proposition – keeping our readers top of mind. Google also provided a custom audit of each publisher’s website, so we can improve and grow.

Other memorable moments include enjoying lunch at the Google employee cafeteria; taking in the Chicago skyline from Google’s rooftop deck overlooking the city; enjoying a break in an actual Chicago “el” train car Google repurposed into a relaxing lounge; having new headshots taken; and getting to know the amazing team of Googlers and publishers that make up part of this thriving ecosystem.

Oh, and I can’t forget the swag! Each publisher received a Google tote bag and a custom hat personalized with their site’s URL. I think Google and 30Seconds look pretty good together!

30Seconds is one of many American businesses that used the internet to connect with customers in 2021. According to a poll conducted by The Data Catalyst Institute (DCI), in partnership with the Connected Commerce Council from November 29 to December 9, 2021, 92 percent of U.S.-based small business owners indicated that digital tools have been helpful for them to engage with customers, with 87 percent using digital tools to find new customers.

Proud to have been selected to represent the State of Illinois in Google's 13th annual Economic Impact Report, we’re honored that 30Seconds was included in this exhilarating experience, and we’re thrilled and grateful to be part of this thriving publisher community. I walked away with even more determination to continue growing 30Seconds using digital tools, so we can make life better for even more people globally.

Thank you, Google and IAB, for bringing us all together to grow our businesses and relationships. With trusted business partners like you, we're excited to continue to grow and thrive!

You can visit my author website at ElisaSchmitz.com, and learn more about my book on achieving career and life success at BecomeTheFire.com.

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