How Google Digital Garage sparked fresh ideas for this media entrepreneur

Louise Chandler spent more than a decade as a journalist and broadcaster for organisations including the BBC.

But when a downturn in the economy caused work to dry up, she saw an opportunity to pivot. She launched her company Soundbite Media in 2016.

"I went from being the person behind the mic to helping business owners get their voice heard," she explains.

Louise's business focuses on helping entrepreneurs, thought leaders and small businesses communicate clearly and confidently through media, PR and marketing.

Whether it's refining messaging, building visibility or crafting campaigns, her mission is to empower clients to connect meaningfully with their audiences.

Louise's challenge – making time to stay current

Running a business solo has its perks, but it also comes with pressure. Like many entrepreneurs, Louise wears a number of different hats, and staying on top of the latest tools, trends and strategies is easier said than done.

She explains:

"Your business is only as good as the innovation and energy you put into it. And if you don't take time to upskill and train and develop yourself, your business will stagnate."

While online training can be helpful, Louise missed the dynamic of in-person learning – connecting face-to-face with other people, stepping away from the screen and engaging with experts directly.

So when she saw an in-person Google Digital Garage session happening just 30 minutes from home in Reading, she signed up immediately.

A full day of learning and real-world tools

Louise attended four Digital Garage workshops in one day, covering:

• AI and Google's Gemini tools

• marketing strategy and business visibility

• Google search and SEO

• problem-solving like a consultant

The sessions were interconnected, and Louise found real value in how each topic built on the others to create a cohesive and practical learning experience.

"I did all four workshops throughout the day. I thought they had a really good synergy in that you could do them separately, but if you did all four together like I did, they linked well to build up a strong programme of knowledge."

Key takeaways that made an immediate impact

Three big insights stood out for Louise:

1. Website strategy and SEO: She was in the process of updating her website, and the session on Google visibility reminded her just how important technical factors like page speed, SEO and user experience are – not just to search engines but to the customer journey.

2. AI support with Gemini and NotebookLM: Louise had dabbled in AI before, but the live demos of Gemini and NotebookLM helped her understand how to use them to streamline tasks, generate content ideas and boost productivity.

3. AI as a creative partner, not a replacement: What really resonated with Louise was the idea that AI is there to complement, not replace, human skills. "That balance matters in my line of work," she says.

Applying the learning – from ideas to action

One of the most immediate changes Louise made after the event was to her process for creating content.

"Before, I'd face the blank page and just feel stuck. Now, I use Gemini to flesh out my ideas and give them more detail. It gets me past that blank-page moment and helps me think about topics more broadly and shape content in my voice."

She's also considering working with a web designer to implement some best practices around SEO, using her Digital Garage notes as a reference to make informed decisions about how her new site will perform – not just look.

An unexpected surprise – generosity and connection

But ultimately what stood out most for Louise was the quality of the Google trainers and the approachability of the sessions.

She explains:

"The generosity of time and effort was a surprise. I was really impressed with the trainers – they were friendly, approachable and relatable, and explained things in an easy-to-understand and practical way."

She also connected with fellow attendees and trainers, swapping LinkedIn details and expanding her network – something she values deeply as a community-focused business owner.

Why Louise recommends it to other business owners

Louise is already a champion of the programme, sharing it across her WhatsApp groups and business communities before and after attending.

"Whatever stage you're at with your business – whether you've been running it for a long time, a short time or you're just about to start – this is a good opportunity to stop, pause, reflect and learn. And figure out where you want your business to go in the next six to 12 months.

"What have you got to lose? I know time is precious, but it's a valuable resource and opportunity that you would be silly to miss really.

"Everyone I spoke to during the session felt invigorated and inspired, and all had gained some new information that they could use right away."

Ready to grow your business? Join a Google Digital Garage event near you and unlock the tools, insights and skills that are helping entrepreneurs like Louise to adapt, grow, and thrive – no matter the season.

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