Wayne and Jessica's Visit and Training at Google Headquarters (Googleplex)

Google. It’s the quirky little word that has forever changed the way we use the Internet. As the preferred search engine for 65% of all web users, the term Google is synonymous with search - with an estimated 34,000 searches performed on the engine each second. However, as the primary information resource for users across the globe, Google is far more than just a search engine; the term has become an international verb for surfing the web in general. People no longer look information up online; rather, they “Google” it.

Today, more and more users are turning to Google for information. From researching a topic to getting directions, the engine has become a trusted resource for practically any and everything. Instead of flipping through a phone book, people now go online when they need to find a home improvement contractor or are looking for a new dentist, doctor, or lawyer. Understandably, this has upped the ante for businesses, requiring them to maintain a strong online presence in order to attract new customers - and Electric Lemonade offers one clear advantage when it comes to helping their clients increase their visibility on Google.

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Electric Lemonade’s founder, Wayne Shifflett, along with Jessica Saras, one of Electric Lemonade’s talented copywriters, had the opportunity to peek behind the magic curtain at Google, training on location at the Google headquarters in Mountain View, California (also known as the “Googleplex”). Over the course of several days, both learned valuable search engine optimization (SEO) strategies and tips from the leader of the industry itself.

In addition to receiving valuable insight on Google’s best practices, Wayne and Jessica also got a chance to explore the Googleplex itself—giving them a behind-the-scenes look at a location few others have seen!

With its campus-like environment, the Googleplex is definitely not your average corporate headquarters. Sprawled across more than 26 acres of prime California real estate, the Google facilities consist of several contemporary buildings surrounded by greenspace filled with trails, fountains, and walkways, as well as the occasional swimming pool or sand volleyball court. Yes, you read that right—Google offers a number of diverse outdoor activities that employees can participate in during daily breaks.

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As impressive as the Google’s grounds may be, the company’s most amazing features are found within the walls of the Googleplex facilities. Step into the lobby and you’ll find employees lounging beneath a gigantic electronic marquee that shows search queries as they are being conducted in real-time (on a side note, the most popular search terms during this trip appeared to be “Google,” “Britney Spears,” and “Yahoo”). Not far from this area, you’ll spot the grand piano that’s available for your musical entertainment needs, as well as the “Idea Board,” a massive dry-erase wall where employees can jot down their latest thoughts and concepts for future products (one of the many eye-catching designs included a blueprint for the Google spaceship and many other amazing ideas.

Of course, there are even more options available once you actually make it past the Googleplex lobby. A number of employee lounges can be found around every corner—complete with pool and foosball tables, as well as free snacks and drinks. Speaking of food, Google employees receive three complimentary meals per day—and they’re not your standard cafeteria items, either. Eighteen gourmet restaurants are available for the employees’ culinary requirements, with a variety of options available for even the pickiest eater.

From ethnic dishes to sushi to steaks made to order, the Google menu features only the best ingredients and uses fresh, organic foods to ensure meals are not only delicious, but also healthy and nutritious. To get a better idea of the type of dishes available, Jessica dined on filet while Wayne enjoyed Chinese food during their time at Googleplex. And to remain hydrated, there’s also a diverse selection of drinks available, with everything from standard beverages like tea, coffee, soda, and bottled water to exotic fruit juices and fresh coconut milk.

Free food, fun games, and beautiful scenery—what more could you ask for? How about professional massages, subsidized by Google? Or discounted haircuts? Just take a walk down the hall. There’s even a dry cleaning service onsite, and you need only step outside for a professional car wash. From the company’s on-premise doctor to its bike repair shop, the Googleplex has pretty much everything their employees could ever want or need—and they don’t ever have to leave the campus to take advantage of all the company’s benefits…come to think of it, maybe that’s the real reason behind Google’s amazing success!