A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing a Google Implementation Partner

Choosing a Google implementation partner can be a critical decision for your business. The right partner can help you leverage Google's technologies to the fullest, while the wrong one can lead to wasted time, resources, and opportunities.

This guide gives you guiding questions to help you make the best choice.

When do you plan to start your Google technology implementation?

Identifying your implementation timeline can help you align with partners that can meet your schedule. Whether you're looking to start immediately or in the next six months, make sure your partner is ready and capable of starting when you need them to.

How comfortable is your team with adopting new technologies?

Understanding your team's comfort level with new technologies helps identify what kind of support, training, and resources you need from your implementation partner.

What level of customization do you expect from your Google implementation partner?

Consider whether you're looking for out-of-the-box, moderately customized, or fully custom-built solutions. This will determine the type of partner you need - one that is flexible and can tailor their services to your unique needs or is adept at using Google's default settings.

What industry does your business belong to?

Your industry may impact the type of partner you need; some may have particular experience or specialization in certain fields.

What are your previous experiences with implementation partners?

Your past experiences can inform what you should look for or avoid in future partnerships.

What is the scale of the Google technology implementation you're considering?

Whether your implementation is departmental or multinational, ensure your partner has experience with projects of a similar scale.

How will you handle change management during the implementation process?

Identifying who will be responsible for managing changes during the implementation process can help determine what kind of support you need from your partner.

How important is cultural fit with your Google implementation partner?

Consider how much value you place on having a partner with a similar organizational culture.

What is your expected timeline for the Google technology implementation?

Your timeline can influence the type of partner you choose — one that can work quickly and efficiently or can support longer-term projects.

Which additional Google products are you considering for future implementation?

If you plan to use more Google products in the future, a partner experienced with those products can be a valuable asset.

Do you expect post-implementation support from your Google partner?

This can help you understand what type of contract or arrangement you might need with your partner.

How crucial is a successful implementation portfolio for your Google partner?

Knowing how much you value a partner's previous success can guide your selection process.

Would you prefer a Google implementation partner with a broad or narrow focus on Google's product suite?

Your preference here can help you identify whether you need a partner specialized in one product or one with a wide range of expertise.

What is your organization's expected growth over the next year?

Your growth prospects can impact the type of partner you need, such as one that can scale with you or support a stable environment.

How do you prefer to communicate with your Google implementation partner?

Your communication preference can influence the kind of working relationship you'll have with your partner. Do you prefer in-person meetings, Slack, video calls, or email?

Make sure you define your preference (as a group) and see if the partner can accommodate you.

How do you define success for the Google technology implementation?

Understanding your success criteria can help your partner meet or exceed your expectations.

How would you like your Google implementation partner to handle project management?

Knowing how you want your partner to manage the project can ensure alignment in approach and expectations. Do you prefer spreadsheets or project management software like Asana, Jira, ClickUp, or Trello?

Are you considering other implementation partners aside from Google?

Other potential partners could influence your decision-making process and the characteristics you seek in a Google partner.

Do you expect your Google implementation partner to provide strategic business advice beyond technical implementation?

If you want more than just technical assistance from your partner, ensure they have the skills and expertise to provide strategic advice. Look for advisory services and choose a partner who knows your industry and use cases and is invested in your success.

How would you like the cost structure of the implementation to be?

Understanding your budget and how you want to structure payment can help you find a partner that fits your financial needs.

What's your primary reason for considering a Google implementation partner?

Identifying your main reason for needing a partner can help you focus on finding one that excels in that area. Make sure you involve project stakeholders and clearly articulate the need.

Which Google product(s) are you primarily interested in implementing?

Your product interests can guide you toward a partner specializing in those products. Make a list of them and expand on your "why."

How would you rate your company's current knowledge and skill set around Google's technology?

Your skill level can help you determine what kind of training, support, and resources you might need from your partner.

If you're adept at Google tech, you may not need managed services or a partner who will take extra steps to ensure your teams adopt your new tools.

What kind of services do you expect from a Google implementation partner?

Defining your expected services can ensure your partner can meet all your needs. What are you looking to do?

Assess your teams' skills, current friction points, and where an implementation partner can drive the most value.

If you're not sure, set up a discovery session to help gain clarity of purpose.

How important is the location of your Google implementation partner?

Your location preference can influence your selection process, particularly regarding time zone and potential in-person meetings.

What is your expected budget for a Google implementation partner?

Knowing your budget can help you find a partner that delivers the right balance of cost and value. However, be sure to do your homework and ensure the partner you work with can deliver to avoid unplanned costs and scope creep.

How important is industry-specific experience for your Google implementation partner?

If you value industry-specific experience, you'll want a partner who understands the nuances and demands of your field.

How would you like to engage with your Google implementation partner?

Your preferred engagement style can guide the kind of relationship you'll have with your partner, whether that's on-demand, project-based, long-term, or full-time.

What is the main outcome you hope to achieve by working with a Google implementation partner?

Having clear goals for what you hope to achieve with your partner can help ensure your partner can deliver those results. This is probably the MOST important step. Don't skimp on answering this question. Involve the right stakeholders and be sure you're clear and in alignment.

What size is your organization?

You may want to find a partner experienced with businesses of your size on a similar scale.

Next steps

By considering these questions, you'll be well-prepared to choose the right Google implementation partner for your unique business needs and goals. Need a stellar Google partner? Check us out.