We know that consumers are spending more time online than ever before. Are you keeping up with your Google My Business listing to ensure all of your public store information is up-to-date? Maybe you have multiple store fronts, and only a few are still open right now. How are you making your customers aware? We can help you update messaging on your website, but sometimes, your customer doesn’t even make it that far. So here are the top four tips for making sure your Google My Business listing is current.
- Mark Locations as Temporarily Closed
Google is now allowing business listings to be marked as Temporarily Closed. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, the only option Google offered was to mark your store as Permanently Closed, and that just isn’t the only option anymore.
If you have multiple locations and some are still open, you can individually select only the stores that are currently closed. Learn how here.
- Change Your Business Hours
Have your store hours changed due to social distancing? Maybe your hours are longer to accommodate multiple appointments that are spaced out during the day, or maybe you have shortened hours because you know people just aren’t leaving their homes.
Whatever the case, if your hours have changed, you can and should edit the hours you’re open and available so your customers know when they can reach you. Learn how here.
- Manage Your Information
You are in control of the information that’s on your Google My Business listing, and not just the standard hours and location info. There is an information section where you’re able to let customers know important details about your business up front. Let them know what items you sell or whether you offer fast delivery or no-contact curbside pickup. You have 750 characters to say just what you need to. Learn how here.
- Create a Post
Google recently created a new post type for COVID-19 updates. Share a post to your business listing to give your customers more detailed information such as:
- Changes to how the business operates, such as appointment only, call for details, or others
- Updates to how the location is being managed as it relates to safety and hygiene
- Requests for support
Keep in mind, there are a few delays and restrictions right now due to the overwhelming amount of responses Google is receiving. Currently, we are seeing major delays in business information edits, newly created listings, claims and verifications. In addition, new reviews, new review replies, new short names, all videos and all Q & A is unavailable right now. If you have questions or need help navigating your business listing, always feel free to reach out to our team for help!
