Google’s New COVID-19 Features
Did you know Google added new COVID-19 related features? Well, keep reading to learn of these new features and how they can help your business during this time!
Google has become a part of our daily and business lives, but unfortunately so has COVID-19. Fortunately, there are many new features Google has implemented during this time to help users view options about their local businesses, stores, and schools. These new features allow businesses to quickly create temporary closure updates that are COVID-19 related, and stay connected with customers and users by messaging right through Google.
Google My Business Profile
If you search for your school in Google you will see a profile come up along with your website. These profiles are called “Google My Business” (GMB) and they can be seen on the right hand side of your search results. GMB profiles are local knowledge panels that allow businesses to share a ton of information like hours, descriptions of services, reviews and ratings, and contact information. New features that have been added for COVID-19 include temporary closures, new operating hours or changes to regular services. Due to school closures across the country, your profile will be a little different than during normal school hours. GMB has implemented an easy way to update your school’s information on your GMB profile to showcase accurate information to viewers. Simply sign into your Google My Business profile – from the menu go to “posts” at the top of the page and select the “COVID-19 update” tab. Here is where you can enter any info you want updated and added for your school’s profile. Preview these updates before hitting publish to ensure the information is correct and it will be live to anyone that searches for your school on Google.
Communicate
The second feature Google has implemented is the ability to communicate with users and customers right through Google. By activating “Google My Business Messaging” you can reach people quickly, or create automatic responses if you are overwhelmed by sharing the same information over and over again. Here you can also promote alternative services such as virtual classes. This transparency and accessibility is important for users and for your school during this time. People will see you’re still here and active although your campus may be temporarily closed.
These are just a few added benefits Google has implemented for businesses during COVID-19. If you use these services correctly, you will jumpstart your business and admissions for the coming school year. Keeping an updated and active profile will show viewers and potential prospects that you’re here for them still, and implementing a messaging system will enable you to connect with them during this time.
