Google My Business - New feature for Covid 19

 

Google has rolled out a new feature where businesses can ask for the financial support of their customers via gift card purchases or donations.

Utilizing the COVID-19 Support feature in the posts section of the GMB back end, owners can create a post that includes gift card and/or donation links for customers accompanied by a short message from the business.

As of June 2020, Google supports the following providers: for gift card purchases, the business website, Square, Toast, Vagaro and Clover; for donations, GoFundMe and PayPal. To be eligible for use of this feature, the business must have a physical storefront and the GMB listing must have been verified by March 1st, 2020.

COVID-19 Scheduling, Hours and Posts

With social distancing requirements changing the way we do business; many businesses have adjusted their business operations and hours. Google has revamped existing features and added new ones to allow business owners to share these changes with their customers. In the back end of Google My Business, listing managers are invited to update their online estimate links and business hours and add a COVID-19 post. 

The Online Estimate feature draws attention to the Appointment Links section of the listing. If your business already makes use of the Appointment Link feature, selecting the Online Estimate button will autofill your existing Appointment Link URL. If your business does not already have an Appointment Link, you are prompted to one to the appropriate page on your website. 

Business hours can be updated in three locations in the GMB back end, normal business hours, special hours (for holidays, etc.) and under the newest feature – More Hours. The More Hours section provides space for a business to describe business operations such as delivery, takeout, and drive-through. For restaurants, the main dining services may be closed, but making use of the More Hours section alerts customers of these socially distant services.