With Covid-19 having a dramatic impact on businesses all over the world, silicon valley giants have looked to integrate new tools for businesses to use to help them stay afloat during these crazy times. Recently we saw the adoption of Facebook Shops on both Facebook and Instagram. Google has now thrown it’s hat into the ring, announcing brand new tools for businesses which could prove to come in handy for many!
Businesses can now add a place for donations and gift card purchases within their Google My Business profile. Google have partnered with Paypal and GoFundMe to allow businesses to link the donations element to their accounts on these platforms. If businesses would like to promote a gift card, they can direct users to their website or one of Google’s partner platforms.
Google are also making expansions to discover-ability and online bookings. Businesses will soon be able to add tags like “online appointments” to their business profile so that Google users can find businesses operating throughout Covid-19 with ease. There is also an option for businesses to choose both their preferred delivery partner (for example; UberEats, Deliveroo or Menulog) and their method of delivery/pickup. Businesses can add attributes like “curbside pickup” to their listing to keep customers safe and in the know of their operations.
The Google My Business booking feature has been expanded to sync with users’ Google Calendar. Google states that with the new upgrades:
“Customers can quickly find available times, book a slot, and add it to their Google Calendar- all directly from a merchant’s Business Profile.”
In a time when no-show bookings can be even more harmful to businesses, it is crucial that Google added this feature to assist. This feature will also help us all to keep more organised and on top of our bookings.
Business listings are remaining flexible throughout the pandemic. Businesses can share specific Covid-19 post updates on their business, temporarily close their listing until a later date or even set secondary hours within their business listing.
What Are Your Thoughts?
What do you think about these new tools from Google? Will you be using them in your Google My Business listing? If you have any questions about how you can use these new features, you can get in contact with our team by clicking here, or reach us on our Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn pages. We are always more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
You can click here to see the full release from Google.
