Google rolls out new GMB features & attributes to support businesses

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses have had to adapt to new ways of operating. In response, Google has launched several new Google My Business (GMB) features and attributes to support these changes.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the latest GMB features and attributes and discuss how they can help businesses succeed in these challenging times.

New GMB Features & Attributes

Google has rolled out several new features and attributes to help businesses communicate changes in their services, hours, and operations during the pandemic. Here are some of the most recent additions:

1. Online Classes

With many schools and educational institutions closed, businesses that offer online classes can now add this feature to their GMB listing. This is particularly useful for fitness studios, dance schools, and language centers that have transitioned to online classes.

2. Online Appointments

Many businesses, such as salons and medical clinics, have shifted to online appointments to reduce physical contact. GMB now allows businesses to add an online appointment booking feature to their listing.

3. Online Estimates

Businesses that offer services like home repairs, landscaping, and pest control can now provide online estimates through their GMB listing. This feature can help businesses reduce physical contact while still providing essential services.

4. Online Service Bookings

Similar to online appointments, businesses that offer services like car rentals or pet grooming can now allow customers to book services online through their GMB listing.

5. Temporarily Closed

Businesses that have had to close temporarily due to the pandemic can now indicate this on their GMB listing. This helps customers stay informed about the status of the business and reduces confusion.

6. Secondary Hours

Some businesses, such as grocery stores or pharmacies, have implemented special hours for vulnerable populations or essential workers. GMB now allows businesses to add secondary hours to their listing to reflect these changes.

7. COVID-19 Posts

Businesses can now add posts to their GMB listing to communicate COVID-19-related updates, such as changes in hours, services, or safety measures.

8. Curbside Pickup

To facilitate contactless pickup, businesses can now add curbside pickup as an attribute to their GMB listing. This feature is particularly useful for restaurants and retail stores.

9. No Contact Delivery

Similar to curbside pickup, businesses can now indicate that they offer no-contact delivery on their GMB listing. This is particularly useful for food delivery services or businesses that offer home delivery.

10. Dine-In

As restaurants reopen, they can now indicate whether they offer dine-in service on their GMB listing. This helps customers make informed decisions about where to eat.

11. Support Links

Finally, GMB now allows businesses to add support links to their listing. This can include links to a business’s website, online store, or social media channels.

What You Should Do Next

If you haven’t already, it’s important to login to your GMB account and check whether all of these new features and attributes are available for your industry. Adding these features to your listing can help you communicate changes in your operations and services, which is particularly important during the pandemic.

If you need any assistance with updating your GMB listing, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a marketing professional who can help you navigate these changes.

Conclusion

As businesses adapt to the challenges of the pandemic, it’s important to stay informed about new features and tools that can help you succeed. By taking advantage of Google’s new GMB features and attributes, you can communicate changes in your services and operations to your customers and help them make informed decisions about how and where to do business with you. From online appointments to curbside pickup, these features are designed to help businesses navigate the pandemic and thrive in the new normal.

As always, it’s important to stay on top of these changes and make the most of the tools available to you. By taking a proactive approach to updating your GMB listing and communicating with your customers, you can build trust and loyalty in these challenging times.

So why not take a few minutes today to check your GMB listing and see how you can take advantage of these new features and attributes? It could make all the difference in helping your business succeed in the months ahead.

FAQs

What is Google My Business (GMB)?
Google My Business is a free tool that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including search and maps.

Why are these new GMB features and attributes important?
These new features and attributes are designed to help businesses communicate changes in their operations and services during the pandemic.

How can I add these features to my GMB listing?
To add these features, simply login to your GMB account and update your listing with the relevant information.

Are these features available in all countries?
Google is rolling out these features globally, but availability may vary depending on your location and industry.

Can I get help with updating my GMB listing?
Yes, you can get help from a marketing professional who can assist you with updating your GMB listing and navigating these changes.