If the COVID-19 virus affected your business adversely it’s a good idea to update your Google Business profile to provide your clients with updates such as hours of operation, service delays, extra services you provide the community as well as if your business is temporarily closed or not. The updates will show on your business profile on Google Search and Maps.

Temporary closures

Google has recently given businesses the option to mark themselves as “temporarily closed”. This does not affect local search engine rankings and the business will be treated similarly to an open business.

Details to be edited and tasks that can be done

1. Change your business hours

If your business hours have changed, update the times when you’ll be open or closed. Your operating hours will show when the customer visits your profile, and they’ll know exactly when to visit your location. 

Tip: If your business is open but has adjusted operating hours during this time, set special hours rather than mark your business “Temporarily closed.” 

2. Add a COVID-19 update post to your profile

Important: Posts that include a phone number may be rejected.

Use the new COVID-19 post type to share more detailed and timely updates about what’s going on at your business. You can add information about:

• Closures or reduced hours
• Safety and hygiene practices
• Availability of gift cards to support your business 

COVID-19 update posts appear prominently on your profile and are more noticeable to your customers. 

3. Connect with your customers

Download the Google My Business app and turn on messaging to help your customers reach you. If you aren’t reachable by phone or it’s after your business hours, messaging can help customers get the support they need. 

Tip: Draft an automatic welcome message to let customers know your business status.

4. Edit your business description

Important: Posts that include a phone number may be rejected.

Use your business description to share information about your business such as:

• If your business is only available for takeout or delivery
• Extra services you provide to the community
• If your business services are delayed

6. Use attributes to highlight dining and shopping options

Dining and shopping businesses have attributes at the top of Business Profiles to inform customers about service availability. This new info will prominently appear on your Business Profile when customers search for your business on Google Maps and Google Search. Supported attributes will have a “✓” and non-supported attributes will have an “X."

Tip: If a business is marked “Temporarily closed,” these attributes for both dining and retail establishments won’t surface on Google Search and Maps. Businesses that offer takeout or delivery options shouldn’t mark the business “Temporarily closed.”

Tip: If a business is marked “Temporarily closed,” attributes for both dining and retail establishments won’t surface on Google Search and Maps. If your business still operates through takeout or delivery, you should not mark it as "Temporarily closed."