The global digital revolution is holding the business world by its reigns. Today, it’s not just about conquering those sales targets; it’s about the bigger picture. It is about the exposure, the reach, creativity and development. The potential that this digitization possesses in the infinite and business world is not backing down from employing it to the best of its capacity. Google being the principal dominator of this pursuit has got a pivotal role to play. With its multiple tools and techniques, it is possible to outstand in the digital game, but the only hindrance is the changes in its features and algorithms. If you do not keep up with these changes there are chances that your online presence will never work. In this blog, we are going to discuss a very peculiar and vital business tool provided by Google, Google My Business and the changes that impacted Google My Business in 2020.

Google my business is a free tool which helps business owners to maintain and manage their presence on Google search results and on Google maps. With it, you can claim your free local business listing and primarily affix details like your business name, location, and working hours. You can also monitor and reply to customer reviews, add photos, learn where and how people are searching for you. The thing is even if you run an old fashioned brick and mortar shop, your customers and prospects are online and if they ever want any information about you or your business, that’s where they’ll typically start their search.

However, in the year 2020, Google actually has been quite busy. In the month of January itself, Google launched new features, fixed some bugs and from March it definitely adapted to the global pandemic. So without any further ado, let’s have a look at these constructive changes.

⦁ COVID-19 features- In the month of March, Google my business allocated an enormous percentage of their support resources to the healthcare providers. They launched specific features to assist businesses and guide them to communicate their state of operation to the customers. For example: - Temporarily closed option was added, disabling photos uploaded by the customers, restriction on the addition of new reviews or any Q&A and encouraged COVID-19 Google post type.

⦁ COVID-19 and Telehealth links- Healthcare providers could update their practice information and list services like telemedicine on Google maps as well as in search. These COVID links not only were useful in communicating new protocols but also drove traffic and conversions to these businesses.

⦁ Food Businesses- The food business was amongst the ones which were severely impacted due to COVID-19. Google provided them with the feature to update their information to the best of accuracy like change in hours of operations, secondary hours of operation and added certain attributes like delivery only, catering, takeout, curbside pickup, and coming soon in-store pickup.

⦁ Report a user- This is my personal favourite feature from Google this year. It now provides the option to a user to flag another user profile. This feature is ideal to report the users who are engaging in publishing fake reviews.

⦁ Support via donation links- Google allowed businesses to post information on help and support. The businesses could now convey to their communities to support them. They could buy a gift card or donate some amount for them which could aid them to survive the pandemic.

⦁ Safety feature on maps-Google Maps was updated to help people who use the app while travelling. They could find routes and times that would make their travel safer. For example- it recommended a less crowded driving route or a commute option which lacked crowd.

⦁ COVID marketing kit- Google added new printable posters and social media post templates that solely focused on revealing business updates.

⦁ Profile update- This change in Google my business allows you to update your business directly from your business profile on Google search and maps.

⦁ Safety attribute- Attributes were being constantly updated in Google since the pandemic. It recently added some more significant ones like mask required, temperature check required. These attributes are effective and powerful as they are highly suitable at multiple places like multiplexes, malls, restaurants etc.

⦁ Preview call history- This is a beta feature launched in October. A call tab is being displayed on the dashboard which contains a comprehensive list of the phone numbers that contacted your business with date and time.

When it comes to Google, changes and updates are something that you cannot predict what they would be but you can absolutely be certain that they are coming. Although, this tumultuous year has a long road to recovery the business must go on. Your customers are there for you and paying attention to your business so the good news is you can still flourish.

Google My Business is one such tremendous tool which is absolutely costless, has the power to generate leads and can improve your ranking in the search results. All you need to do is pay attention to these changes, embrace them and then let them work their wizardry.

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