How to Update Your Google My Business Listings for COVID-19

As a healthcare marketer, you need to get up-to-date information to consumers about facility hours, policies, restrictions, and alternative care options. Google My Business should be an important part of your communication plan.

We’ve compiled some ways to take advantage of features in Google My Business to make sure your patients can easily find the latest information about your healthcare organization and locations. In the video above, I walk through exactly where and how to make those updates.

It’s important to update your Google My Business listings on a location by location basis to provide the most accurate information to your community during this time.

1. First of all, Change your business hours, if necessary.
   If your hours have changed, update the times when you’ll be open or closed. The hours will show when the customer visits your Business Profile, and they’ll know exactly when, or if, to visit.
2. Double-check your phone number
   Make sure your phone number is correct so that patients can reach you. One thing to note is that changes may not immediately be available on Google Search and Maps, as Google may review your changes for quality before publishing them.
3. Manage your information within the business description.
   Explain whether or not your business operations are affected by COVID-19. You can share information about any extra precautions your hospital is taking or if you’re providing any extra services to the community. This could be a good place to encourage the use of eVisit or telehealth options to keep some patients out of the facilities.
4. Create a Google post.
   This a feature you may not be familiar with — Google Posts are a great way to share more detailed and timely updates about what’s going on with your facility. For example, add information about visitor or screening policies, and link to other resources. You can continue to use Posts to communicate directly with your community on a regular basis. Do note that Google Posts only remain active for seven days, so be sure to continually update or re-post as time goes on.

That’s all it takes! By making a few simple updates you’ll be able to get accurate and up-to-date information in front of searchers, reduce call volumes, and prevent frustration from patients and families.

How to Update Your Google My Business Listings for COVID-19 - Geonetric

KELLY COLLINS

Digital Marketing Coordinator

The original version of this page was published at:  https://www.geonetric.com/seo/google-my-business-covid-19/