Google launched the Google My Business (GMB) COVID post at the end of March as a reaction to many businesses changing how they operate during the pandemic. Here are tips on how to create your first GMB COVID post.
By Nikki Brown, Local SEO Analyst & Account Manager
Do you have a Google My Business (GMB) Account and Profile? If not, you should really consider it: your free Business Profile allows you to post services, offers, and events directly to Google Search and Google Maps.
Google launched the GMB COVID post at the end of March as a reaction to many businesses changing how they operate during the pandemic. The GMB COVID posts last longer than the usual posts, which only last seven days.
How to Create a GMB COVID Post
You can create a COVID post directly from the posts tab within the Google My Business dashboard. It doesn’t allow you to add a photo like a regular post because it displays differently in the Knowledge Panel. After you sign in to GMB, click Posts, then choose the “COVID-19 update” tab. When you’re happy with your post, click “Publish.”
Where to See Your GMB COVID Post
COVID posts originally only displayed in the Knowledge Panel on mobile but Google recently added them to desktop searches as well. They display much higher on the page than the usual post, making them much more visible to users so they can clearly see how your business is operating during these times.
| Mobile GMB COVID Post | Desktop GMB COVID Post |
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Tips for Family Lawyers on Creating GMB COVID Posts
Since it is still safer for most family lawyers to physical distance and/or work remotely than to come into brick-and-mortar offices, most law firms are currently operating virtually – although some have created policies for meeting clients in-person at designated times and places. For that reason, it’s important to let your clients (and future clients) know what you’re doing to help keep your staff and clients safe. Use these posts to make your clients feel comfortable doing business with you during these uncertain times.
Use the GMB COVID posts to tell clients and prospective clients about:
- Any closures or reduced hours.
- In-office safety and hygiene practices.
- Online consultations (availability and how to book).
- Phone consultations (availability and how to book).
- Any special offers for those who have lost jobs due to COVID.
- Any other ways COVID has changed how your business functions.
For more information on how to create a COVID post on Google My Business, visit Google’s support page for COVID posts.
Nikki Brown is a Local SEO Analyst & Account Manager at Canadian SEO agency Sterling Sky. Working in the Local SEO industry since early 2014, Nikki is passionate about helping small businesses and uses her ever-growing knowledge of the industry to help them succeed. She has a Business Management degree from Ryerson University, where she majored in Marketing. www.sterlingsky.ca
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