As cities and economies reopen, people are looking for new ways to support their favorite local businesses. Two days before Day SME International marked on the 27th of June we have compiled 5 simple tips on Google Maps to help small businesses during the pandemic.
1. Report a place as reopened and add useful information
Small business owners may not yet have the time or resources to update their information online. If you know that a business has reopened to the public but remains marked closed on Google Maps or Search, you can report that it has already reopened.
Just click on the “Temporarily closed” tab that appears and choose the option “suggest an update” to let us know that the business has reopened. And for businesses that reopened at different times, you can also submit updates with the new opening hours.
2. Spread the word with reviews, ratings, and photos
Share your experience. Writing about the takeaway experience you had at that restaurant or adding photographs of the menu or dish you ordered to your review can help businesses you like to attract more customers.
3. Buy a gift card or make a donation
If the user has the means, buy a gift card or make a donation to help companies in their community. Doing this gives business owners the funds to support employees, assuring them that they will have their business in the future.
Not sure who needs support? If the user is in the U.S., UK, or Canada, just type “support local businesses” or a similar term in Google Search to see a list of businesses in your area that accepts donations or offer gift cards. If you’re in a large metropolitan area (like London or New York) by June 27, you can also click on the Google Maps app banner on your phone to find businesses near you looking for support.
Now companies from more than 20 countries can set up gift cards or donation campaigns through Google My Business.
4. Make a reservation for an upcoming appointment
Lost reservations and services rendered are understandable today but can be worrisome for local business people and employees. Consider rescheduling services and appointments to a future date to ensure that local merchants maintain their business. Many spaces and businesses accept bookings and reservations directly from Search or Google Maps.
5. Orders or deliveries
Many restaurants and bars that are closed for meals have take-away services. If the user is not in the mood to cook, go to one of the restaurants near him. Use Google Maps to find the restaurants and find out what services are available, such as takeaway service or another service that does not have contact with each other.
