Starting this morning, March 25th, 2020, Google My Business, or as I like to refer to it: My SEO Overlord, added a new COVID-19 Update feature for businesses.

The reason why this is so important and why you should utilize this is because GMB is streamlining their services to make it easier and more effective to update clients in this way. Last week when one of my clients had to update their customers on changes in the office, I had to set special hours in GMB, make a GMB post/update, and more.

This update will show as an alert and will take precedent over other material in your GMB system, whether viewing in Maps, Search or business Profile, this update will be front and center, making it easier and more effective to reach your client-base.

We also want to make sure we are using everything that GMB has to offer, why you might ask? the answer is simple, Google is king, Google controls the internet, and Google My Business is really becoming more effective and important for SEO than an actual website. All hail our Google Overlords, bow down to the Search Engine Ruler, muwhahahaha.

Sorry. I have been indoors in isolation WAY too long.

So how do I do it?

Start by accessing you GMB account and click the “Posts” tab on the left hand side of the platform. You’ll notice that in the posts screen there is now a COVID-19 Update option next to Offers. You will click this to bring up the post widget.

Next you’ll be presented with a post form to fill out. Complete your update and be sure to include a thank you to customers, updates on the status of your business and contact info. I suggest using the call now option on all these posts so that your customers will be reaching out directly, unless you are offering a discount or service that will require a link.