In the wake of COVID-19, it’s no secret that local businesses have been hit hard. However, Google has stepped up its game, rolling out new features designed to help businesses not only recover but thrive. If you’re in the local marketing scene, you’ll want to pay close attention to what’s coming down the pipeline.
A New Chapter for Local Businesses
Google's recent announcement is their most substantial response to the pandemic's real-world impact on local brick-and-mortar stores. The tech giant has unveiled a series of updated features under the banner "Helping businesses and nonprofits recover," aimed at easing the transition back to business as usual. As they put it, "In times like these, providing under-resourced local businesses with free tools to increase their visibility can hardly be a bad thing."
International Small Business Week
Google has designated June 22nd to June 27th as International Small Business Week, a time dedicated to celebrating small businesses. Although it might not be groundbreaking news for those in the U.S. (National Small Business Week already exists), this initiative highlights the importance of local businesses worldwide.
As Google states, “This week provides an opportunity to celebrate the small, local businesses that are cornerstones of communities and economies across the globe.” So, as we gather to support our local favorites, let’s acknowledge the resilience and adaptability these businesses have shown during turbulent times.
New Tools to Help You Shine
Let’s break down the new features you can leverage to give your business a visibility boost:
Shopping Tab Enhancements: Google is integrating local store information directly into the Shopping tab. This means that customers can now see product availability, store locations, and options like dine-in or curbside pickup at a glance.
Local Service Ads: Remember those pesky back-and-forth messages? Google’s updated Local Service Ads now allow users to book appointments directly. For businesses to enable this feature, they need to partner with one of Google’s booking partners and be part of the consumer protection program.
Smart Campaigns Expansion: Google is expanding its Smart Campaigns to 150 countries, making it easier for under-resourced businesses to set up ad campaigns. “Smart campaigns are about simplifying the advertising experience,” and now they’ll include free promoted pins on Google Maps, giving businesses more visibility without the associated costs.
Grow My Store Report: This tool will help businesses boost their online and in-store success rates with a comprehensive report. From website scores to customer service evaluations, the Grow My Store report gives you insights into your performance and industry benchmarks.
What’s the Industry Saying?
While the local SEO community has been relatively quiet on these updates, the general sentiment is one of cautious optimism. Google’s push for increased visibility through free tools is welcomed, especially in these challenging times. However, there’s also a sense of apprehension regarding whether these features might dilute the role of marketing agencies in the long run.
What’s Next?
As a local business owner, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with these new features. While they may not change your life overnight, running a Grow My Store report could provide valuable insights to elevate your online presence. It’s all about adapting to the new normal and leveraging every tool at your disposal.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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