Why You Need to Update Your Google My Business Profile Now
Use Your Google Business Profile to Keep Your Customers Updated
COVID-19 has changed the world as we know it. Many people are now working from home, or not working at all, and that means many businesses are closed. Potential clients search Google looking to find out if your law firm is open. Because your Google Business Profile is often the first thing they see; it is very important to ensure your business hours are clear, especially if they have changed.
While Google has suspended a number of features, such as reviews and questions & answer sections for Google Business Profiles, there are still a number of ways you can control what visitors see when it comes to your business.
Update Business Hours
Google is currently making updates to certain business listings if they believe they are closed, however, they would prefer businesses make updates to this information on their own. Whether your office is temporarily closed or your hours have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you should confirm your current hours on your GBP listing to keep searchers informed.
Change Your Phone Number
If you are not going to the office and are taking consultations from your home, it’s important to either forward your calls or update your listing with your mobile or home number. Also, remember to update your voicemail to reflect your new business hours. Doing these things will provide your clients with the confidence that your office is up and running and you are here to help them.
GBP Description
One way to confirm to visitors that your office is open is to add the information to your business description. Simply state you are open for business, taking new clients and, whether your business hours have changed, noting the reason why.
Create Google Posts
Creating posts on your GBP business listing is a great way to keep potential clients updated on the status of your firm. These posts are active for seven days and appear in search results on your Google Business Profile as well as in the maps section. By creating posts, not only can visitors see that your law firm is open, but it is still business as usual.
If your office location is closed, use GBP posts to let visitors know you are still performing consultations over the phone or by video.
New GBP COVID-19 Posts
As of March 24, Google created a new option for law firms to make COVID-19 updates to their business listing. Unlike standards posts, or creating an event, it doesn’t allow you to upload an image. But it’s a good option for providing a quick update for visitors who want to know if you are open for business.
How to Create a GBP Post
Log in to your Google Business Profile account, go to “Posts” and select What’s new.
Once the editor is open, upload an image. The image can be something simple that you created or even a free stock photo.
Next, write your message letting visitors know that your business is open or how you are conducting business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lastly, add a Call Now button so visitors can easily click and get in touch with your law firm and then remember to publish your post.
Making these simple updates to your Google Business Profile will do wonders to confirm for clients and potential clients that you’re still open and ready to help them.
