If you use Google My Business for local SEO optimization of your business or charity, there are a couple of things to know about how COVID-19 is impacting the service.

Log in to your Google My Business account and you will see information about how to best update your information linked directly on your home screen, like below.

Things to do to your Google My Business during COVID-19

1. Update your hours. If closed due to social distancing or quarantine, indicate that temporarily or update the hours of operation.
2. Add new information about your COVID-19 response. If you’ve taken extra measures for safety, indicate that in your business information.
3. Create a post. Let your users know how long you may be closed or any alternatives like take away versus dine in.
4. Watch your My Business listing. User input may mark you as closed automatically. If that is not the case, you can remove erroneous information through your console.

Additionally, be aware that Google employees have been impacted the same as everyone else. They have pared down to essential staff and are only supporting reviews and responses from companies that directly impact public health, like doctors and clinics. They are working to prevent the spread of misinformation. You may wait a few weeks before new reviews of your business are posted.

For more information visit Google’s support pages about business impact to Google My Business and limited Google My Business functionality.