During these difficult times, it can be hard for local businesses to know what to focus their efforts on, but because many consumers will still be looking for business information, it’s important to get your listings data updated before moving on to finding ways to weather the storm of Covid-19.
With this in mind, many of the directories have developed special recommendations, advice and tools to help local businesses retain customers and provide accurate information during this crisis. We’ve collected some of the key sites’ pages and advice below, so you can get to them all in one place.
Top Business Directories’ Recommendations During Covid-19
| Website | Type | Recommendations | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search Engine / General Directory | Update the business opening hours or mark the business as ‘Temporarily Closed’, which is now available on all GMB dashboards. Update the business description with relevant information Set up a Google post | Dedicated page | |
| Bing | Search Engine / General Directory | Use the new ‘Temporarily Closed’ link on the bottom left of the business dashboard. Businesses with temporarily changed hours should update their ‘Hours of Operation’ in the dashboard or set up ‘Special Opening Hours’. | Website banner |
| Social Media Platform / General Directory | Proactively share important information with customers Pin important posts to the top of your Facebook Page for quick viewing. You might include information about the measures you’re taking to make your premises or products safe, or how you will handle customer inquiries if there are expected shipping delays. Update your Page hours to show your customers how and when you’re available for business. Notify customers of any changes or modifications to your availability or services by updating your Page Info and selecting ‘Open With Service Changes’ or ‘Temporarily Closed’, depending on your situation. In case you need to postpone or cancel any planned events as a result of the outbreak, try hosting a webinar or organize live sessions In order to be responsive and transparent with your customers during this challenging moment, prepare for incoming questions and requests. Consider drafting templated responses for your emails or set up instant-reply messages with information you expect your customers will be looking for. Provide a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs). | Dedicated page | |
| Yelp | General Directory | Update your hours of operation Add temporary closure information Indicate the availability of take-out or delivery services Add virtual service offerings Edit your Covid-19 Advisory Alert Update your ‘About the Business’ section | Dedicated page |
| Apple Maps | General Directory | “Healthcare providers, labs, and other businesses that would like to provide information on COVID-19 testing locations can now do so through Apple Business Register.” | Dedicated page |
| Foursquare | General Directory | “Given the Covid-19 pandemic, call ahead to verify hours, and remember to practice social distancing.” | Notification banner on all business listings |
| Cylex | General Directory | Update the opening hours Set the special opening hours Make sure the phone number is updated, if required Update the page regularly with promotions, articles, etc. | Email to customers |
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | General Directory | “Some of the sources of information BBB relies on are temporarily unavailable. Also, many businesses are closed, suspended, or not operating as usual, and are unable to respond to complaints and other requests. BBB information and Business Profiles reflect the most current information available to us.” | Website banner |
| TripAdvisor | Niche Directory | Encourage people to purchase gift cards from stores by adding a URL for gift card purchases For qualifying categories – indicate ‘Takeout available’ and/or ‘Delivery available’ options Promote fundraising for your business (to support staff and the business itself) by adding a link to the ‘Story’ section of your Business Page | Dedicated page |
| Neustar Localeze | Data Aggregator | [Delayed by Covid-19, but coming soon] Enabling listing managers to add a Business Description to their listings. This is in addition to the existing ‘Tagline’ field. Update the temporary opening hours and use the new description field to add information about Covid-19’s effects on your business. | Email to clients and registered users |
Seen some recommendations you think we should include? Let us know in the comments below!
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