New Google Features to Keep Your Food Business Information Updated

April 13, 2020

Do you manage a food business? Has COVID-19 affected your business operations such as the hours, menu, and take-out options? Google has created new features in Google My Business to keep your customers informed on the temporary changes to your business.

What is Google My Business?

Google My Business is a snapshot of some of the most important information about your business: hours of operation, phone number, location, website, pictures, and more. It’s that handy little box that appears on the right side of your screen when you Google a business.

screenshot of google search
Someone in your company manages this information. You can access Google My Business by clicking on the “Google Apps” icon next to your profile icon, then click on “Google My Business,” which appears as a blue tent.

screenshot of google my business icon

Tell Customers If You’re Temporarily Closed

If you are temporarily closed during the COVID-19 outbreak, let your customers know with Google My Business. It’s as easy as clicking a few buttons. For step by step instructions on how to mark your business as temporarily closed, click here. To update your business to “temporarily closed,” click here.

Update Your Dining Options

Keep your customers informed on your dining options. Are you only doing take-out? Google My Business has now made it clear which options your business has available, so that customers know just how to get their hands on your food. The options that your business currently supports will feature a “✓” next to it, while options not currently available will feature a “x,” like so:

screenshot of food options on google my business

For step-by-step instructions on how to change this information in your Google My Business, click here. To update your dining options directly, click here.

Update Your Menu

Do you have a limited menu during this time? Are you introducing a discount to encourage orders? Be sure to let your customers know by updating your menu online. For more information on how to do this, click here. To update your menu now, click here.

Create A Post with Updates

Do you have more updates that just don’t fit into one of the categories listed above? Or do you simply want to connect more with your customers? Creating a post in your Google My Business might be the perfect way to accomplish that. In a post you could add information regarding updated hours, deals you’re running, safety precautions you’re taking, and more. For a step-by-step guide on how to craft a COVID-19 post, click here. To create a COVID-19 post now, click here.

More Information

For more information on updating your Google My Business for your food business’ COVID-19 changes, click here.

If you or someone you know is a restaurant worker struggling for meals during this time of uncertainty, perhaps Pale Fire Helps might be able to help you. Pale Fire Helps is a food bank located right here in Harrisonburg, with a goal to “help people in the restaurant industry with direct support by supplying food products, free of charge.” To learn more about Pale Fire Helps, click here.

Stay strong Virginia, and stay home. We can do this, if we do it together!