As a leader in digital strategy marketing and online reputation, PUMC is providing updated resources. We are also covering coronavirus alerts to aid in your your patient communications. Internet features continue to evolve as we all move forward in this world of uncertainty. Check our resource page for updates, news and communication ideas. If you have questions, contact our PUMC experts.
Google My Business Coronavirus Alerts: Features ChangeÂ
Google temporarily disables some Google My Business features due to coronavirus issues. Services include Q/A, some new reviews, review responses, videos and Q/A. While some people can write reviews, several clients have found they can’t respond to Google reviews. Posting is still allowed, but several were previously rejected. Like all of us, Google continues to transition and re-prioritize based on the information people search.
In addition, Internet experts speculate that Google is striving to help manage online reputations. Thus, this is the reason behind Google curtailing some negative comments. Many of these may be outside your control during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we move forward, don’t be surprised if you continue to see changes and delays for GMB listing in PUMC’s coronavirus alerts.
Optimizing Your GMB Listing
In the meantime, let’s look at how to use your GMB listing to reach out to patients. Some examples to optimize your listing include:
- Update your hours if they have changed.
- Select special hours if you are open for specific appointments or in the office to sell products.
- If you are closing for more than 2 weeks, select temporarily closed. Google’s updated algorithm allows you to choose temporarily closed.
- Update the COVID-19 special message that Google offers. Let patients know if you continue to sell products, offer virtual consultations or are still open to treat specific health concerns.
- Change your COVID-19 announcement based on business conditions.
- If you are selling products, post your product specials on social media.
- Add pictures and link to blogs or a video.
- Some people are bored at home, so this is a good time to host a webinar. If you are comfortable with live videos, you may want to try Facebook or Instagram live. Self-care topics are ideal right now, especially if you sell products.
- Everyone is looking for something positive. If you and/or your staff are helping others, post pictures on social media. Making facemasks, putting bears in windows, resources for children, etc. are interesting. Sharing these messages adds some positivity in everyone’s day.
- Do you or your staff enjoy cooking? Share easy recipes for those forced to cook right now. For example, my post about a 3-minute pizza sauce recipe on FB received lots of interest. Learning how to make a pizza in just minutes was exciting to people who are sheltering in place.
- Ask for reviews. While Yelp, Facebook, Google, and others are monitoring potential reviews that may be a reflection of the pandemic, it is still a good time to add to your online reputation.
Yelp Coronavirus Alerts: Supporting Local Businesses during COVID-19
Yelp’s CEO, Jeremy Stoppelman, says that it is important for everyone to come together as a community during this time. Some industries were hit harder than others by the coronavirus pandemic. Thus, Yelp is implementing new features and waiving select online advertising fees.
In addition, they have implemented some content guidelines to help protect businesses from reputation damage. For example, any negative reviews about business closure or changing hours due to COVID-19 will be deleted. In addition, there is zero tolerance for users claiming they contracted COVID-19 from a business or its employees. Yelp’s response to this pandemic is likely to transition in the coming weeks.
Facebook Implements New Coronavirus Information Center
Due to widespread misinformation about COVID-19, Facebook implemented an Information Center. A link appears at the top of your timeline with validated information. CEO Mark Zukerburg stressed the importance of providing information that readers can trust.
In addition, Facebook added content moderators to flag dangerous misinformation. While many regular posts were deleted when starting this service, it seems to be going well now. Content policies prevent posts with harmful content. This service will continue to evolve to meet the content guidelines. So, watch for new Facebook coronavirus alerts.