See how Google tools can assist market your business

There has been a fundamental shift in the way we work, play, engage as millions of quarantined people are now working, teaching, exercising, and shopping from home. "A drastic slowdown of most activities outside of the home has increased the time we spend alone, with our loved ones, and in our own heads and as boredom, anxiety, and uncertainty set in, people are looking for new ways to stay occupied, productive, and composed." Google VIP Marie Gulin-Merle.

In the past month, searches for "how to make hand sanitizer" have grown by 4,950% worldwide.1 Meanwhile, there has been a 600% increase in searches for "can you get coronavirus twice."2 And searches for "grocery delivery service near me" have gone up 200% globally.3

So the marketplace has changed and whether that is a longer term issue remains to be seen. What is certain is that businesses need to take this time to calibrate their business model and align it to customer needs and ways of interacting.

How you can assist your customers during this time using Google Tools

1. Keep them informed. Update your Google Business Profile. Edit your hours or mark it "temporily closed if needed. Add online services. Use the new COVID-19 post type to share more detailed and timely updates about what's going on at your business. You can add information about:

Closures or reduced hours
Safety and hygiene practices
Availability of gift cards to support your business

2. Connect with your customers - You can use My Google Business App to respond to customers fast from your device.

3. Get started with Google's Marketing Kit Your Business Profile on Google helps customers see what's unique about your business. Now, you can instantly turn the best of your profile into flyers, social posts, and more. All for free.