The coronavirus (COVID-19) situation is evolving rapidly. During times of uncertainty, it’s important that we come together as a community and as a nation to look after each other, focus on preparation, and minimize panic. We’ll all get through this together.

At G5, the interests and needs of our customers are a top priority. Here are the information, resources, and proactive steps G5 is taking to keep business running as usual. We’re here to help you.

Learn more about how to manage through a crisis and download our Best Practices for Digital Marketing During a Crisis Checklist for Multifamily, Self Storage, and Senior Living.

We will continue to post to this page as things evolve with COVID-19. Check back for the latest updates!

April 10, 2020: Limited Google My Business functionality due to COVID-19.

Review replies are now available. New user reviews, new user photos, new short names, and Q&A will gradually return by country and business category. More information can be found on Google My Business Help.

March 31, 2020: Google My Business Posts Are Back.

Posts are available again in Google My Business and can be used to communicate with customers in Google Maps and Search. Businesses can now create posts related to COVID-19 that will display prominently in their profiles. It may take longer for Google to review and approve Posts at this time. To ensure expediency, be sure images meet Google’s quality guidelines.

March 25, 2020: Marketing in Uncertain Times: Tips for Senior Living Communities

In times of crisis, marketing is much more than finding residents who might want to live in your community. Marketing is truly about how you make people feel and the experience you provide. What you communicate and how you distribute the messages to inform, reassure, comfort and also encourage responses, helps maintain and grow trust. Read more on our blog or watch our webinar, Marketing In Uncertain Times.

March 23, 2020: Google Announces Limited Google My Business Functionality Due to COVID-19.

Google has taken actions to limit Google My Business functionality in the wake of COVID-19. In a release on the Google My Business help page, Google states, “Our current focus is on the quality and reliability of information on Google Search and Maps.” While these critical services are being prioritized, Google outlined the following temporary impacts to Google My Business.

WHAT’S CHANGING?

Reviews and Q&A

New reviews, review replies and new Q&A have been temporarily disabled for all businesses until further notice. 

Business Hours and Listing Information

Google is prioritizing support to edits needed for health-related businesses. Other verified businesses should also update their listings to reflect any changes to hours or temporary closures. 

New Listings

Google will continue to review new listings, claims, and verifications for critical health-related businesses. Expect delays for other business types.

Read More from Google

Google My Business Updates for COVID-19

WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Update your Google My Business listings with any relevant changes to your business hours, open or closed status, or service changes. 

For clients utilizing G5 Rep & Social, continue to respond to your reviews and monitor your Google My Business profile with these helpful tips

  • Don’t stop responding to reviews! You’ll notice an alert message within your G5 Rep & Social dashboard, but all review responses are being saved and resubmitted when Google restores review responses.
  • Use this time to catch up on old reviews or get ahead of new reviews so responses will be timely once publishing resumes. Other providers, like Yelp and Facebook, are still accepting reviews and review responses at this time.
  • You may still receive new “no-text” reviews from Google My Business. Don’t forget to respond to those as well.

What if I have more questions?

G5 is here to help! Please contact your G5 Account Manager with additional questions. We’ve got your back and are here to help you adapt your marketing in this changing landscape. 

Download a copy of this update.