We know. We feel the same way, too. Hopefully, you’re handling the stress much better than Sarah and I. We’re running the business from home now and doubling as ringmasters of our 3-ring circus, Mason (8), Erika (5), and Sawyer (1). Even though our main focus shifted to the safety and well-being of our family, there’s still a loved one we must protect. Our business. Just like you, we have all these questions swirling around in our heads. The ultimate one is, “will our business survive this coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19?” Unfortunately, we do not know the answer to that, however, we can start being proactive to ensure it does. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best, right? Here are some COVID-19 business resources to help you get started!
Google My Business
Since your business is most likely affected by COVID-19, inform your potential and current customers by updating your business information on Google My Business. Google provides some guidance to help you, and here are some sweet tips for your business’s COVID-19 response:
- Update Business Hours
- Update Business Description with Your COVID-19 Procedures
- Create Posts with Detailed & Timely Updates Linking to Your COVID-19 Response
- Connect with Customers by Downloading the App & Turn On Messaging
- Mark Your Business Temporarily Closed
- Learn the Limited Functionality of Google My Business
Google Ads
Are you currently running ads on Google Search, Display, Video, or Shopping Networks? How about on YouTube? Be on the lookout for an ad credit. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, mentioned it in an article explaining all the ways Google is helping during the COVID-19 outbreak.
$340 million in Google Ads credits available to all SMBs with active accounts over the past year. Credit notifications will appear in their Google Ads accounts and can be used at any point until the end of 2020 across our advertising platforms. We hope it will help to alleviate some of the cost of staying in touch with their customers.
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet
Google Ads Help explains this in greater detail, however, the amount of tasty treat$ hasn’t been decided yet. Basically, small to medium businesses that advertise directly with Google and through their partners, with active accounts since January 1, 2019 and comply with all Google Ads Terms & Conditions are eligible.
If your business is eligible, you will be informed in the coming months through notifications within your Google Ads account. As a matter of fact, Google is in the process of building these specialized credits, therefore, notifications will not show immediately.
Google Ads Coronavirus (COVID-19) Services & Support
Google Ads Help services and support are still available.
- Search or browse the Help Center.
- Review these considerations for navigating your campaigns through COVID-19 in greater detail:
- Consider Your Context & Tone
- Consider If Your Message is Helpful
- Review Assets Thoroughly
- Stay Up to Date on Local Conditions
- Review Your Performance Metrics & Be Willing to Pivot
- Pause Ad Groups or Ads If Needed
- Consider Tools That Can Help You Adapt
- Ask Questions in the Google Ads Help Community
- Use Currently Available Options for Contacting a Google Support Specialist
Facebook Business Page
Facebook is also doing its part to help businesses through the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, they’ve created a Business Resource Hub with all kinds of goodies.
- 5 Step Plan
- Small Business Grants Program
- Resilience Toolkit
- Quick Action Guide
- Workplace Tools for Remote Workers
- Free Tools to Help Stay Connected
Facebook Ads
The Facebook Small Business Grants Program is offering $100,000,000 in cash grants and ad credits. Up to 30,000 small businesses in over 30 countries are eligible. Facebook with share more details as they become available. Visit the link above to sign up for updates.
Additional Resources
We hope all these COVID-19 business resources assist your digital marketing and advertising efforts. If you’re simply overwhelmed with everything that’s going on and have a hard time keeping your marketing and advertising in order, connect with us virtually. Either join the conversation on Facebook or LinkedIn or contact us directly for a video call.