Technology has played a vital role in keeping the businesses connected during the novel COVID-19. Google’s algorithm caught more than 50% searches on how to communicate with local stores as well as the “curbside pickup,” and “in-stock” arose by more than 70%. On June 17, 2020, Google announced several features, tips, and pieces of training for small businesses to help them grow.

Google Per-stay Program for Hotel Industry

Travel booking, confirmation, and cancellations have caused a notable setback to the hotel industry. With the global predicaments into consideration, Google piloted the commission per-stay program. The hotel pays a commission on the online Google ads only when an individual stays at their hotel. It plans on running a “free cancellation” filter for the user benefit as well. 

Shopping Tabs now includes Local Stores Details: Local stores can now input their location, product availability, pickup & delivery, and appear on the shopping tab of the geographical areas where it is available. The individual has to update his Google My Business Listing to avail of this feature.  

COVID-19 has driven Google to fast-track the addition of free listing in the shopping tab since April. In the Google shopping tab, both ads and the free listing will consist of local inventory information.

In the screenshot shared with you, one can perceive how the new feature is inbuilt. The addition of curbside pickup and delivery along with the direction to the store location and call directly. You will get the product listing from the particular merchant as well.

The information about the now appears in the Google Shopping tab. Click to enlarge.

During this pandemic, added visibility to retailers provided a curbside pickup badge in local inventory in may.

Local Services Ads: Service appointments with the service provider are made easy with Local Service Ads. You may not only make a call or send a message but can now directly from your phone.

You need to work with one of Google’s booking partners, Housecall Pro, or Service Titan, to enable their ad bookings. It is easy to use the new booking feature; the Google Guarantee, consumer protection program, must uphold service providers.

Soon a mobile site will be launched by Google in the U.S. and Canada that finds, compare, and book the local services.

Campaigns will get Free Promoted Map Pins: A smart campaign for small businesses intent for a quick launch across Google platforms to instigate phone call requests for directions or even website visits. September is when Google will promote pins for advertisers that are using Smart Campaigns. Google Maps will include a square business category logo, and when clicked will bring up business listing information.

It is now easy for small enterprises to set up Smart Campaigns using Google Ads app.

Grow My Store: Small businesses can now classify their stores online against competitors and even get tips on improving their online presence. Currently available in the U.S. and Europe.

To operate Grow My Store, you need to enter the website URL and choose your work industry, whether it’s online or offline or both. To view the report generated by Google, you have to create a profile with them that will include your name, business name, and acceptance of terms and conditions by Google.

New Local Opportunity Finder Tool helps businesses improve their online profile, which will soon be launched by Google.

Google launched a Rising Retail Trends Tool for retailers to obtain insight into the fast-growing product search last month.

Credits and Grants: Google’s total Ad Grant’s commitment is raised by $1 billion as an additional $200 million in Ad Grants for non-profits is also announced by Google. The benefit focuses on COVID-19 and racial justice issue organizations.

Google Marketing Live: Google has decided to announce and launch various ads and analytical features through an event. You get access to a weekly video for every element as an annual event, a weekly video.

Explore the benefits Google is implementing for small business and non-profit organizations. Have a look at Google announcements