Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The pandemic has affected Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and they have had to find ways to adopt and survive using digital tools.
Google recently announced new six features in Google Maps that allows users (businesses) to get support, adjust operations and reach their customers in new ways.
The Local Guides program by Google supports small businesses each day by inputting and updating important information for the others to use.
This program includes helping others discover where they are, their opening and closing hours, their photographs and contact information.
The Local Guides program was launched in 2015 allowing most active Maps contributors to earn status as a test maker for their own hometown. The Guides write more in-depth business reviews and post photos in order to help other Google Maps users learn about the area.
In exchange, they receive a variety of rewards such as early access to new features, exclusive local meet ups, free access to Google services, discounts and coupons.
There are ways that you can use Google Maps to help small businesses in your community.
One of the ways is by reporting a place as reopened and leave other helpful information. At this time, there are some business owners who might not have the time or ability to keep their online business listing up-to-date.
The hours posted on their window may not be online and you can help by updating on Google Search or Maps a business that has reopened to the public.
Another way to help small businesses is by spreading the word through reviews, ratings and photos.
It is important for you to leave a review for the businesses one loves and supports. You share the experience and through that, it helps a business attract more customers.
You can also try an online class. Google search and Maps are helpful in finding verified businesses that are offering online classes, appointments and estimates.
Searches like ‘karate classes’ will help to bring out the businesses offering virtual classes or appointments.
Buying a gift card or leaving a donation is another way of supporting the small businesses on Google Maps.
This gives the business owners funds to support employees while reassuring them that they will still have the services they need.
You can also make reservations for a future appointment. Since we live in unusual times, missed reservations and skipped services are understandable but can be stressful to local business owners and employees.
You can consider rescheduling the appointments or get future reservations at a favourite place.
Ordering for a delivery or take out also helps in supporting businesses on Google Maps.
The Google Maps users can find restaurants that are offering take out or delivery and consider adding ordering-in or to-go-to their routine as much as they can.
