Small businesses are at the heart of New Zealand’s economy and local communities. So while COVID-19 has created unprecedented challenges for Kiwi businesses, we want to make sure the best of Google’s business resources and tools are readily available and helpful to get them through this time.
Today, Google New Zealand has launched Google for Small Business (g.co/smallbiz-covid19), a new online hub to provide helpful advice and resources to small and medium businesses as they navigate challenges caused by the spread of COVID-19.
The resources are designed to help businesses communicate effectively with their customers and employees, and maintain business operations and continuity planning in response to fast changing external conditions.
It includes step-by-step advice and links so business owners can adjust their existing arrangements as needed - for example, in response to having to temporarily close shopfront operations or moving employees to remote working arrangements.
The launch of this site closely follows an announcement by Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai, who has committed USD$800+ million globally to support small- medium-sized businesses (SMBs), health organisations and governments, and health workers on the front line of this global pandemic.
It also builds on steps already taken by Google including making video conferencing and productivity tools available free of charge for customers working remotely and for educational purposes, and providing online tips to small businesses.
A summary of the tips and resources are below:
Keep your customers informed
- If your business or one of your locations has temporarily closed, mark the location as temporarily closed on Google Maps and Search.
- If you have moved business operations to online, takeaway or delivery, edit your Business Profile on Google so customers know how to buy from you
- Use Posts to tell customers on your Business Profile what is happening and if there are changes to how you are operating - for example, if you are now offering online sales or delivery or special offers.
- If you have a shopfront which is closed but you’re still taking phone calls, update your business phone number to your mobile phone, so you can answer business calls remotely.
- Set an email auto-reply to share your latest updates with customers - for example, if you are temporarily closed, or taking phone, online or delivery orders.
Continue to adapt to new customer behaviour
- Ask what customers need from a business like yours right now - consider reaching out directly via your social media channels, or using tools like Google Trends and Google Alerts for insight into your local market or industry.
- If you do not have a website for your business, start by getting a domain and exploring options for building a website. Your website can be simple – just make sure you include key information about your business and how potential customers can contact you.
- Consider starting a free YouTube channel for your business. You can create videos to introduce your business, showcase what’s great about your products or services or teach customers how to do something new.
Run your business remotely
- Help you and your team to effectively work from home with these tools and resources
- Make a business continuity plan, and share it with employees via an email address they can access it outside of the office.
- Collaborate with your co-workers using online tools and platforms - for example using a shared document, a quick conference call, or by creating an email list or a chat room.
- Make sure you’re able to access important documents from anywhere by uploading them to the Cloud through tools like Google Drive or downloading to your mobile phone or computer for offline access.
- If you’re using Chromebooks, ensure they have the right policies in place to access company resources from home and to keep devices and data secure.
Adjust your advertising (if necessary)
- Edit your ads as needed to let customers know whether you're open for business and if you offer helpful services like expedited shipping.
- Pause campaigns if your product availability is impacted by supply chain issues, increased demand, or other restrictions.
- If your business relies on customers from countries most affected by the virus, consider prioritising your ad budget to other locations.
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