Google LLC today announced new features for Search and Maps to help small businesses connect with customers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The updates are being introduced following what Jen Fitzpatrick, Google’s senior vice president of Maps, described as a more than 700% jump in interest around the search phase “how to help small businesses” since February.

“People across the world are looking for ways to continue supporting corner bookstores, local watering holes, beloved dance studios and other businesses that give their neighborhoods character — even if it’s from a distance,” Fitzpatrick wrote in a blog post.

Google will make it easier for businesses to inform customers if they’ve shifted to providing virtual services. The company will enhance its Business Profile feature, the information panel that shows up next to search results when a user looks up a business, with the ability for merchants to display tags such as “online classes” or “online estimates.” These tags are also set to become available in Maps.

In the same spirit, Google wants to make it easier for customers to book appointments with businesses that have refocused on digital services. The search giant plans to achieve that via an enhanced version of Reserve with Google. The tool, which allows users to book appointments directly from search results, will be integrated with more business appointment management tools, including industry-specific products for establishments such as wellness centers.

“Millions of people have already booked in-person appointments with salons, restaurants and other businesses thanks to integrations from over 100 Reserve with Google partners.” Fitzpatrick detailed. “We’re now expanding this to include bookings for online services, starting with partners like Booksy, Regis, WellnessLiving and Zooty.”

Restaurants are another focus of today’s announcement. Google’s Maps service now enables customers to directly order food from an additional 25,000 restaurants. According to the search giant, the service already handles more than a half-million food requests per week.

Businesses seeking additional support from customers can add links to their Business Profiles in search results asking users to send donations or buy gift cards. This option, which until now was available only in the U.S. and five other countries, is being expanded to 18 more countries worldwide.

Facebook Inc. previously rolled out similar gift card and donation tools to assistant small businesses on its social network. Yelp Inc., the popular business review website, has in turn added features to help merchants better communicate important updates to customers. 

Image: Google