• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Start Here
  • Services
    • Website Design
    • Graphic Logo Design
  • Testimonials
  • Examples
  • Blog
  • Project Guide
  • About Darren
    • Why Work With Me?
    • About Ilkeston
  • Enquire Now

Ilkeston Web Design

Building Local Businesses, Pixel by Pixel

0115 714 3290
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

COVID-19: Google My Business Adds “Temporarily Close” Your Business Feature

March 25, 2020 by Ilkeston Web Design

Mark as temporarily closed in Google My Business

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses that are not absolutely essential must close with immediate effect. Google has added a “temporarily closed” button you can toggle on or off.

Here’s a quick lesson on what Google My Business actually is if you don’t know what I’m talking about. Have you ever performed a Google search for a local business or service, and seen the assorted local map listings?

They’re among the top search results.

Those “listings” can be clicked upon, which are expanded into a full listing. These called Knowledge Panels, and prominently show opening times, reviews, opening hours, link to the website etc.

These listings are normally managed by you or someone else you’ve appointed. The listings are accessed through a free suite of business tools called Google My Business, where you can update business info, reply to reviews and more.

If your business actually is closed because you’re self-isolating or not able to fulfil any work, it is wise to reflect these unique circumstances on the Google Knowledge Panel listings. Instead of showing the normal opening hours, they will be replaced with a message letting the general public know you’re not available.

For example, right now, HSBC in Ilkeston is temporarily closed.

I know this because I’ve been visiting the branch most days only to see the same “sorry we’re temporarily closed” sign on the entrance.

But when I do a local search for HSBC, I’m being told it’s open and that it closes at 4:30pm.

This is not so. It is confusing to many people in the local community.

If your business is closed right now, log in to your Google My Business account and locate the “Info” tab as shown below.

Upon clicking “Info”, you’ll be presented with the main business dashboard. Over on the right side, you’ll see the following buttons:

Mark as temporarily closed

Click “Mark as temporarily closed” and you’ll see the following message:

Once society resumes normal service, it may be that this feature is allowed to stay, as it could be useful in future events of unavailability or just being indisposed.

Please note, your actual website will not be affected in any way with this Google My Business feature. If you need to put out a message on your website, you’d have to edit it.

Since most people are likely to search online and see that your marked “closed” it’s unlikely they will get as far as visiting your website, even though it will remain functional and available to the public.

Related Posts

  • Website Planning & Development Spreadsheet – Free Download
  • Design Discussion #1: Graphic Logo Concepts
  • Use Your Website to Demonstrate Your Business Can Be Trusted
  • Design Discussion 3: Client Logo
  • Design Discussion 2: Client Logo

Filed Under: Search Engines, Tips Tagged With: availability, communication, covid-19, google my business, opening hours, website

About Ilkeston Web Design

Do you require a new website or modifications to your existing one? Are you considering a redesign?

Send Darren an email for friendly, no obligation advice or call 0115 714 3290

Primary Sidebar

No Ordinary Website

Hi! I'm Darren, from Ilkeston. I help small to medium businesses in the local to wider area create websites with purpose.

Need website services or advice? Let's talk...

Google Reviews

Elizabeth Bailey
June 21, 2017
    

"Excellent web design company with a great knowledge of the requirements of small businesses. Always friendly and helpful."

Elizabeth Bailey
Love Typing

Shaun Knighton
June 21, 2017
    

"A good service with a knowledgeable company. Very heplful in decision making and with guidance, all at a good price. Thank you from Heanor Chiropractic Clinic."

Shaun Knighton
Heanor Chiropractic Clinic

Sarita White
June 21, 2017
    

"Great advice, very thorough and very very helpful. Lovely guy who cannot do enough to help.
Would definately recommend 🙂 "

Sarita White
Sarita White Photography

About the Local Area

Victorian factory on King Street

A Quick History of Ilkeston Business

Recent Posts

  • “Cossall Parish Council” – Mobile Responsive Website, Nottinghamshire
  • COVID-19: Google My Business Adds “Temporarily Close” Your Business Feature
  • Use Your Website to Demonstrate Your Business Can Be Trusted
  • Before You Pay to Promote Your Website, Take a Good Look at It
  • How Your Website’s “About” Page Helps People Know, Like & Trust You

Footer

Navigation

Home
Services
– Web Design
– Graphic Logo Design
Testimonials
Blog
New Website Project Guide
Portfolio
About Darren
– About Ilkeston
– Why Work With Me?
Contact

Social

Twitter
Facebook
YouTube
LinkedIn

Contact

Office 897, 109 Vernon House
Friar Lane, Nottingham,
NG1 6DQ

Based in Ilkeston, Derbyshire

Office: 0115 714 3290
Mobile: 07519 897 243
Email: [email protected]

Copyright © 2023 Ilkeston Web Design · ICO number: ZA305900


Web Design in Nottingham · Web Design in Derby · Privacy Policy · Terms & Conditions