Google Maps Expands Business Tools for Donations, Online Classes

Google Maps is rolling out new features that help businesses adapt operations and update customers as COVID-19 restrictions continue evolving.

Chief among them is the extended support for merchants in more countries to add links for donations and gift cards to their company profile.

"We've seen firsthand in Google Search and Maps the impact that COVID-19 has had on small businesses and how they connect with their customers," according to Jen Fitzpatrick, senior vice president of Google Maps.

"People across the world are looking for ways to continue supporting their corner bookstores, local watering holes, beloved dance studios, and other businesses that give their neighborhoods character—even if it's from a distance."

Thanks to partnerships with PayPal and GoFundMe, retailers across the world—including Italy, Spain, and Japan—can now let patrons donate directly or purchase a gift card via Square, Toast, Clover, or Vagaro.

"People around the world are looking to help," Fitzpatrick wrote in a blog post, revealing that global search interest in "how to help small businesses" reached an all-time high in March, increasing more than 700 percent since February.

Folks will soon be able to use Search and Maps to find nearby businesses asking for support.

There are plenty of ways to pass the time in lockdown.

But if you've already exhausted your Netflix watch list and developed carpal tunnel from too much knitting, Google Maps has your back: The navigation platform is making it easier to discover online classes and book virtual appointments.

Coming soon, verified businesses can add tags like "online classes," "online appointments," or "online estimates" to their profile.

Plus, Reserve with Google now lets retailers offer appointment bookings for online services.

Want to cut your hair at home? Need some personal training tips? Simply find an available time, book a slot, and add the virtual event to your Google Calendar—all without leaving the company's Business Profile.

"Since March, we've seen more than 1 million businesses share COVID-19 posts, with millions of clicks to merchants' websites every week as consumers look for more information," the blog said.

Information like how and where to order food delivery and takeout.

In response, Google is boosting the number of third-party ordering providers and giving companies more control with new tags like "curbside pickup," "no-contact delivery," and "dine-in."

"We know that every day during this pandemic can be drastically different—and for small business owners, there can be a lot of uncertainty," Fitzpatrick wrote.

"While we can't control what each day looks like, our goal is to continue helping businesses communicate the latest with consumers across the world."

Google Maps is rolling out new features that help businesses adapt operations and update customers as COVID-19 restrictions continue evolving.

Chief among them is the extended support for merchants in more countries to add links for donations and gift cards to their company profile.

"We've seen firsthand in Google Search and Maps the impact that COVID-19 has had on small businesses and how they connect with their customers," according to Jen Fitzpatrick, senior vice president of Google Maps.

"People across the world are looking for ways to continue supporting their corner bookstores, local watering holes, beloved dance studios, and other businesses that give their neighborhoods character—even if it's from a distance."

Thanks to partnerships with PayPal and GoFundMe, retailers across the world—including Italy, Spain, and Japan—can now let patrons donate directly or purchase a gift card via Square, Toast, Clover, or Vagaro.

"People around the world are looking to help," Fitzpatrick wrote in a blog post, revealing that global search interest in "how to help small businesses" reached an all-time high in March, increasing more than 700 percent since February.

Folks will soon be able to use Search and Maps to find nearby businesses asking for support.

There are plenty of ways to pass the time in lockdown.

But if you've already exhausted your Netflix watch list and developed carpal tunnel from too much knitting, Google Maps has your back: The navigation platform is making it easier to discover online classes and book virtual appointments.

Coming soon, verified businesses can add tags like "online classes," "online appointments," or "online estimates" to their profile.

Plus, Reserve with Google now lets retailers offer appointment bookings for online services.

Want to cut your hair at home? Need some personal training tips? Simply find an available time, book a slot, and add the virtual event to your Google Calendar—all without leaving the company's Business Profile.

"Since March, we've seen more than 1 million businesses share COVID-19 posts, with millions of clicks to merchants' websites every week as consumers look for more information," the blog said.

Information like how and where to order food delivery and takeout.

In response, Google is boosting the number of third-party ordering providers and giving companies more control with new tags like "curbside pickup," "no-contact delivery," and "dine-in."

"We know that every day during this pandemic can be drastically different—and for small business owners, there can be a lot of uncertainty," Fitzpatrick wrote.

"While we can't control what each day looks like, our goal is to continue helping businesses communicate the latest with consumers across the world."