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IDOC actively shares industry-focused articles, blog posts, podcasts, videos and other thought leadership with our members and other optometric practitioners. Below, you will find links to our growing library of educational materials and multi-media assets written and created by IDOC's team of seasoned industry experts.
Maddie Langston | 4/7/2020
GOOGLE MY BUSINESS UPDATE FOR OPTOMETRY PRACTICES AFFECTED BY COVID-19

If your optometry practice is currently closed due to COVID-19, there are certain updates you should make on the listing to communicate to your community the temporary change in your practice operations. Google has prioritized the “quality and reliability of information on Google search and maps” and wants to “ensure users and business owners have access to essential features like whether the business is open or has special hours”.

Google recommends the following updates for businesses affected by COVID-19:

  • Your updated hours of operation, for instance if you close early.
  • If your business services are experiencing delays.
  • Extra services you are providing for the community.
  • Mark your business “temporarily closed” on Google.

You may also add a special COVID-19 post to your listing. The COVID-19 post may not include a phone number; however, you may add additional information about closures or reduced hours, safety and hygiene practices and perhaps a link to order contact lenses.

You may have considered running an email campaign or posting on social media to ask your patients for Google reviews to support the practice during this time, but unfortunately Google has put a hold on all new reviews, replies to reviews, videos and all Q & A during this time.  

If you aren’t sure what your Google My Business listing is or how to access it, consider reaching out to me for an overview of Google Business listings, including how to claim your listing and how to access it. Please email Maddie Langston – mlangston@idoc.net and I’ll walk you through it. While you won’t be able to claim and update your listing due to COVID-19, you’ll be ready to claim it, update it and use it for practice marketing as soon as the full functionality of Google My Business returns.

Maddie Langston
Director, Marketing Services
Maddie Langston brings extensive experience in marketing and sales administration and has developed strategies and platforms to drive sales for organizations in the fitness and business services industries. Most recently, Maddie developed marketing programs for a national network of independently owned auto repair service centers. This is where she developed her passion for partnering with small business owners to help them compete with franchises and big box retail chains. Maddie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Liberty University. She is excited to be a part of the IDOC team, and to help you utilize marketing to brand your practice, retain patients, and drive new patients to you.
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