Reopening Checklist: How to Get Ready for “Normal”

Article
Collection of considerations for marketers reopening for the "new normal"

With rolling business closures still in effect around the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. But at the same time, a majority of business locations in the US have been allowed to reopen in some capacity, with other countries set to follow –  and industries that saw major disruption during the pandemic, from gyms to restaurants to retailers, are starting to think about how they can come back in a big way.

A “return to normal” is talked about every day, but unfortunately there isn’t a magic date on the calendar we can look forward to. In some parts of the world, a full return might come quickly, while in other places it will be gradual. But the end does appear to be near, so businesses need to start preparing today – or else they might find themselves falling behind the competition. 

In an effort to help businesses that have been affected by COVID get back quickly, Yext have put together a checklist to keep your customers informed, bring them back to your locations when the time is right – and drive more revenue so that you can emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever. 

For all verticals: 

  • Indicate which locations are open
    • With so many shopfronts closing (either temporarily or for good), people are checking online before hitting the street.
  • Update [store/gym/restaurant] hours across platforms (website, GMB, Yelp, etc.)
    • Open and close times have varied sometimes day-to-day, so be sure the information is updated in real-time wherever people might search.
  • Communicate COVID safety protocols
    • Vaccines are happening, but different people have different expectations. Remember to communicate the dos and don’ts of entering your business.
  •  Start hiring 
    • Hiring great people can take weeks, sometimes months. Even if you aren’t ready to reopen today, make sure you have a team ready to go when it happens.

For gyms & fitness centres:

  • Indicate contactless check-in options on Google
  • Share revised class schedules
  • Inform customers of specific COVID-related updates (e.g. masks are required while working out; new gym cleaning procedures)

For restaurants:

  • Share revised delivery/takeaway hours
  • Indicate contactless options on Google
  • Update dine-in options across all locations (including indoor and outdoor seating, etc.) 

For retailers: 

  • Update in-store shopping/curbside pickup options
  • Share cleanliness and in-store sanitary standards
  • Re-stock most popularly searched items based on store locations

The past year has been met with a lot of uncertainty and, while there’s still some volatility today, businesses have a big opportunity in front of them.  But reopening successfully isn’t about just flipping the closed sign to open – businesses need to put in the work, including making sure their digital tools, like search, are doing some of the heavy lifting.  Not only will it achieve a smoother transition but, importantly, it will deliver peace-of-mind to customers. And that means more trust and more business.


Yext launched a #Back2Biz programme to help businesses with their reopenings. To learn more – and to claim an exclusive pricing offer for Listings, Yext’s local search solution – click here.

Want more like this?

Want more like this?

Insight delivered to your inbox

Keep up to date with our free email. Hand picked whitepapers and posts from our blog, as well as exclusive videos and webinar invitations keep our Users one step ahead.

By clicking 'SIGN UP', you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

side image splash

By clicking 'SIGN UP', you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy