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.