Google My Business Adds COVID Delta Variant Precautions

The spring of 2020 was a difficult time for many of our clients. COVID-19 was new, there was uncertainty about how it was transmitted, and dental practices closed their doors to everything except emergency care. As we learned more about the virus, dental practices were able to open back up, and once vaccinations were widely available, it seemed like COVID-19 would soon be a thing of the past. Unfortunately, the emergence of the Delta variant has proven that COVID-19 is likely here to stay—at least for the time being. This means it’s time to make sure your patients are aware of the COVID-19 protocols at your dental practice.

Local Profiles and COVID-19 Protocols

In addition to putting updates on your website, updating your local business profiles is an easy way to publicize the steps you’re taking to keep patients safe. We're assuming you're already using Yelp, Google My Business, and Bing Places, so all you have to do is log in and take advantage of the built-in features to share updates on your dental practice’s operations during COVID-19.

Updating COVID-19 Protocols on Google My Business

Your Google My Business profile should be the first place you share COVID-19 updates, since both new and existing patients may land on your website from Google. There are a few different ways to update your GMB profile with your COVID-19 protocols.

To create a GMB post about your protocols, use the COVID-19 Update option in posts. The next way to update your profile is by going to Health and Safety in your settings and choosing from the following options:

• Mask required
• Temperature check required
• Staff wear masks
• Staff get temperature checks

Updating COVID-19 Protocols on Bing Places

When you log into your Bing Places account, you'll notice a COVID-19 Related Announcements option front-and-center. Enter the information you want to share and specify a start and finish date for your announcement, if you have one. You can also use this section to link to your website; we recommend linking directly to your COVID-19 protocol page, rather than your homepage.

Updating COVID-19 Protocols on Yelp

COVID-19 protocols can be shared in a variety of ways on your dental practice’s Yelp profile. First, you can let your patients know if you're open or closed. If your practice is open to patients, you can add virtual consultations as an option, then check the boxes for any health precautions you've taken. Among the options are:

• Proof of vaccination required
• All staff fully vaccinated
• Masks required
• Staff wears masks

To share additional messaging with potential patients, you may also place a banner message at the top of your Yelp profile. This is a good place to share other safety measures your practice has implemented.

Why It Matters

As the Delta variant spreads across the United States, patients will return to feeling hesitant about visiting the dentist for needed care. You can assuage these concerns by making it clear that you’re taking all of the necessary steps to keep your patients safe.

In addition, by letting patients know what to expect before they come to your dental practice for an appointment, you can avoid potential conflicts over mask wearing and social distancing, which reduces the burden on your staff in enforcing your office’s guidelines.

Get Help Updating Your Local Profiles With Dentalfone

If you need help staying on top of your local profile updates, schedule a meeting with Dentalfone SEO.