We want to help you feel confident that your advertising is set up appropriately during COVID-19. Here are some best practices on how to use Google Ads Smart campaigns to help your business through this time.
Evaluate your need for advertising
- If your business is temporarily closed, pause your campaigns and update your Business Profile in Google My Business.
- If your business is still open but this isn’t the best time to be advertising, pause your campaigns.
- If your business is still open, make the most out of your advertising dollars by following our tips below.
You can turn your campaigns on again quickly when the time is right for your business.
Learn more about pausing your campaign
Tips for your campaign
Consider your budget
When it comes to your budget, we know that every dollar counts. If your budget is limited right now, but you’re still getting calls or website visits from your ads, consider lowering your budget, but leave your campaigns active to help drive as many people to your business as possible.
If you’re seeing improved results from your ads, consider increasing your budget -- even for only a few days -- to capture even more business.
Learn more about updating your budget
Make sure your Google Ads reflect your offerings
If your business has shifted focus, be sure to modify your ad text to keep your customers updated. This could include:
- New offerings like takeout, delivery, or curbside pickup
- Updated business hours, or special hours for certain groups
- Measures being taken to keep employees and customers safe
- New online stores, products, classes, or ordering capabilities
- Free shipping or updated delivery times
- Special offers or discounts
- Gift card purchases
If you have a Google My Business account, be sure to adjust your business hours and services on your Business Profile, so that customers looking for you on Search and Maps can also stay up to speed on changes.
Adapt your tone
- Be extra mindful about how certain words might make people feel. Reevaluate your use of words like “protection,” “checkup,” “prevention,” or “virus.”
- If your campaign is international, follow local terms that have been used to reference COVID-19 and regional disruptions.
Learn more about updating your ad text
Write more ads
Having more than one ad can help your business attract a wide range of customers, without any added cost to your current budget. Try having one ad that focuses on a particularly popular item, service, or feature, and another ad that highlights your overall business.
Learn more about writing more ads for your campaign
Review your images
- Assess the appropriateness of images that show large gatherings of people or close human interaction.
- Rethink any images that might be unsettling right now, like images of people that are sick or unhappy.
Learn more about updating your ad images
Edit your location settings
Most people aren’t traveling long distances right now. If customers typically visit you at your physical location, update your location settings so your ads only show near your business.