During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, online business visibility wasn’t just about operational hours or reviews—it became essential to show how safe your physical space was. In September 2020, Google My Business (now known as Google Business Profile) responded to this need by introducing Google My Business Health and Safety Attributes. This feature allowed businesses to share their health and safety protocols directly on their Google listings.
What Were Google My Business Health and Safety Attributes?
The Google My Business Health and Safety Attributes allowed companies to display specific safety measures like:
Masks required
Temperature checks required
Staff wear masks
Appointments required
These attributes gave customers peace of mind, especially when deciding whether or not to visit a physical location. By highlighting health and safety measures on Google My Business, companies created a sense of trust, which was critical during uncertain times.
The Purpose Behind the Initiative
The primary goal of these features was to promote transparency and enhance user trust. During a global health crisis, knowing whether a store enforced mask-wearing or temperature checks helped users make informed decisions. This initiative aligned well with the growing consumer demand for business safety attributes on GMB, offering visibility into each brand’s commitment to public health.
How to Adapt Your Google Business Profile Post-Attribute Removal
With the Google My Business Health and Safety Attributes no longer available, businesses can shift focus to optimizing other features that still influence local search performance and customer decision-making:
i). Utilize High-Quality Images and Videos
Showcase your physical environment, team, and safety practices through updated visuals. This builds trust and sets accurate expectations.
ii). Emphasize Customer Reviews
Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews. Consistent, positive feedback not only boosts credibility but also enhances your local SEO.
iii). Update Service Details Regularly
Make sure your services, hours, and availability (including online appointments or delivery options) are current. This supports informed decisions and improves user experience.
Why Were the Attributes Removed?
As global health conditions evolved, so did public expectations. By October 2022, Google quietly phased out these features. Logging into a Google My Business profile update dashboard today, business owners will notice the “health and safety” section under attributes has disappeared entirely.
This removal likely reflects a global shift in focus—from pandemic-related measures back to standard business operations. Google recognized the declining relevance of COVID-19-specific data as government mandates relaxed and businesses returned to normal.
What This Means for Local Businesses
While the removal of the Google My Business Health and Safety Attributes marks the end of an era, businesses can still maintain transparency and customer trust by updating other parts of their Google Business Profile. This includes:
Operating hours
Online services
Appointment settings
Customer reviews
Even though COVID-19 safety updates for local listings are no longer available, consistency in other areas of the profile still supports credibility.
Local Business Protocols Beyond COVID
Although the local business health protocols online no longer feature prominently in search listings, businesses are encouraged to communicate safety and hygiene standards via websites, social media, and email marketing. These channels remain effective for informing customers about health-conscious policies or updated service protocols.
Summary of Key Milestones
Launch Date: September 2020
Functionality: Display COVID-19-related safety protocols
Key Attributes: Mask usage, staff health checks, appointment policies
Sunset Date: October 2022
Current Status: Removed from Google Business Profiles
Despite the removal, the historical use of Google My Business Health and Safety Attributes highlights how adaptable digital platforms can be during crises. It was a reminder of the power of real-time updates in local business visibility.
Navigating the Shift with Expert Support
As digital trends shift, staying ahead requires adaptability—and expert guidance. At Digilogy, we specialize in optimizing your digital presence across platforms like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Whether it’s navigating changes in Google My Business profile updates or crafting a strong local SEO strategy, our team ensures your business remains visible and trusted.
Looking to future-proof your digital strategy? Partner with Digilogy today and grow with confidence. Contact Digilogy now to boost your online presence!
