Business Toolkit

Your business listing is often the first place visitors check. Clear and updated information ensures visitors know you are open and how to reach you. In addition to map apps, consider updating your business’ Yelp page.

Key information to ensure is correct before and during construction include:

• Confirm your business name, address and phone number are accurate.
• Update business hours, including temporary construction-related changes.
• Create posts to share updates on parking, access routes or entry points.
• Upload photos showing entrances, parking areas and signage.

How to Do It:

• Setting Up Your Google Business Profile: video tutorial and written instructions
• Updating Your Google Business Profile: video tutorial and written instructions
• Setting Up Your Apple Map Listing: video tutorial and written instructions 
• Updating Your Apple Map Listing: video tutorial and written instructions 

Social media is a real-time communication tool for sharing up-to-date information and keeping your business top of mind. When it comes to construction, potential visitors often check social platforms like Facebook for current information.

What to Do:

• Pin a post with current parking, routes and access points information to the top of your page for easy access.
• If access or parking has been impacted temporarily by construction, share photos or short videos showing how to enter your business.
• Update visitors regularly as conditions change. 

Email allows you to communicate directly with visitors and maintain relationships during disruption.

What to Do:

• Export customer contacts from your POS or booking system.
• Upload contacts into an email platform such as Mailchimp or Constant Contact.
• Create a reusable template to convey updates about parking, routes and access points.
• Send a “We’re Still Open” message before construction begins.
• Schedule follow-up updates throughout construction. 

Your website is a key source of information. A clear update section on the homepage helps visitors quickly understand how to visit.

What to Do:

• Add a banner or homepage section with construction updates. Include parking details, directions and access points or link to social pages and the Streets for All website for current information.
• Link to Google Maps or a directions page. 

Voicemail ensures visitors calling your business receive accurate and helpful information.

What to Do:

Record a message that includes updated access information.

• Mention any changes to hours or operations.
• Keep the message short and clear. 

A clear FAQ helps staff respond consistently and ensures visitors receive accurate information.

What to Do:

• Use Streets for All FAQ as a starting point to draft answers.
• Include answers about parking and routes.
• Update as needed throughout construction.

Early communication prepares visitors and reduces confusion before construction begins.

What to Do:

• Create a message to send two weeks before construction on your block starts.
  • Reinforce that your business remains open.
  • Include details about access, parking and what to expect.
• Share via social media, email and website.

 Regular communication keeps visitors informed and maintains engagement.

What to Do:

• Plan regular updates during construction.
• Schedule posts, emails or updates weekly or as changes occur.
• Adjust frequency based on construction activity.

Well-informed staff can confidently guide visitors and maintain a positive experience.

What to Do:

• Hold a meeting to review construction topics:
  • Timeline
  • Parking changes
  • Schedule changes
  • Emergency procedures
• Provide FAQ and talking points.
• Assign a staff member to monitor updates.

Operational readiness ensures your business continues to function smoothly during construction.

What to Do:

• Identify and test alternative delivery routes.
• Confirm vendor and supplier access and schedules.
• Update wayfinding and internal signage as needed.
• Ensure waste disposal is accessible.

Construction may temporarily affect how customers reach your business. Consider ways to make it easier for customers to continue supporting you, such as offering online ordering, curbside pickup, delivery, or other alternative purchasing options. Businesses that sell products may also wish to explore local online marketplaces, such as Shop Local Greater Kalamazoo, to provide customers with another convenient way to shop. Expanding customer access options can help maintain visibility and sales throughout construction.