Google announced they will begin supporting businesses who have yet to open their physical retail doors on Google My Business.
Prior to this update, businesses would have to be in operation in order to be listed on Google My Business. Now, verified businesses - who are set to open in 90 days – will appear on Google and be able to provide updates on their Google My Business listing.
To become listed as a business before opening a retail location, you’ll follow the normal steps to create a Google My Business listing. However, when you create the listing, you must choose the “Verify Later” option and set your future opening date before you verify your business. It is important to set the future opening date before you verify your business so that your business doesn’t falsely appear as “open” on Google.
Once you’ve set up your Google My Business listing, you’ll be able to engage with the community and answer any questions they may have. To avoid confusion, Google doesn't list business hours until the business is officially open.