You might have heard that Google has recently renamed ‘Google My Business’ to ‘Google Business Profile.’ Google Business Profile, according to Google, is “a free tool that allows you to take charge of the way your business appears on Google Search and Maps. With your Business Profile, you can connect with customers, post updates, list your products and services, accept online orders and more.”
What are these changes?
Google said the aim of this move is to “keep things simple.” Aside from the rename, Google will retire the Google My Business app this year so “more merchants can take advantage of the upgraded experience on Search and Maps.” The main change to the Google Business Profile is that your listing will now be managed through Maps and Search.
Google have also added a few new features to this platform that we’ll discuss shortly.
What does this mean for your Listing and Account?
Don’t worry, your business’ Google listing will still be there. However, Google are now encouraging businesses to manage single listings through Google Search or Google Maps, whether that’s through apps or the web. Google has allowed businesses to manage their listings directly in the search results or in Google Maps for a while now, so it’s not a complete change.
Those businesses with multiple locations will still be able to manage them through what is being named ‘Business Profile Manager.’
What are the New Features?
Now you’ll be able to directly claim and verify your business through Google Search and Google Maps.
They are also slightly changing the way messages work from your Business Profile. Customers will be able to get in touch more easily via Google and you can answer any questions they may have.
Why Should You Use Google Business Listings?
Utilising Google’s Business Listings, on search and maps benefits your customers, especially local customers. It offers customers all the relevant information, such as locations, ratings, reviews, about your business and opening hours. Ultimately, it makes the customer’s life much easier and so having a Google Business Profile will help to increase your sales.
Engaging with this listing also benefits SEO and Local SEO. The goal is to improve rankings, both local and otherwise, and being accessible and visible on Google is a huge part of increasing those rankings and therefore sales. Read more about our Local SEO packages here.
Get In Touch
We understand that platforms like Google Business Profile can be difficult and time consuming to navigate. We’re happy to help, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch! If you’d like to discuss the Google Business Profile Management Package, you can get in touch with us on 01706 482017 or by completing the contact form on our Contact Us page.