The digital world is constantly evolving. Most updates and changes affect website rankings on search engine results pages, so it’s essential to be aware of them.
Google, the most popular search engine, updates its algorithms regularly. One of the latest changes implemented in the past few days is Google My Business rebranding to Google Business Profile. This Google update raised several questions, especially among business owners, digital marketers, and SEO experts.
What’s new about the tool? What are the new features? How to manage business profiles using the new update? What about those businesses with multiple locations?
If you have these questions in mind, you’ve come to the right place to look for the answer. We’ll walk you through the updates and changes. Let’s get started!
A Quick History
Over the years, Google has made many changes to what we now know as Google My Business. It was formerly known as Google Places, Google+ Local, Google Local, and other names. With these changes, there were also updates rolled out. Although Google is sometimes a challenge to understand, it sure does things for the better.
Now, let’s take a look at the most recent Google My Business update, or should we say GMB rebranding.
Why Change the Name?
In recent years, there have been numerous Google My Business updates implemented. For that reason, many wonder about the purpose of the said rebranding.
The main reason is that Google does not want to limit business profile management to the Google My Business app alone. It wants business owners, digital marketers, and SEO experts to have the luxury of managing business profiles even on Google Maps, Google Search, and other helpful apps.
In other words, Google is migrating and upgrading the features of the old local business management tool to Maps, Search, and other apps. It also plans to retire the app completely sometime in 2022.
What Does Google Mean When It Said that Google My Business is Going Away?
Google encourages business owners to have their single listings managed directly on Google Maps or Google Search — through separate mobile apps or the web browser. Yes, you read it right. After a long time, Google now allows and prefers businesses to manage listings on the maps or search results.
Google also said that the rebranding would be of great help for large businesses serving multiple locations. For business owners, digital marketers, and SEO experts who manage such businesses, this means that you are still going to use almost the same interface as GMB — but this time, with a new name and a few added features. Although, there are changes expected in the coming months.
What are the New Features?
This Google update comes with a new set of features. Google Business Profile, unlike GMB, now allows business owners to:
- Claim business profiles on Google Maps and Google Search
- Verify business profiles on Google Maps and Google Search
- Communicate with customers via messaging on Google Maps and Google Search
- Track inbound call data from business profiles on Google Maps and Google Search (this feature is launching in Canada and the United States and will potentially roll out in other countries soon)
- Manage FAQs and reviews on Google Maps and Google Search
How to Manage Your Business With this Google Update?
Managing business profiles is made simple with Google Business Profile. All you have to do is search for your business name on Google Search or Google Maps. You can also type “my business” into the search bar to see the business profiles you’ve claimed and verified.
For Businesses with Single Location
After searching for your business profile, you can start editing it from the Knowledge Panel. Follow these simple steps:
- Click the “edit your business information” link you see on your screen.
- Start editing your business information, such as business description, operating hours, category, and more.
- Click the “update your customers” button on the Knowledge Panel if there’s something new about your business, which you want your customers to know.
- Look at the left-hand side of your screen. You’ll see other options to edit your Google Business Profile there.
For Businesses with Multiple Locations
If you are an owner of a business with different locations or a digital marketer or SEO expert who manages business profiles with several locations, the best way to manage multiple business profiles is by logging in to the Google Business Profile dashboard.
From there, you’ll have the option of managing different profiles with ease and flexibility.
Why Utilize this Google Update for Local SEO?
Claiming and optimizing your business profile is one of the best strategies in local SEO. Doing so can help you land a higher ranking on search results and attract more local clients to avail of your products or services.
According to recent data provided by Google, 60% of smartphone users contacted businesses using the “click to call” button on the GMB, which is now known as Google Business Profile.
Make sure that you constantly update your business profile with new information to use Google Business Profile to your best advantage. Your responsibility is to ensure that all information changes on your business listing are correct and accurate.
Advanced Digital Media Services is Here to Help
We at Advanced Digital Media Services know that Google updates are a challenge to understand, but that’s why we are here to help you.
We provide Google Business Profile optimization to help business owners focus on running their businesses. Our team of SEO experts is always on the lookout for updates and changes in the online business landscape, so we guarantee that you’ll dominate the search results with our services. Additionally, we utilize the latest tools and strategies to help businesses increase their visibility and exposure in the vast digital world. Contact us today to start achieving your business goals.
