Google My Business is changing to Google Business Profile. Find out how to update now to ensure your business success!
Google has announced that the name of its local listing platform, Google My Business (GMB), is changing to your “Google Business Profile”.
What is Google Business Profile – Formerly Google My Business?
Google Business Profile is an easy to use tool to help businesses manage their online presence across Google. Google Business Profile helps customers find your business and any necessary information found through Google Maps and Search.
Keeping your Google Business Profile updated is important to your success. When you have a Google Business Profile, you are playing on Google’s playground. That means you must follow Google Business Profile’s guidelines – otherwise, your business profile can get suspended.
If you only supply goods and services online, then you are technically not allowed a Google Business Profile. You must have a physical business address.
Google encourages user-generated content
This is a key part of Google My Business optimisation. The more relevant and high-quality content (like updated business info, reviews, and photos) you add, the more likely your business is to appear in local searches. Optimising your profile helps your listing stand out to nearby customers searching for your services.
Google algorithms favour businesses that are recognised as an authority in their field and provide quality information for audiences. Therefore, Google encourages user-generated content like reviews, Q&As, updates, photos, videos, and more. So it is recommended to check up on it and update regularly.
It’s important to note, your Google Business Profile is a community profile. It is not solely yours. It’s important that you make sure that the user-generated content that is added to your profile is legitimate.
Simple Google My Business optimisation tips for small businesses
To keep things simple, ‘Google My Business’ is being renamed ‘Google Business Profile. In mid-2022, the Google My Business app will be retired, so more businesses can take advantage of the upgraded experience on Search and Maps. Moving forward, we recommend small businesses manage their profiles directly on Search or Maps.
To do this, just do a search for your company’s name on Google or on the Google Maps app, and you’ll see an option to verify your Business Profile if you haven’t already. From Search or Maps, you can edit information people see when they search for your business like your address, business hours, make posts, respond to reviews, and more.
Over the next few months, all businesses that create a Business Profile on Google will be allowed to complete their setup directly on Google Search and Maps. You will also be able to see if your profile is publicly visible.
If you haven’t reviewed your profile lately, now’s the time to do a full Google My Business optimisation audit. Check that all your details are current, add fresh content regularly, and respond to reviews to boost credibility.
What about multiple locations?
If your business has multiple locations, or you are an agency that manages multiple client locations, the best way to manage your profiles is to log in to the Business Profile Manager dashboard.
If you are a local business with only one location, the easiest way to manage your Google Business Profile is from the Google Search Area.
Like all things digital – There are many more changes to come
There are a heap of new rollouts on their way as well, so stay tuned.
If you haven’t yet, you can sign up for your Google Business Profile here: https://www.google.com/business/
Want to make sure your business is showing up where your customers are searching? Let Vigour Graphics handle your Google My Business optimisation—whether it’s a one-off setup or part of a full website build.
Contact us today to boost your local visibility and bring more people to your doorstep (or digital store).