Google My Business is Now Google Business Profile: What Does That Mean for Small Businesses?
At the end of 2021, Google announced they were making changes to their Google My Business platform in 2022. The most notable change was renaming Google My Business to Google Business Profile. Since many small business owners rely on listings on Google for business, it’s important to keep up with the changes. So here we’re going to break down the new Google Business Profile and how you should proceed as a small business owner.
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile replaces the Google My Business platform with both familiar and updated features. What you were able to do in Google My Business is now known as the Google Business Profile. Google aimed to make it simpler for businesses to claim and manage their business profile through tools they already use on a regular basis.
Now, you can verify and edit your business listings through Google Search or Google Maps. Simply search your business name, and you’ll see an option to confirm or edit details in your business profile. As a result, small businesses no longer need to go to the separate Google My Business website to update their Google Business Profile. This updated business profile location should make it easier to maintain your business’ information on Google.
What is replacing the Google My Business app?
Since Google made it possible to manage your business profile on Google Search and Google Maps, the Google My Business app isn’t necessary. You may have received this notification if you regularly use Google My Business. So, what is replacing the Google My Business app? Most business owners only need Google Search or Google Maps to manage business listings. For large businesses or businesses with multiple locations, the Google Business Profile Manager Dashboard allows you to manage multiple profiles in one place.
What should small business owners do with these changes?
Let’s get practical! What should you do now with these Google Business Profile changes? The good news is this should make your life a little easier. You probably use Google Search and Google Maps on a daily basis, so it’s much easier to quickly search your business name and check on your business profile information. Here are a few tips to make the most of your updated Google Business Profile.
- Add missing information and resolve any issues
With the new update to Google Business Profile, it’s easy to see what essential information, like phone number or hours of operation, is missing from your profile. You’ll also easily be able to resolve any issues with your Google Business Profile right from Google Search and Maps. This is the most important step, so your profile is fully visible to potential customers!
- Update current information
When you find your Google Business Profile, update current information as necessary. If a little time has pssed since you last viewed your profile, you may need to update hours, locations, website information, etc. Up-to-date business information is crucial for small businesses with an online presence!
- Regularly check your Google Business Profile
Once everything is filled in and updated, make it a habit to check your Google Business Profile often. Google and customers actually have access to update your business information, and it may be incorrect. There really is nothing more frustrating for a potential customer to be sent to the wrong website or call a disconnected phone number. So check on your Google Business Profile regularly to ensure all of your business information is correct and consistent. These updates make it easy to watch your Google Business Profile!
- Optimize your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is more than just a list of your business information. It’s an opportunity to enhance your business’ SEO! The more detail and valuable content you can add to your Google Business Profile, the better your chance for higher rankings on Google. Google gives you the opportunities to add pictures, products, services, answer questions, respond to customer reviews, add seasonal hours, and more. Take advantage of these features that provide value to potential customers and can improve your Google ranking.
The recent updates to Google My Business make maintaining your business profile a more user-friendly experience. The new Google Business Profile is essential to your business’s SEO strategy and makes a difference to potential customers. Google Business Profile is just one of the tools available to create a successful SEO and marketing strategy to grow your business. Suite Edge partners with businesses to help them win with marketing technology, strategy, and execution designed to fit your business’s unique needs. If you’re looking for a marketing partner, our team is ready to help you succeed. Reach out to us today to learn more about our marketing services.
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