In November 2021, Google altered its well-known business management platform, Google My Business. Google My Business has been used by companies to create and manage their Google listings and profiles. Well, Google My Business is now Google Business Profile. The previous Google My Business app is being transformed and streamlined.
The reason for the change can be attributed to Google’s aim to help small businesses owners. Google acknowledged that small and large businesses differ in their needs, especially when it comes to online presence. Moving between apps and depending on long verification processes can deter and limit the proper optimization of Google’s tools and resources.
Small business listings are encouraged to work exclusively through Google Search or Google Maps. The new updates focus on minimizing hassle and maximizing optimization. Larger businesses or businesses with multiple listings will be utilizing the previous Google My Business platform.
What is a Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile will be used to perform the functions of Google My Business in a simplified manner. The update will allow for an easier claiming process for listed businesses on Google. These major updates simplify the Google verification process. This will help businesses alter their business information and add or remove any additional edits with limited hassle.
Is a Google Business Profile free?
Google Business Profile is free. Like its predecessor, Google Business Profile will not charge its users for the creation and maintenance of their Google listings and presence.
Google prides itself on offering free tools and resources to all businesses. Organic rankings and listings are completely void of outside interference or paid advertising strategies. However, Google does also offer paid media options.
Updates to Google Business Profile
- One of the most notable updates to Google Business Profile is the utilization of Google Search and Google Maps. Now, users can activate and manage their profiles directly from these platforms. The updates to Google Search and Google Maps will also provide access to new tools and resources to build your online presence and increase performance.
- Another update includes the elimination of the Google My Business app and website. If your organization has multiple business entities you can run each separately from the Business Profile Manager.
- Further updates include the Google API integration changing to the Business Profile on Google from Google My Business. APIs, or application binary interfaces, are used by Google to link data and information from one platform to the next.
- Authorized users or Google Business Profile account managers will now be the only persons eligible to make changes to the business listing. Previously, edits to the Google Business Profile were allowed to be made by any user.
- In-app messaging through Google Maps and Google Search is now offered. This feature brings businesses and customers closer. Customers can ask relevant questions. The questions will be answered and visible to the general public, showing engagement which increases your SEO rankings and provides a resource to potential customers.
- Users of Google Business Profile can now view the call history to their business. Depending on the type of business and the business model, companies can use this information to gauge how customers are responding and engaging.
How do I get a Google Business Profile?
Creating a Google Business Profile is simple. As a new business, you can build a Business Profile on Google from scratch. You can also claim an existing Google listing.
Existing Google listings may appear for a series of reasons. There are times when others create a Google listing without the knowledge of the owner or primary account owner. Another example can be when a business is acquired, renamed, or rebranded.
How to make Google Business Profile using Google Maps in 3 Ways?
Create a Google Business Profile by executing one of the following procedures:
Way 1
- Step 1: Use the desired Google account to login to Google Maps
- Step 2: Type the business address into the search bar
- Step 3: Locate the Business Profile to the left of the search
- Step 4: Click, Add Your Business
Way 2
- Step 1: Use the desired Google account to login to Google Maps
- Step 2: Open Google Maps
- Step 3: Right-click on the map
- Step 4: Click, Add Your Business
Way 3
- Step 1: Use the desired Google account to login to Google Maps
- Step 2: Open Google Maps
- Step 3: Find the menu in the upper left corner
- Step 4: Click, Add Your Business
How to claim a Google Business Profile using Google Maps?
If your Business Profile on Google already exists, you can claim the business by:
- Step 1: Use the desired Google account to login to Google Maps
- Step 2: Type the business name into the search bar
- Step 3: Locate your business
- Step 4: Click, Claim This Business
- Step 5: Tap Manage Now
Google Business Profile Verification
To verify your Google Business Profile for the first time follow one of the following verification methods, phone, text, email, or video.
Each verification process is done manually by a member of the Google team. The process can take a total of seven days to complete. When there is a change or update to the Google Business Profile you may be required to resubmit verification.
Google’s verification process ensures that the business is legitimate and that the owner of the Google Business Profile is properly identified.
Utilizing Google Business Profile for Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Search engine optimization (SEO) for Google is optimized exclusively through Google Business Profile. The key to good SEO optimization is managing and updating your business listing regularly.
Google Business Profile plays a part in the management of your business listing by allowing you to edit or update relevant business information. Regular updates and edits, adding business hours, coupons, and customer reviews are all found on the Google Business Profile or Google Search or Maps.
What Do Google Business Profile Changes Mean for You?
As a small or large business owner, Google Business Profile only adds advantages to its user experiences. The Google Search and Google Maps updates provide a smooth transition and easier access to everything Google has to offer. You can alleviate time switching between apps and online. Who does not want a one-stop-shop for everything?
Proper and easier management of your Google Business Profile allows for higher SEO rankings and better analysis or analytics and reporting. Google is constantly working to improve the user experience. Through their efforts, the experiences of your customers are equally enhanced.
Whether you are new to Google Business Profile or have inherited a previous profile, the updates and enhancements to the platform are here for you.
Video: What Is Google My Business?
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