In November 2021, Google released an update about upcoming holiday shopping trends, tips, and statistics to help small and large businesses get ready for the biggest shopping time of the year.
During this blog, they also updated us on a new, but not new, Google feature - Google Business Profile.
This new Google My Business platform, while similar, is more tailored for smaller businesses to help their local awareness grow in an easier-to-manage way. Instead of creating a Google My Business account, you can directly create, verify, and edit your businesses from search or maps.
The new Google My Business platform is a free tool business can use to give their customers their hours, services, contact information, content, and even a way to directly message them that shows up on Google Search Results when searched for.
So let’s get into this new Google My Business tool, how to set it up, and how to take advantage of it.
What Is the New Google My Business Platform?
While Google My Business is still around, Google has announced it is better used by large companies with multiple franchises, stores, or fronts that need multiple Google Business accounts.
"Moving forward, we recommend small businesses manage their profiles directly on Search or Maps. To keep things simple, "Google My Business" is being renamed "Google Business Profile." And in 2022, we'll retire the Google My Business app so more merchants can take advantage of the upgraded experience on Search and Maps. The existing Google My Business web experience will transition to primarily support larger businesses with multiple locations, and will be renamed "Business Profile Manager." We'll share more details on these changes in the months ahead."
As Google stated, larger businesses will still be able to handle individual locations on Search and Maps if they choose to do so. However, they do plan on getting rid of Google My Business completely this year.
The new Google My Business platform is perfect for local businesses that rely heavily on search engines for traffic.
Google Business Profile New Features
While many features such as posting content and reviews will still be available in the new Google My Business platform, they have added a handful of fun features to help local businesses grow their brand awareness.
You can claim and manage your Business Profile directly on Search and Maps
Opportunity to edit the information that people see when they search for your business, including address, store hours, content, and more.
Send and receive direct messages or inquiries
Show in-stock items
Create Google Ads faster and more easily
One of our favorite features of the new Google My Business platform is the ability to chat with your audience!
How it works:
Once you turn on chat, customers will be able to engage with a "Chat" button on your Business Profile
The email on your business will receive notifications for every chat. In the meantime, you can customize the automated message that customers will receive while they wait.
Once you are talking, you can actually send and receive photos with your customers in the chat!
If multiple people own or manage your Business Profile, each one can chat with customers via notifications in their email or from your shared account.
Another prominent feature is the ability to post and update your audience on current in-stock items you carry. With 28% of local searches ending in a purchase, this feature is fantastic for local companies selling products. Your audience will now be able to search exactly for items and see which stores near them are currently carrying it.
How to Set Up the New Google My Business
If you thought setting up your Google My Business account was a little difficult - then we got some good news!
Setting up your new Google My Business account, aka Business Profile, is incredibly easy.
To add your business through Google Maps:
On your computer, open Google Maps.
You can add your business one of three ways:
Enter your address into the search bar and select "Business Profile - Add your business" on the left-hand side.
Right-click anywhere on the map, then select "Add your business."
In the top left, select "Menu" and then "Add your business."
Follow the on-screen instructions to finish signing up for your new Business Profile.
To claim your business through Google Maps
On your computer, open Google Maps.
Enter your business name in the search bar.
Select your business name and choose the correct location/address.
Select "Claim this business" and then "Manage now."
To choose a different business, click "I own or manage another business."
Select a verification option, and follow the on-screen steps.
FAQ About the New Google My Business Profile
Q. Why Is My Business Not Showing up on Google?
There are two main reasons your business may not show up on Google. Either it hasn't been verified yet, or it lacks location authority.
Q. How to Verify My Business on Google?
Once you find your business location on Google Maps, select "Add My Business" and follow the instructions. You can verify your business in different ways, including phone, email, or postcard. Please note, postcards can take up to 8 weeks to arrive and verify.
Q. How Do I Edit My Google Business Page?
Once you have verified your account and have access, you should be able to edit your new Google My Business Profile directly from search and maps! Here are the steps:
On your computer, sign in to the account your Business Profile is attached to.
If you have multiple profiles, select the specific one you want to manage.
From the menu, click "Info."
Find "Attributes" and select "Edit."
Search for the attribute you want to add.
Once you update your attributes, click "Apply."
Q. How Do I Respond to a Business Message on Google?
First, you must enable your business to receive messages.
Search for your business in Google search so it provides the GMB shortcuts.
Select "Customers."
In the popup, choose "Messages."
Once you have enabled your messages, you will receive notifications to the email on file every time someone sends a message.
Q. Why Is the New Google My Business Is Good for Local SEO?
In 2020 and 2021, the number of people using "near me" or "buy now" skyrocketed by over 500%. And with 46% of all searches on Google being strictly used to look for local information, Google Business Profile is essential for any locally owned company.
Kellyann Doyle is a Content Marketing Writer at Zoek, an SEO, Web Design, and Digital Marketing Agency that assists small and medium-sized businesses with their online footprint. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in 2013 from the University of Houston with a Major in Communications and a Minor in Marketing and has been working in the Digital Marketing world ever since. When not working, you can find Kellyann trying new recipes, enjoying a good nap, or watching Friends for the 500th time.