Google My Business (GMB) is an incredible tool for businesses, clients and everyday people, but you may not fully understand what it is, what it can do and what Google’s new changes might mean for your business, but don’t worry, we’re here to help!
Firstly, what is Google My Business?
Picture this: It’s a Saturday morning and someone needs to find a coffee shop or dog groomer nearby. They open up your phone and immediately go to Google and search ‘coffee shop in [suburb]’ or ‘dog groomer in [suburb]
The top results will be paid results (Google Ads), the ones under that will be local results (Google My Business Profiles) and the results under that will be organic results (unpaid search results).
GMB Profiles are free to create and put your business right in front of many potential customers, helping them to quickly discover a host of information about your business such as your business address, operating hours, business phone number, what products and services you provide, what specials you have on at the moment, post beautiful product photos, respond to reviews and more!
All in all, GMB Profiles help customers make better-informed purchasing decisions and help businesses put their best foot forward, it’s a win, win!
What are the changes to Google My Business?
1) A brand-new name
Google announced in the first week of November 2021 that it will be renaming ‘Google My Business’ to ‘Google Business Profile’ in an effort to simplify things.
2) Claim your business on search and maps
You can now easily claim and verify your Business Profile directly on Google Search or the Google Maps app. Simply search for your business by name and you’ll see an option to claim and verify the associated Business Profile. Then once your business is verified, you will be able to edit your business’ information.
3) Manage your Business Profile exclusively through Search and Maps
Moving forward, Google will recommend small businesses manage their profiles directly on Search or Maps, and in 2022, the company will be retiring the Google My Business app completely.
Google states that additional tools to help business managers understand how their business is performing and how they can enhance their online presence will be released 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’. More details on this are expected to be announced in the months ahead.
4) Customers can now message you straight from Search and Maps
Customers can now get in touch with you in real-time from your Google Business Profile. This is a great opportunity to answer any questions that they have and provide some quality customer service. You will receive notifications for any incoming messages, and you will be able to share photos with customers in the chat. If multiple people own or manage your Business Profile, each one can chat with customers. There will also be a setting to turn on or off ‘read receipts’.
Google recommends that you respond to new messages within 24 hours to help promote trust and encourage engagement with your business. However, please be advised that to support timely responses, Google may deactivate chat for your business if you don’t respond within the time frame.
Here at Daisy Digital, we count your Google Business Profile as local SEO and part of our SEO service is to keep your profile up to date, be it with new images, responding to reviews or adding posts, specials or upcoming events. Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help your business!
