Whether you are an SEO fanatic or a business owner looking to boost your brand’s online presence, you probably are familiar with the many benefits of Google My Business. GMB allows you the ability to list the location of your business on facets of Google, including Google Maps as well as local search options. From hours of operation to ratings and reviews, this vital information gives users a synopsis of important details about your business. As a strong digital marketing strategy, all businesses of all sizes and locations across the nation should be constantly updating and perfecting their GMB listing to rank as SEO-friendly.
Now, we are faced with an important announcement— Google My Business has now changed its name to Google Business Profile, making businesses across all industries curious about what this means for their online presence on Google. Here’s what you need to know:
Google Business Profile
As a sole attempt to draw the management of business profiles out of the GMB app and directly to Google Search and Maps, Google Business Profile remains fairly similar to its predecessor with a few new features to take note of. It may come as no surprise that Google is making yet another upgrade to their features as we have seen the constant impact of Google Algorithm changes, the depreciation of third-party cookies, and the Facebook Inc. transition to Meta. With the roll-out of Google Business Profile, users can expect the following:
- Claiming and verifying GBP listing in Google Search and Google Maps (as opposed to the GMB app which will be retiring at some point in 2022)
- The control of message read receipts in Google Search and Google Maps
- The launch of call history (available in the U.S. and Canada)
- The ability to manage your business through Google Search and Google Maps
Coupled with the name change, Google aims to simplify the user experience, granting the ability for businesses of all sizes and industries to become more SEO friendly. The Google My Business App will also no longer be active, and you will be able to make updates through Google Maps App or directly on Search.
Stay up to date with important digital marketing updates with The Hive! For more information or to speak with a representative at beMarketing about best SEO practices and getting your business on Google Business Profile, contact us today or call our office at (484) 261-1149.
