Earlier last month, Google renamed its Google My Business local business management service to “Google Business Profile” and announced a few enhanced profile management features. According to Google, the rebranding is intended to “make things simple.” However, since the announcement was made only about two months ago, it is unclear whether current service users will concur with that statement.
As a top-rated listings management agency in Michigan City, Indiana, we believe that the rebrand will significantly impact the local search landscape. So, let’s look at the changes that are being implemented and talk about what they mean for your business.
What’s New with Business Profile?
Business Profiles will function similarly to its predecessor in many ways. However, Google has introduced several new features to improve usability and encourage customer engagement with business listings.
For one, Google announced that business owners will now be able to manage their listings directly from Google Search and Maps — without first logging into the backend of the Google application. To manage your Business Profile listing, you can simply search for your business name in Google Search or Maps. Or you can search for “my business” to check which business listings you have already claimed and verified. You or your listings management agency in Michigan City can also make changes to your business information — such as hours, services, products, or photos — without leaving Google Search.
This is not a new feature, as business owners have always been able to manage their listings this way. However, Google is now stressing that all single listings should be managed in Search or Maps rather than the old Google My Business panel. As a matter of fact, Google My Business will be phased out entirely next year to encourage business owners to use the new Search and Maps functionalities.
For businesses with multiple profiles (locations), the Google My Business interface — now renamed Business Profile Manager — will still serve as the primary listings management platform. The existing Google My Business web experience, Google says, will be targeted at large multi-location enterprises in the future.
New Features
Google is also releasing new tools to assist business owners in managing their profiles directly in Google Search and Maps. Currently, business owners can do the following:
- Claim and verify a business listing through Google Search and Maps.
- Message customers directly from Google search.
- Manage reviews and Q&As.
- Run reports on information such as phone calls (only for North American business owners currently)
Google will almost certainly add other features to the service in the future. Because Google never stops innovating, it is reasonable to assume that it will announce more updates in the following months.
Why Should You Care About This Rebrand?
As any knowledgeable listings management agency in Michigan City, Indiana will tell you, Google’s local search is strongly influenced by business profiles on Google Search and Maps. In other words, claiming and maintaining your Business Profile listing will significantly aid your SEO efforts and help your Michigan City business shine in local searches.
Looking for the Premier Listings Management Agency in Michigan City, Indiana?
If you have gotten accustomed to Google My Business, it may take a while to acclimate to new terminology and UI. This is where the experts can help. Do you need help with the new features of Google Business Profile and making sure your business listing is optimized and updated? If so, and if you’re looking to partner with the premier listings management agency in Michigan City, Indiana, Digital Destination is the company to call. Contact us today at (312) 933-6806 to learn how we can help.