Changes are always on the horizon when it comes to Google, and Google has done it again, friends. Introducing the new Google Business Profile, formerly known as Google My Business.
What’s this mean?
The big breakthrough takeaway is you can now manage your GBP listing from Google Search and the Google Maps app.
Making life easier in general.
And, don’t fret, if you already have your GMB profile set up, no action needed on your part, it’ll be updated automatically.
If you’re currently using the Google My Business app, feel free to delete that bad boy and simply search for your business in the Google search bar to get to all the same functions the app allowed you to do before the update.
Why the name change?
According to Google, “to keep things simple.”
We love simple.
It’s not the first name change Google has given to this feature, and we doubt it’ll be the last.
Image from Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile NEW Features
Not only will you still have the same features as GMB, but you’ll get a few new ones, too:
- You can now claim and verify your Google Business Profile from Search or Google Maps
- You’ll have access to call history (name, phone number, and date of call)
- You can message from Google Search
- You can manage your message read receipts from Search and Maps
Managing Your GBP Listing
If the new features didn’t give it away, Google wants you to manage your listing from Search and Maps, rather than logging in to your Google Business Profile account or app.
This is a more streamlined process for users.
The new GBP web experience will cater to larger companies with more than one location.
That said, smaller businesses will get all the benefits of the new features, as well.
If you haven’t yet created your GBP profile, you’ll want to do that ASAP, especially if you have a physical location.
Your local SEO campaign will see an uptick in all good SEO things once you’ve verified your listing, so make this a priority.
Note that the name of the feature and the branding will start changing soon and you can expect to start utilizing all the features directly from your search results within the next several weeks.
If you have any questions about your GBP listing or the update, feel free to reach out to one of our SEO professionals today.
