We're used to Google's frequent feature and algorithm changes, but the recent announcement of the end of Google My Business and that it would be phased out in favor of the new Google Business Profile has left business owners wondering what will happen to their locations. existing. This is a summary of the changes that will affect your account and what you can expect from the new company profile.
Easier access.
While it's a hassle at first to have to deal with so many changes, in the long run you'll find that the new company profiles are easier to use and faster. You'll be able to easily manage your information, connect with customers, and post updates directly from search results pages and Google Maps, without the need to log into the GMB dashboard like before. This functionality has existed in a more basic form since 2017, but will now expand to become the default way businesses will manage their locations.
Additionally, you will also be able to access important features such as replying to customer messages, claiming and verifying new locations, and dealing with profile suspension. All of this can be done directly from the search results page, simply by entering the term “my business” into the main Google search field.
The GMB app is being retired.
As part of the simplification process, Google will retire the Google My Business mobile app in 2022, as it is no longer necessary now that location management is handled directly from the GMB listing. Agencies that manage multiple locations can still do so through the existing GMB web interface, which will be rebranded as Business Profile Manager or Company Profile Manager.
Monitor your performance.
The new Performance tab is also accessed directly from the search page and leads to all the numbers and graphs you need to evaluate your location's performance. You can see how many people are viewing your profile, review the search terms that triggered your profile to appear in the results, and learn the types of customers searching for your business. You can even see how many of those profile views generated messages, phone calls, or website visits.
While unexpected changes like these can be frustrating at first, overall it appears to be a positive move that will make location management easier and more efficient for businesses in the long run. Placements like Google Business Profile form an important part of the core of your digital marketing strategy, so it's important to make sure all the pieces fit together in a way that helps you achieve your business goals.
If you need us to advise you, you can request a free consultation and we will give you personal feedback on your current strategy and help you with advice to move your business in the right direction.
