What is the new name for Google My Business?
Google Business Profile in a modern office. A business owner updates their Google Business Profile in a modern office.
If you've been puzzled by how to increase your local business's online presence, the solution might lie within Google's latest update. The tech giant has rolled out a significant rebranding, transitioning "Google My Business" to the new "Google Business Profile.".
This article will guide you through leveraging this rebranded tool effectively for your business, offering step-by-step insights. Keep reading—your digital footprint is about to get bigger!
Key Takeaways
- Google My Business is now called Google Business Profile.
- The new name makes it simpler for business owners to update their information directly on Google Search and Maps without needing a separate app or website.
- Keeping your profile up-to-date with the correct business details, hours, and services can help more customers find you in local searches.
- You don't have to pay anything for a Google Business Profile; it's free to use, which is great news for all businesses.
- Having an updated and optimised profile improves visibility and trust amongst potential customers in local search results.
Google My Business: The Transition
Google My Business has officially transitioned to Google Business Profile, marking a shift in the way businesses manage their online presence. This move brings new implications and features for business owners looking to enhance their visibility on Google Search and Maps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUolxjCgS1Y
The shift to Google Business Profile
Big news for businesses: Google My Business has a new name: Google Business Profile. This change makes it easier to manage your business information right on Google Search and Maps. If you run a large business with many locations, this switch is especially good news.
The aim is to make things simpler and more direct.
With the move to Google Business Profile, you can now update details swiftly without needing a separate app or website. Are your opening hours changing? Or maybe you've got new services? Just hop onto Search or Maps and tweak your profile quickly.
It's all about giving your business visibility a boost and helping customers find you easily.
Implications of the New Google Business Profile
With the transition to Google Business Profile, businesses can now manage their profiles directly in Google Search and Maps, making it easier for customers to find and engage with them.
To learn more about the impact of this change on local SEO and how to optimise your Google Business Profile, keep reading.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWZs5ITvzbw
Managing profiles directly in Google Search and Maps
You can now take charge of your business profile right through Google Search and Maps. This makes it simple to update your business information anytime you need to. Say you want to change your opening hours or respond to Google reviews; just log into your Google account and do it all on the spot.
Customers get the latest details, and you stay in control of how your business shows up online.
Business owners like using this feature because they don't have to jump between different apps or websites. They edit their profile, add photos, answer questions from customers, and even share posts about what's new directly where people are searching for them – that's smart digital marketing! It means they can quickly fix errors too, making sure anyone who searches finds everything they need without a hitch.
Features of Google Business Profile
- The Google Business Profile includes essential features such as business information, hours of operation, and details about the services offered. These details are crucial for potential customers to make informed decisions about engaging with your business.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhAq-kfQt80
Business Information
Business information on your Google Business Profile is at the core of what customers see. It includes details about your company, like your name, address, and what you do. This key data helps people find you when they search for products or services that you offer.
Making sure this information is accurate and up-to-date is vital.
You can also share things like your business history and photos to show off your work or store. If there have been changes, such as a new phone number or a move to another location, update these quickly online.
A good profile has fresh content, which can attract more customers and keep them coming back.
Hours
Your Google Business Profile lets you tell everyone when your doors are open. This means that if someone searches for you, they can see right away the times you're ready to welcome them.
It's easy to keep this information up-to-date directly through Google Search and Maps. You just need to make sure that the hours you post are accurate.
If your business has special hours for holidays or events, it’s simple to change them on your profile too. This helps customers avoid any disappointment if they turn up and find you closed.
Keeping your opening times clear and current is a key part of serving local search users effectively and ensures people can visit when it works best for both of you.
Services
Google Business Profile puts businesses on the map—quite literally. With services listed directly on Google Maps and Search, customers can quickly see what a business offers. Whether it's a cafe with free Wi-Fi or a bookshop that hosts live events, these details are visible at a glance.
This makes it easy for people to decide if they've found what they're looking for.
Business owners can add a range of services from their dashboard, making sure potential customers know exactly what's available. They might mention car repair options at an auto shop or different yoga classes at a studio.
It helps users searching on mobile apps or desktops get the right information fast, which is great for everyone involved!
How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Making your Google Business Profile stand out is key to catching the eye of potential customers. Here's how you can make your profile work for you:
- Enter all your business information, such as the name, address, and phone number (NAP).
- Make sure these details match across all online platforms.
- Keep your hours current and pick the right business types.
- Update your opening times regularly, especially during holidays or special events.
- Choose the categories that best describe what your business does.
- Add a precise business description, and choose categories carefully.
- Write a clear summary of what your business offers in the description section.
- This helps people understand your services and find you in searches.
- Respond quickly to reviews and questions.
- Answer customer queries in the Q&A section to show you value their feedback.
- Thank people for positive reviews and address negative ones politely.
- Add photos and updates to keep things fresh.
- Upload images of your products, services, or location to attract attention.
- Post regular updates or offers to engage with customers more often.
- Use keywords smartly in your business description.
- Include words people might use when they search for services like yours on Google Maps or Search.
- Check over your contact details for mistakes.
- Double - check your NAP info is correct so there's no confusion for customers trying to reach you.
- Encourage happy customers to leave reviews.
- Ask them nicely in person or through follow-up emails after they use your service or buy something.
Is Google Business Profile Free or Paid?
Google Business Profile won't cost you a penny. You can set it up without spending any money. This is great news for any business, big or small. You get to share your business info on Google Maps and Search, letting more people find you when they need what you offer.
Businesses should see this as a must-do – it's like having a free ad online!
To make the most of it, just add your location and details about what you do. Keep everything up-to-date so customers always know how to reach you and what services you provide. It’s really as simple as that—no hidden fees or charges to worry about!
The Impact on Local SEO
Google Business Profile has a substantial impact on local SEO by enhancing a business's visibility in local searches. By optimising the profile with accurate information, businesses can improve their chances of appearing in the coveted top three local results, increasing the likelihood of potential customers finding and engaging with them.
This is crucial as studies have shown that a majority of users tend to click on one of the top three search results when looking for local businesses, making it essential for businesses to utilise Google Business Profile to its full potential in order to stand out in local searches.
Moreover, having an optimised Google Business Profile not only boosts visibility but also enhances credibility and trust among potential customers. When users find complete business information, such as operating hours and contact details, easily accessible through Google My Business listings without needing to visit the website directly, it fosters trust and encourages engagement.
As a result, businesses with well-maintained profiles are more likely to attract and retain local customers based on both their online presence and positive reputation garnered from user-generated content like reviews and ratings—the foundation of effective local SEO strategies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Google My Business has transitioned to a new name - Google Business Profile. This change is aimed at better serving larger businesses and aligning with the platform's purpose.
The rebranding also brings new features and updates for managing business profiles directly on Google Business Profile. It's essential for businesses to optimise their profile to enhance visibility in local searches and harness the benefits of this shift.
To understand more about the financial commitments associated with maintaining a profile, read our detailed exploration on whether Google Business Profile is free or paid.
FAQs
1. What's the fresh name for Google My Business?
Google My Business is now known as Google Business Profile, a change that helps businesses manage their presence directly on Google Search and Maps.
2. Why did Google choose to rebrand Google My Business?
The new name, Google Business Profile, reflects the tool’s role in helping businesses shape their online appearance within both the search engine results and on Google Maps.
3. Can I still use my Gmail email to access my business profile after the name change?
Absolutely! You can access your updated profile using your existing Gmail account through Search or Maps, or by signing into your inbox.
4. How does this update affect how customers find me through location-based searches?
Your visibility remains high—customers can locate you with ease on location-based searches via Google Maps app; just be sure your info stays up to date!
5. Will there be any changes in how I check stats or run ads through Google Analytics and Google Ads?
No worries there—your important tools like Google Analytics for checking stats and managing promotions through Google Ads will stay consistent even with the rebranding.
6. If I have questions about optimising my profile for SEO (search engine optimisation), where should I look for answers?
For hints on enhancing your listing for that crucial SEO boost, dive into resources provided by SEOs or explore forums like Reddit where experts share tips.
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