Google Changes Name of Google My Business
In November of 2021, Google announced that they are changing the name of Google My Business to Google Business Profile. This change will empower a business to better manage critical information on Google Maps and Search results.
About the Name Change
Per a new article on the Google Ads & Commerce Blog, “Starting this week, you can easily claim and verify your Business Profile directly on Google Search or the Google Maps app. Search for your business by name and you’ll see an option to claim and verify the associated Business Profile. Once your business is verified, you can edit your business’ information, including the address, store hours, photos and more.”1.
Typically, when Google makes a very significant change to any of its Business Products, it will change the name of that particular service. You may see both Google My Business and Google Business Profile used for the next 6-12 months as the change goes into effect.
What Are the Changes?
Changes. In this case, change is good, relative to improving what a business can do to improve local search presence on Google. For instance, a business can now message a prospective customer directly from Search. A business in the United States can use the call history feature to determine which inbound calls originated from their Google Business Profile.
Per a November 4, 2021 article by Search Engine Land’s Barry Schwartz, “Google said it that the existing Google My Business web experience will transition to primarily support larger businesses with multiple locations, and will be renamed “Business Profile Manager.” Google will redirect and rebrand the Google My Business web interface, “1.
For a small business, especially for those with a single location, the Google My Business website and mobile app are no longer necessary.
For a larger business, especially those with multiple locations, you should continue to use the Google My Business website to have a single dashboard for managing multiple profiles. Eventually, this dashboard will be named Business Profile Manager.
If you sell products online via Google, you will soon find some nifty features to help move your in-stock inventory. If you rely on the Google My Business API you may find comfort in the an article published by Search Engine Journal. Article author Matt Southern writes, “Those who use the Google My Business API can continue doing so because it’s not going anywhere. It will retain all of its current functionality and receive additional updates in the future.”3.
Do I Need to Do Anything?
Moving forward, if you have a single location business, you can expect to manage your listing (profile) on Google Maps or Search via computer interface or mobile app. Google now recommends that a small businesses should manage their company profiles directly on Search or Maps.
Google also stated, “the existing Google My Business web experience will transition to primarily support larger businesses with multiple locations, and will be renamed Business Profile Manager.”.
How to Get a Google Business Profile?
It’s both Free and Easy to get a Google Business Profile.
PRO TIP: Many people created their Bing Places listing by importing information from their Google My Business listing. To be safe, as this Google change is rolled out you may want to keep an eye on other listings to confirm there are no issues with your information.
If you need to create a new Business Profile or get help with other local search needs, simply call 770-429-5300 to speak with a local search SEO specialist.
FOOTNOTES
- 1 Matt Madrigal, “Connect with local holiday shoppers”, November 4, 2021, Available from Google Ads & Commerce Blog
- 2 Barry Schwartz, “Google My Business now known as Google Business Profile as Google migrates features to Maps and Search”, November 4, 2021, Available from Search Engine Land
- 3 Matt Southern, “Claim Your Google Business Profile Directly On Search And Maps”, November 4, 2021, Available from Search Engine Journal
What are 10 ways to improve a Google business listing? I put in as much information as I can thnk of but still get no higher than 12th in my area.
Do you have any tips on how to get a listing to be in the 3 pack?
If you could add a way to contact Google for problems that would be great.
Timely information that helped me do better work for my customers. You’re a good news source.
Why does Google change the names of services every few years? It’s confusing for us business owners.
Will Google ever add button for crypto shopping money?