Everything You Need To Know About The New Google My Business

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In November 2021, Google released an update about upcoming holiday shopping trends, tips, and statistics to help small and large businesses get ready for the biggest shopping time of the year.

During this blog, they also updated us on a new, but not new, Google feature — Google Business Profile.

This new Google My Business platform, while similar, is more tailored for smaller businesses to help their local awareness grow in an easier-to-manage way. Instead of creating a Google My Business account, you can directly create, verify, and edit your businesses from search or maps.

The new Google My Business platform is a free tool business can use to give their customers their hours, services, contact information, content, and even a way to directly message them that shows up on Google Search Results when searched for.

So let’s get into this new Google My Business tool, how to set it up, and how to take advantage of it.

What Is the New Google My Business Platform?

While Google My Business is still around, Google has announced it is better used by large companies with multiple franchises, stores, or fronts that need multiple Google Business accounts.

“Moving forward, we recommend small businesses manage their profiles directly on Search or Maps. To keep things simple, “Google My Business” is being renamed “Google Business Profile.” And in 2022, we’ll retire the Google My Business app so more merchants can take advantage of the upgraded experience on Search and Maps. The existing Google My Business web experience will transition to primarily support larger businesses with multiple locations, and will be renamed “Business Profile Manager.” We’ll share more details on these changes in the months ahead.”

As Google stated, larger businesses will still be able to handle individual locations on Search and Maps if they choose to do so. However, they do plan on getting rid of Google My Business completely this year.

The new Google My Business platform is perfect for local businesses that rely heavily on search engines for traffic.

Google Business Profile New Features

While many features such as posting content and reviews will still be available in the new Google My Business platform, they have added a handful of fun features to help local businesses grow their brand awareness.

• You can claim and manage your Business Profile directly on Search and Maps
• Opportunity to edit the information that people see when they search for your business, including address, store hours, content, and more.
• Send and receive direct messages or inquiries
• Show in-stock items
• Create Google Ads faster and more easily

One of our favorite features of the new Google My Business platform is the ability to chat with your audience!

How it works:

1. Once you turn on chat, customers will be able to engage with a “Chat” button on your Business Profile
2. The email on your business will receive notifications for every chat. In the meantime, you can customize the automated message that customers will receive while they wait.
3. Once you are talking, you can actually send and receive photos with your customers in the chat!
4. If multiple people own or manage your Business Profile, each one can chat with customers via notifications in their email or from your shared account.

Another prominent feature is the ability to post and update your audience on current in-stock items you carry. With 28% of local searches ending in a purchase, this feature is fantastic for local companies selling products. Your audience will now be able to search exactly for items and see which stores near them are currently carrying it.

How to Set Up the New Google My Business

FAQ About the New Google My Business Profile

Q. Why Is My Business Not Showing up on Google?

There are two main reasons your business may not show up on Google. Either it hasn’t been verified yet, or it lacks location authority.

Q. How to Verify My Business on Google?

Once you find your business location on Google Maps, select “Add My Business” and follow the instructions. You can verify your business in different ways, including phone, email, or postcard. Please note, postcards can take up to 8 weeks to arrive and verify.

Q. How Do I Edit My Google Business Page?

Once you have verified your account and have access, you should be able to edit your new Google My Business Profile directly from search and maps! Here are the steps:

1. On your computer, sign in to the account your Business Profile is attached to.
2. If you have multiple profiles, select the specific one you want to manage.
3. From the menu, click “Info.”
4. Find “Attributes” and select “Edit.”
5. Search for the attribute you want to add.
6. Once you update your attributes, click “Apply.”

Q. How Do I Respond to a Business Message on Google?

1. First, you must enable your business to receive messages.
2. Search for your business in Google search so it provides the GMB shortcuts.
3. Select “Customers.”
4. In the popup, choose “Messages.”

Once you have enabled your messages, you will receive notifications to the email on file every time someone sends a message.

Q. Why Is the New Google My Business Is Good for Local SEO?

In 2020 and 2021, the number of people using “near me” or “buy now” skyrocketed by over 500%. And with 46% of all searches on Google being strictly used to look for local information, Google Business Profile is essential for any locally owned company.