The Shark Tank

Google My Business was recently renamed “Business Profile” by Google. To entice small businesses to connect with the new search and maps interface, they’ve been extensively advertising the new name and features via email.

What New Features Came with the Rebrand?

With the makeover came a slew of new features aimed at improving online business. Verification and other difficulties with a Business Profile are now much easier to address. Simply search for your business’s name on Google or go directly to your profile in the Google Maps app, and there will be an opportunity to authenticate the profile or handle other concerns, such as profile suspension. Business owners can also use Google Search to find their Business Profile by searching for ‘my business.’ Users may then change the information that customers see when they search for a business, such as the address, store hours, and images.

Why Does a Business Need Google Business Profile?

Owners must claim the Google Business Profile to rank as high as possible in Google search results for the business—but even after it has been claimed, the profile must be kept updated with accurate information and new posts highlighting inventory, available services, and other important information about the business.

In reality, compared to a non-optimized or non-existent Google Business Profile, an up-to-date profile offers the following advantages:

• It’s 2.7 times more likely to be seen as trustworthy.
• It receives 7 times the number of clicks.
• It has a 70% higher chance of attracting physical location visitors.
• It’s 50% more likely to result in a buy.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

If you’re currently managing a Google My Business page yourself or with an in-house marketing team, you’ll need to teach yourself or train your employees on the new system and stick to your own schedule for updating the profile. These modifications to the platform will make it easier than ever before, but you or your marketing team will still need to update the profile on a regular basis.

While the term Google Business Profile may take some time to catch on, it is undeniably straightforward. Furthermore, the renaming reflects Google’s zealous commitment to improving a game-changing SMB product. And, if Google continues to follow its preset pattern, there will be more.