Google is renaming it’s Google My Business app to Google Business Profile?
No, well, at this point you may be curious as to why this change?
In essence Google is trying to move away from the Google My Business (GMB) application for small, single location operations. They are trying to make it easier for single location businesses to be able to manage their profile all within Google Search and Google Maps.
What is the New name of Google My Business (GMB)
Google has decided Google My Business will be rebranded and renamed to Google Business Profile. According to Google, the name change is to keep things as simple as possible.
The exact date has yet to be announced, Google My Business app will be retired entirely at some point in 2022.
However, it is coming sooner rather than later and you need to be aware of it.
This Isn’t the first times this has happened
This is not the first time that Google has renamed the product.
Google My Business was once called Google Places and prior to this it was called Google Local +
It goes without saying, Google’s local business management tools have undergone multiple re-branding efforts. Keeping users happy has always been Google’s goal.
How will the name change affect you and your business?
So, what is the bottom line?
What does it really mean that Google is getting rid of the Google My Business name?
First and foremost, Google is encouraging individual businesses to manage their single business listings directly on either Google Search or Google Maps. This can be accomplished through the mobile applications or directly in the web-based interface.
What should larger businesses and SEO manager expect
Google stated that the current Google My Business application/new Google Business Profile will transition to a phase that will mainly support larger type businesses that have multiple locations. This will take the form of Google’s Business Profile Manager.
In essence, Google will start redirecting businesses to the new platform directly from Google My Business.
You will continue to utilise an interface that will look like Google My Business if you manage numerous locations for your organisation. The same holds true if you own, operate, or manage a local marketing or SEO company that manages multiple businesses. The new web-based interface is called Google Business Profile Manager. Please keep in mind that during the upcoming months there will be multiple changes and updates to Google Business Profile Manager.
New Features of the new updated Google Business Platform
The soon to be former Google My Business will not only be undergoing a name change and a change in who can utilize the application, it will also be adding some interesting new features.
New features include….
- The ability to both claim and verify your Google Business Profile directly through Google Search and Google Maps
- You will now have the ability to keep track of customer or client phone calls directly Google Search and Google Maps including the call history
- Your customers/clients will have the ability to get in touch with you in real time directly from your Business profile on Google. That way you’ll be able to attract more customers/clients to your business, tell your story in a unique way, and even answer their questions without any delays.
Has this been done to make managing your profile that little bit easier?
Google historically updates their user interface to make things nice and simple for users. Hopefully this will hold true with the new Google Business Profile. You will now have the option to search for your business name in either Google Search or Google Maps. You can also conduct a search for “my business” in Google Search to check and see if you’ve already claimed and verified your business. If not, read this blog then claim and optimise your Google Business Profile.
Please let us know if you need help.
