Yes, it’s true. The business management tool is going through yet another name change. Along with that name change, Google is also adding a few useful features and revamping the way the platform can be used and accessed by business owners. For the most part, your Google local SEO practices and campaigns shouldn’t be negatively impacted by this change. But, you’re going to need to adopt some new Google My Business optimization techniques to stay on track. Renaming Google My Business to Google Business Profile This isn’t the first time that Google has made significant changes to one of its online tools and it very likely won’t be the last. In fact, GMB has embodied numerous iterations over the years from Google Local to Google Places, Google+ Local, etc. You get the idea. Each new iteration brought with it different rebranding ideas that were designed to make the Google experience more comprehensive and accessible to all kinds of businesses. Is Google My Business Going Away? The concept of Google My Business isn’t disappearing entirely. But the way in which it will be deployed and accessed is changing. Businesses with single online listings are being encouraged to manage them directly through Google Maps or Search rather than using the GMB app. Bigger businesses with multiple locations will be given greater priority in what will now be referred to as the Business Profile Manager platform. The interface for this platform will remain the same for the time being, but users will be redirected to a new URL: google.com/business. Future changes have yet to be announced, but are still within the realm of possibility. New Features to Look for in Google Business Profile A Google platform rebranding wouldn’t be complete without adding a few new features to make things a little more interesting. As far as boosting local SEO practices goes, Google Business Profile will include the following new features that business owners and online marketers can use to their advantage: Manage “Message Read” receipts using Google Maps and Search platforms Claim and verify business profiles through Google Maps and Search Message customers and online reviewers directly through Google Search Take advantage of the Call History feature in Canada and the U.S. Managing your online business listings has never been easier and more convenient. All you have to do is enter your business’s name in Google Maps or search and it will come up. Alternatively, you can also simply enter the search term “my business” in Google Search and any businesses you have claimed and verified under your account will automatically appear. Simply select the one you want to review or make changes to from the list. You can also use the exclusive Performance Planner feature in the Google Ads tool to plan your digital advertising budget and forecast the potential impact of campaign strategy changes to your metrics. How Numero Uno Web Solutions Can Help You Navigate the New Update If you already have a Google My Business profile in Toronto, Numero Uno Web Solutions can help you navigate the inevitable updates that are going to take effect sometime in 2022. We have extensive website building, online reputation management, digital advertising, and SEO expertise that’s geared toward maximizing Google platform usage for your online ad campaigns. Contact us today to learn more.
