In today’s episode we’re talking about Google my Business, and how it is changing, and what you now need to know about and where you can update your local business listing going forward.
Links in this episode: What You Need to Know about the Google My Business Name Change
Transcript
Welcome to the Get Digital Marketing Results podcast where we give you information and actionable tips to grow your organization.
Bob: Hi, I’m Bob Clark.
Donna: And I’m Donna Botti. We’re with Delos Inc and we make the web work for you. In today’s Tech News Tuesday we’re talking about how Google is at it again – changing up a core service. This time it’s Google my Business, a service you should be using if local customers are important to you.
Bob: That’s right Donna. Google My Business lets you manage your Google listing on Google and it’s changed a number of times over the years. In previous versions you may remember it was called Local Business Center, Google Places and Google+ Local. Since 2014 it’s been Google My Business, but is now being renamed “Google Business Profile.”
Donna: Yes, and it’s not just the name that’s changing. Moving forward, you’ll manage your business listing directly from Google Maps and Google Search. If you manage multiple businesses, there will be a replacement for the Google My Business dashboard called the Business Profile Manager, but for small businesses Google wants you to manage your profile right from Search or Maps.
Bob: And this means on a mobile device too. The Google My Business app will be going away sometime in 2022, and insights about your listing, as well as the ability to make changes will happen directly in Search or Maps.
Donna: You can now claim and verify your Business Profile directly on Google Search or the Google Maps app. Once your business is verified, you can edit your business’s information, including the address, hours, photos and more just like you do in Google My Business.
Bob: Something new is that you can now message customers directly from Search, and Google plans to roll out additional reporting features for you in Search and Maps as well.
Donna: The bottom line is this. Claiming your local business listing and keeping it updated is one of the best practices you can use to increase your visibility on the web. If you are currently using the Google My Business app on your phone or the desktop, try searching for your business in Search or on the Maps app to start getting used to updating your listing there.
Bob: That’s it for today’s episode. You can find a link to an article on this topic and a transcript of today’s podcast, at DelosInc.com/214. And don’t forget to subscribe, so you don’t miss out on our actionable digital marketing tips to grow your organization.