Digital marketing offers unlimited opportunities to business owners and marketers. Google has access to more than ninety percent of the global search engine market, with billions of people using the platform daily. What’s new? Promoting your business’s services and connecting with customers through Google Business Profile updates is even easier.
Key Updates to Google Business Profiles 2024
The recent Google Business updates bring new opportunities to improve how businesses interact with customers. Updating Google business listings effectively ensures businesses make the most of the new tools and features. Here are the latest and most important updates:
- Social Media Integration: Google allows businesses to link their platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, directly to their GBP listings. This integration improves visibility across multiple platforms and encourages customer engagement.
- AI-Powered Tools for Content Creation: With advancements in artificial intelligence, Google has introduced tools that help businesses automatically create professional business information and marketing materials. These tools aim to simplify content management.
- Menu Uploads for Restaurants: Restaurants can now use an AI-powered feature to upload their menus by submitting photos. This tool creates a digital menu directly on the business listing, streamlining updates and ensuring accurate and up-to-date information.
- Improved Review Interactions: Businesses can react more dynamically to online reviews by using emojis. This fosters a better connection with customers and allows for quicker responses to feedback.
- Online Ordering Preferences: Restaurants and similar businesses can now select their preferred online ordering providers within their GBP, making it easier to direct customers to the best platforms.
Discontinued Features
Some previous GBP features have been phased out to streamline the platform:
- Chat and Call History: Google retired these features mid-2024 to simplify communication channels. Businesses can now focus on other methods, such as direct calls or website links. However, customers can still find and contact your business using the chat feature on other supported tools.
- Google My Business App: The app was retired, and GBP is now fully managed through Google Search and Google Maps. This change enhances direct access to profiles and keeps important business information centralized.
Updates Relevant to Compliance and Policies
- Age-Restricted Products: Businesses selling age-restricted products like alcohol or cannabis must now have a physical storefront to maintain a GBP listing. This update reinforces compliance and ensures authenticity.
- The Transition from Google Business Profile Websites: Google has stopped supporting websites created through GBP. Businesses must transition to dedicated website platforms for better functionality and customization.
Best Practices for Utilizing Google Business Profiles
- Include Your Services: Adding detailed services to your GBP listing can increase visibility on local search results pages (SERPs). Custom business categories and service descriptions of up to 300 words allow businesses to stand out and attract more potential customers.
- Use Social Media Links: Linking your URL for social media directly on GBP ensures potential customers can connect with you on their preferred platforms. This added functionality is a great way to extend your online presence.
- React to Customer Reviews: Use emoji reactions to engage with customer reviews. This new feature promotes positive interactions and allows businesses to show appreciation for customer input quickly. Additionally, tracking the number of new online reviews can provide valuable insights into user experience and engagement.
- Optimize Online Ordering: Setting preferred online ordering providers for businesses like restaurants ensures customers have a seamless experience. It also allows businesses to direct traffic to platforms that offer the best value.
Google Guarantee Badge Certification
Certify your business with a Google Guarantee badge. The badge assures customers that a company listed on Google is legitimate and provides quality service. It even commits to reimburse customers who are dissatisfied with the service received from a listed business with this badge.
To receive a Google Guarantee badge, your business must pass a screening and verification process through Local Services Ads or its partners. The badge will appear in the search results of your listing.
Before Google reimburses customers, there are terms and conditions. For example, customers must book the service only through Google Local Services, and there are lifetime reimbursement limits for customers in various countries.
How Do I Update My Google Business Listing?
Here’s how to update a Google Business listing:
- Sign in to Your Google Account: Log in to the Google account that manages your Google Business Profile.
- Search for Your Business: Type your business name in Google Search or Google Maps. Your business profile should appear on the right side (in Search) or directly in Maps.
- Select “Edit Profile”: Click on the “Edit Profile” button in your business profile to access the dashboard and make updates.
- Update Business Information: From the dashboard, you can:
- Edit basic details like business name, address, phone number, and website.
- Update business info on Google, such as operating hours, services, or menu items.
- Add photos or videos to enhance your listing.
- Make Specific Updates: For targeted updates:
- Use the "Services" section to add or update services offered.
- Update the "About" section to reflect recent changes in your business description.
- For restaurants, use the menu upload feature to showcase your offerings.
- Save Changes: After making edits, save them. Google will review the changes, which may take up to 24 hours to reflect on your live profile.
- Monitor Customer Interactions: Use the Google dashboard to respond to reviews, track analytics, and implement updates as needed.
Learn More Information and Leverage These Tools
Businesses using GBP can implement these updates to improve their search rankings and stay competitive in local SEO. The dashboard provides detailed metrics to help you track and measure success. Whether you are a small local shop or a large enterprise, keeping your profile comprehensive and relevant has never been more critical.
WSI is a digital marketing agency ready to help your business with digital marketing and search engine optimization (SEO). We have offices worldwide, giving us access to the global pulse of digital marketing. Contact WSI today to learn more about the Google Business Profile updates and our services.
