Google My Business is a way for business owners to manage their businesses and general information through their app like hours, updates, posts, and respond to messages. Google announced early this year that they are changing the name of the platform Google My Business (GMB) and rebranding it to Google Business Profile (GBP). It is no surprise as Google has been moving towards ‘business profile’ for some time so the rebranding seemed natural.
What Should I Know About the Google Profile Change?
It is important to understand about the move to GBP is that Google is transporting the management of business profiles out of the GMB and into Google Search and Google Maps. This means you no longer need the GMB app to make changes to your profile. Business owners can create their profiles and make updates in both Google Search and Google Maps. Google recognized the need to simplify how business owners can manage their online information.
How Do I Manage My Business in Google Maps?
- On your phone go to your Google Maps App
- Click on your profile picture to view a drop-down menu.
- Click on “Your Business Profiles”
- All of the business profiles you manage should be there. Click on the ones you want to edit.
- Now all of the options you need to make edits to your GBP should be there.
How Do I Manage My Business in Google Search?
- Go to your desktop or mobile Google Search app
- Search for your business name
- All of the options to make edits should be there.
When and Why Are They Removing the Google My Business app?
Google hasn’t announced exactly when they will be removing the GMB app, just that it’s sometime in 2022. There will be no need for it as they go forward having simplified the process. Instead of logging into the Google My Business app to see your information and make changes, you will now have access to it right from Google Search. Google is encouraging small businesses to access their profiles through “an Upgraded experience” on Google Search or Google Maps.
Google Support Changes
Recently, Google posted that the current Google My Business web portal would “transition to primarily support larger business with multiple locations”. This has caused mixed reviews from digital marketing and search optimization professionals. Some believe the impact on small and medium-sized businesses will be little to none since the platform is already being used by companies with multiple locations. However, others worry that Google is moving away from supporting small to mid-size businesses.
Note Your Primary Category
It is important to note that on your profile is both your business category and your primary category. Being specific in choosing your primary category is extremely important. With over 3,000 categories to choose from be as clear as you can about what you are selling. If you aren’t sure I would suggest looking at your competitors and see what they are using in the map section.
