You can now claim your Google Business Profile directly on Search or Maps
Besides some small updates and rebranding, Google made it easier to claim and verify your business profile:
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Type your business name in the search bar
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Click on the option to verify your business profile
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Once it’s verified, add the necessary details: opening hours, correct address, etc.
''My prediction is that over time Google will prioritise Business Profiles over websites - as long as it’s more relevant, of course. Searchers won’t see the need to click on the website if they get all the necessary information from Google: store location, opening hours, reviews, updates, chatting and calling options. Thus, local and multi-location businesses need to get better at local SEO and online reputation management to rank higher. Soon we might even say goodbye to on-site optimisation.''
Says Erik Andersson, Head of Marketing at PinMeTo.Respond to Customers From Your Business Profile
Another sign that Google wants to keep everyone on their platform is increasing communication so customers don't have to travel to your social media or website to contact you. Google Maps allowed consumer conversation last year. Now you may engage with consumers through your Google Search Business Profile. Now both parties may see read receipts, so you know your message was read.
Let’s Not forget About the Calls from Google
Even some Gen Z and millennials still make calls, and it's a terrific method to build customer relationships and make it faster for them to book a table, ask questions, or provide feedback. Now, Google makes call analysis and measurement easier. See which calls came from your Business Profile with call history. This function is now only available to U.S. and Canadian retailers, but it will likely expand in 2022. Who knows? Maybe video sales will happen also.
Rebranding obsession—Google glossary
In 2021, brands constantly renaming various items, making it impossible to keep up. Fear not! Not much changed:Google My Business is now Google Business Profile. Google My Business will be Business Profile Manager.
Let’s not focus on the terminology, but on the value - your business can get with Google’s new features. Those who use the Google My Business API have nothing to worry about. Nothing has changed, and it’s only going to get better with the expected additional updates in the future.
PinMeTo has got multi-location businesses covered. Reach out to us if you have any questions or want to learn more about our local SEO tool.
