GMB Is Now GBP
Google My Business (GMB) has been rebranded as Google Business Profile (GBP), and I bet you didn’t know about this change.
A few weeks ago, in Google’s stealthy fashion, Google My Business suddenly became Google Business Profile with notable changes in how businesses will manage their local listings on Google. So here’s the scoop to optimize a business for local search.
Single Location Google My Business Listing
The first change is for businesses with a single location business listing. These are the knowledge panels or the information boxes your see on the right-hand side of Google Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs). With the rebranded product, now business owners or their marketing managers will have the convenience of editing business information directly in Google search.
You might have noticed the “Your business on Google” message in your Google search results:
To make updates to your business listings, you’ll first need to enter the business name into Google. A control panel like the one shown here will appear. By clicking on the prompts, business managers can easily make edits, add photos, publish Google Posts and communicate instantly with customers or prospects. No longer will you need to go into the Google My Business app to these make updates. In fact, the Google My Business App is being retired.
Multiple Locations Business Listings
If you’re a business with multiple locations, you will need to access a new app called Business Profile Manager to make updates to your local business listings. It’s just like making updates in the Google My Business app, so not much will change here. However, Google plans to offer more features and functionality in the future for businesses managing multiple listings. More to come on this topic.
Why is Google Business Profile Important for Local Rank?
With 86% of people looking up the location of a business on Google Maps, creating and claiming a listing on Google My Business — now Google Business Profile — is vital to your online presence and search visibility. When someone is searching for your business, your Google Business Profile is often the first place they’ll look for information. Keeping an up-to-date business listing is critical for search discoverability and the success of your digital marketing efforts. If you want your business to appear on the first page of Google in the local pack (Google Maps), information in your Google Business Profile listing must be claimed, accurate and current.
Proper local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) starts with auditing and refreshing your business listing. The newly rebranded Google Business Profile and its new features will help, but it’s just the beginning of your SEO journey.
If you need help improving your search visibility and claiming your Google Business Profile listing, connect with an SEO specialist at AMPERAGE Marketing & Fundraising today.
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