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Since the day Google began introducing local business profile features in March of 2004, they’ve kept developing it aggressively and have changed the name no fewer than six times. GMB’s rechristening to Google Business Profile last Thursday involves more than a simple rebrand, however, so it’s important to know what changes you can expect - both right away and in the near future.
Here is a look into the primary feature change, access via search:
Since the inception of Google Local (aka Google Local Business aka Google Places aka Google+ Local aka Google My Business) and right on up to the announcement of Google Business Profile last week, the tool has become a local marketing cornerstone, ensuring ownership and control over business information within search results.
From SMBs with a single brick-and-mortar location to enterprise-level chains with hundreds of franchises, GMB (or GBP as we can assume it will become abbreviated - at least outside of England) has been on the top of everyone’s checklist for a long time. And that isn’t going to change, but some of the details definitely will evolve in both the short and longer-term.
As of today, the main differences accompanying the name change have to do with direct profile management and a shift in how Google wants you to do so. While it’s been possible for years, Google is now deliberately pushing those with single listings to manage their businesses within Search or Maps and not in the old Google My Business console or mobile app.
Credit: SEORoundtable
Google has also announced a gradual new feature rollout which includes:
In line with their aforementioned preferences as to user interaction, the mobile app will eventually be retired (no definitive word yet as to time frame, but Google’s VP of Merchant Shopping hinted it will happen in 2022). The GMB web backend will be renamed Business Profile Manager and shift towards primarily supporting larger, multiple-location entities. It’s safe to assume this will also happen sometime next year.
In addition, the current profile URLs will be rebranded and redirect to the new experience. Eventually, GMB’s API will be renamed to Business Profile API, with the current functionality and development focus retained.
The short answer is, “no.” If you’re an SMB, and frequent user of the GMB web backend or mobile app, our only short-term adjustment recommendation is to start getting used to editing your profile directly in Search/Maps. Long before you’re eventually forced to sometime in 2022.
Additional Resources:
Google’s recent announcement is more indicative of continuing and “natural” improvements to a cornerstone feature than anything you need to worry about reacting to today.
Widewail is dedicated to keeping our customers informed and comfortable with industry changes related to our products. You can see Google’s full announcement here. We’ve included several informational links above and you can always reach out to your account manager by phone or email with more detailed questions.
A digital marketing dinosaur, my SEO career began in 1999 at one of Boston's first digital marketing agencies. Prior to becoming Widewail's Director of Search I had a long focus on GMB, reviews and local organic visibility for automotive dealerships in competitive locales. Regardless of a specific industry, this decade of experience was the perfect precursor for a role supporting our innovative Engage and Invite services. Originally from Canada, I enjoy hockey, Frank Sinatra, writing on a variety of subjects, old movies - and am the proud parent of a geriatric Boston Terrier. Customers, peers, or anyone with online review-related questions are encouraged to contact me, anytime.
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