Google reveals refreshed Business Profiles ahead of the holiday season
Google My Business is being rebranded as Google Business Profile
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
WithBlack Fridayjust around the corner,Googlehas announced a number of updates aimed at making theholiday shopping seasoneasier for small businesses.
The biggest change is that the search giant will rename “Google My Business” as “Google Business Profile” before retiring theGoogle My Businessapps for Android and iOS next year. Going forward, the existing Google My Business web experience will be renamed “Business Profile Manager” and will transition to primarily supporting larger businesses with multiple locations.
Small businesses meanwhile will now be able to claim and verify their Business Profile directly onGoogle Searchor theGoogle Mapsapp. By searching for your business by name, small business owners will see an option to claim and verify the associated Business Profile. Once this done, they’ll be able to edit their business' information including the address, store hours, photos and more.
As more consumers now look for and interact with businesses using both Google Search and Maps, Google has also added a new “in stock” filter in its search engine so that shoppers can see if nearby stores have a specific item. Retailers in the US and Canada can sign up for Pointly from Google for free from their Business Profile to automatically upload their in-store product inventory by connecting the service directly with their existingPOS system.
Customer messaging and calls
To help small businesses more easily interact with customers on Google Search and Maps, Google is launching a new feature called call history for merchants in the US and Canada with verified Business Profiles.
With call history, business owners can see which inbound customer calls came from their Business Profile and review helpfulanalyticson inbound call performance.
After adding the ability to chat with customersdirectly on Google Mapslast year, Google will now allow business owners to see and respond to messages right from their Business Profile on Google Search. The company is also adding read receipts this month so that both business owners and customers can know whether their messages have been seen.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
Merchants and business owners can prepare for the busy holiday season by claiming and verifying their Business Profile on Google Search and Maps which will allow them to more easily interact with both existing and potential customers online.
Looking to improve your online business? Check out our lists of thebest ecommerce platforms,best ecommerce hostingandbest CRM software
After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.
7 myths about email security everyone should stop believing
Best Usenet client of 2024
Smeg Combi Steam Oven review: a multi-functional countertop oven that looks stunning and cooks well
