Published: July 22nd, 2021
Last Updated: January 12th, 2023
In today's fast-paced, digitally-driven world, businesses that show up first get the customers. Period. If you aren't feeding Google the right info about your products and services, you're leaving money on the table. That's where Google Business Profile (GBP) Products and Services come into play—an easy way to showcase what you offer right in front of potential customers.
So, What Are GBP Products and Services?
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) allows you to highlight specific products or services your business provides. And here’s the kicker: they show up right on your GBP listing, meaning customers can make an informed decision without having to dive deep into your website.
“By adding your products or services to your Google Business Profile, you’re not just updating a page—you’re feeding Google what it needs to know about your business.”
Should You Use GBP Products or Services?
Spoiler: It depends.There’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution here, but knowing how each feature works will help you decide the best fit for your business.
What Are GBP Services?
Let’s break this down:Google lets you add a list of services your business offers, categorize them, and even group them together. If a customer searches for one of those services, boom—your business profile highlights that you offer it.
But, and it’s a big “but,” services have limited visibility on desktop devices. They’re much more likely to pop up on mobile. If most of your customers are searching on their phones, this is huge.
How Do You Add GBP Services?
Adding services is pretty straightforward, but it varies depending on your GBP dashboard. Some businesses get to choose from predefined categories, while others have more flexibility in how they list services. If you’re lucky enough to have a customizable dashboard, consider yourself part of an elite group.
Pro tip: Keep a spreadsheet of your services so you don’t lose track of what you’ve added or if Google randomly updates your listings. Yes, it happens. Google sometimes auto-populates services based on your website—sometimes inaccurately. So, check your services regularly.
What About GBP Products?
While services work great for things like plumbers or consultants, GBP Products are the star player for retail or any business that sells physical goods. Products get prime real estate on both desktop and mobile—right in the customer’s face, where they belong.
Visibility is everything, and GBP Products make sure your stuff gets seen. Want even more visibility? Google Merchant Center allows you to list products for free, making sure they show up in local inventory ads. Double win!
Which Businesses Have Access to These Features?
Not every business can use GBP Products—if you're in the alcohol, gambling, or adult entertainment industries, sorry, you're out of luck. But most other businesses can make full use of both products and services. If you can’t, check your category or drop a question in the GBP support community.
The Difference Between “Google Products” and “Google Product Posts”
This might seem confusing, but here’s the lowdown: Google used to separate “Product Posts” from “Products.” Not anymore. Now, they’re both lumped into GBP Products. This means more streamlined updates and fewer headaches for you. Add a product, sit back, and let Google do its thing.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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