Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Google My Business (GMB) is officially dead. Well, not really dead, but it’s getting a serious rebrand. Meet the new Google Business Profile (GBP). If you’re thinking, “Great, another name change,” you’re not alone. But before you brush it off as just another Google shuffle, let's dive into what this means for you and your local business.
Here’s the deal: Managing your online presence is about to get a whole lot more streamlined. And yes, I know what you’re thinking—"didn’t they already do this with Google My Business?” Yup. But there’s more to this change than just a shiny new name.
The Big Shift: Search and Maps Are King
The most significant update? You can now manage your business profile directly from Google Search and Google Maps. That’s right—no more logging into a separate app or dashboard just to update your hours or respond to a review. Just type your business name into Google, and bam—you’re in control.
Imagine this: You’re a busy local coffee shop owner. It’s 8 PM, and you just realized you forgot to update your hours for that holiday weekend rush. No need to pull out your laptop or fire up the old GMB dashboard. You can just whip out your phone, type your business name into Google, and make the change right there. Easy, right?
Here’s a quote from Google on the rebrand:"We’re making it easier for businesses to manage their presence on Google directly through the products they use every day—Google Search and Google Maps."
What About Multi-Location Businesses?
If you’re managing multiple locations, don’t freak out. The Google Business Profile Manager will still be your go-to for managing several listings at once. In other words, if you’re handling multiple spots, the old GMB interface isn’t going anywhere just yet—it’s just getting a new coat of paint.
But for the rest of us, it’s all about keeping things simple. Google’s goal is to eliminate any friction between you and managing your business's online presence. No more dashboard hopping.
New Features You Should Care About
So, aside from the name change, what’s actually new? Here are some of the updates that could make a difference for your business:
Claim and Verify Listings: You can now claim your business and verify it directly in Google Search. That’s fewer steps, less confusion.
Messaging: Customers can send you messages via Google Maps and Search. If you’re not already using this, it’s time to hop on board.
Call History: U.S. and Canadian businesses can track customer calls that come through their Google Business Profile. Yep, you can finally see how many people are calling after they find you on Google. (And yes, this is rolling out globally soon.)
In the words of Joy Hawkins, Founder of Sterling Sky,"This update isn’t a big deal. It’s more about Google wanting a simplified name people can remember."
What’s the Catch?
Now, some local SEO pros are grumbling a bit. “Great, another change,” they say. They’ve got a point. Anytime Google messes with how we manage business listings, there’s going to be a learning curve. And as Andy Simpson, a Senior SEO Specialist, points out, some business owners might start making "willy-nilly" edits without the structured GMB dashboard.
But here’s the thing: Google has been hinting at this change for a while. The majority of businesses were already managing their profiles through Search, and this rebrand just solidifies that.
The Future of Google Business Profiles
This rebrand signals a shift in how Google wants businesses to think about their online presence. For a long time, the focus has been on creating a dedicated space for businesses to manage themselves. Now, it’s all about reducing friction and putting those controls front and center.
For small businesses, this could be a game-changer. Making edits on the go, responding to reviews faster, and even managing messages—all without leaving Google Search—is a win.
Final Thoughts
Love it or hate it, Google Business Profile is here to stay. Sure, it’ll take some time to stop saying “Google My Business” (it’ll be like calling your gym teacher “mom” by mistake), but once you get the hang of it, this new setup could actually make managing your business easier.
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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