Imagine waking up to find that Google has just put a price tag on its Google My Business (GMB) listings. Sounds wild, right? That’s exactly what happened when Tom Waddington, a GMB product expert, spotted a $50 per month upgrade test on GMB profiles.
Now, before you rush to update your budget, let’s break down what this really means for local businesses.
Google’s New GMB Test: What We Know So Far
Here’s what we know: Google is testing an upgraded GMB profile for a monthly fee of $50. With this upgrade, businesses can slap on a “Google Guaranteed” badge, which has been around for Local Services Ads since 2018. That badge is essentially a vote of confidence from Google, promising customers that if they aren’t satisfied with your services, they can get a refund from Google itself.
The key here is that this is just a test. Nothing has been rolled out officially, and Google hasn’t announced plans to make GMB a fully paid service yet. But the fact that this test is happening has the local SEO world buzzing with speculation.
Why Does This Matter?
Think about it: if Google decides to roll out paid GMB profiles across the board, small businesses will have to decide if the extra cost is worth the benefits. If you're paying $50 a month for that Google Guaranteed badge, it might increase trust and visibility, potentially driving more business your way. But is that badge alone worth the extra expense? It’s hard to say right now.
However, this test is giving us a peek into Google’s mindset—maybe they're trying to push businesses towards a pay-to-play model. And if they do, it could shift the landscape of local search entirely.
The Community’s Reaction: Not All Sunshine and Rainbows
The SEO community isn’t exactly thrilled about this potential change. Twitter has been flooded with reactions, and let’s just say, people aren’t holding back. From poop emojis to snarky memes, SEOs are worried that this could be yet another cost that small businesses will have to bear.
As one SEO expert, Carrie Hill, put it, “This feels like a terrible idea. Local businesses already struggle with Google’s complex ecosystem, and adding a fee for something that used to be free isn’t the solution.”
Others have a more practical take. Niki Mosier, a local SEO pro, mentioned, “Sure, it adds another layer of complexity for agencies managing local clients, but if it cleans up spam and boosts rankings, it might be worth considering.”
What Does This Mean for Your Business?
The question every local business owner is asking is: “Should I care?”
Here’s the deal: this is a test, and Google runs tons of tests. But you should keep an eye on this one because it could become a reality. If GMB listings become a paid feature, local businesses will need to evaluate whether that $50/month price tag is a smart investment. Will it lead to more clicks, calls, and customers? Or is it just another expense in the already crowded digital marketing budget?
For now, the best thing you can do is optimize your GMB profile as usual and stay tuned for updates. As Google continues to evolve, the businesses that succeed are the ones that adapt.
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.
Comments