Google My Business vs Google Business Profile – Unpacking the Differences
Navigating the world of online visibility can be daunting, especially for small businesses. With customers increasingly relying on search engines to find local services and products, ensuring your business stands out in search results is paramount. This blog post aims to demystify the differences between Google My Business and Google Business Profile, and how you can leverage these tools to boost your online presence.
What is Google My Business (GMB)?
Google My Business has been a staple for businesses wanting to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. By creating a GMB listing, businesses could provide critical information like operating hours, location, and contact details. This platform was particularly useful for small businesses looking to improve local SEO.
GMB allowed businesses to post updates, respond to reviews, and even share photos. It also provided insights into customer actions, such as how they found your listing and what they did next. The ability to interact directly with customers helped build trust and engagement.
Switching to Google Business Profile
In 2021, Google announced a significant shift from Google My Business to Google Business Profile. This transition aimed to streamline functionalities and make it easier for businesses to manage their online presence directly from Google Search and Maps. While the core purpose remains the same, the user experience and some features have evolved.
The rebranding to Google Business Profile signifies not just a name change but also enhancements in integration and usability. It reflects Google’s effort to bring more power and simplicity to businesses managing their details online.
Key Differences
Integration with Other Platforms
One of the most notable changes is how businesses can now manage their profiles. With Google Business Profile, you can edit your business information directly from Google Search and Maps. This seamless integration means you no longer need to go through the GMB dashboard separately. Simply search your business name on Google, and access the editing tools right there.
This direct integration allows for quicker updates. Whether you’re changing your business hours or adding a new photo, these changes can be made in real time, ensuring your customers always have the most accurate information.
User-Friendly Access
The shift to Google Business Profile also brings improved ease of access. Managing your business profile directly from Google Search means fewer steps and a more intuitive process. This can save time, especially for small business owners who juggle multiple responsibilities.
Additionally, the mobile-friendly interface ensures you can make updates on the go. Whether you’re in the office or out meeting clients, your business profile is always within reach.
Emphasis on Small Businesses
Google Business Profile has enhanced its focus on small businesses. With features tailored to the unique needs of small enterprises, this platform helps level the playing field. Tools like messaging, booking integration, and performance insights are designed to help small businesses compete more effectively.
These features allow for more direct interaction with customers. By responding to messages or booking appointments straight from your profile, you can provide a seamless customer experience that boosts satisfaction and loyalty.
Improved Features
In addition to the new management interface, Google Business Profile offers several feature enhancements. For instance, businesses can now add more detailed attributes, such as whether they offer curbside pickup or have wheelchair accessibility. These specific attributes help customers make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience.
Another significant enhancement is the improved analytics. Google Business Profile provides deeper insights into customer behaviour, helping you understand how people find and interact with your business online. This data is crucial for fine-tuning your marketing strategies and enhancing your local SEO efforts.
What This Means for Your Business?
The transition from Google My Business to Google Business Profile is more than just a name change. It represents a shift towards a more integrated, user-friendly experience. For small businesses, this means easier management of your online presence and more powerful tools to engage with customers.
By leveraging Google Business Profile, you can ensure your business information is always up-to-date, enhance your local SEO, and provide a better customer experience. This, in turn, can drive more traffic to your website design and increase sales.
So, How do you set up a Google Business Profile Listing?
Log in to Google Business Profile
To get started, log in to Google Business Profile using your Google account. If you don’t have one yet, you’ll need to create it first. Once logged in, you’ll be prompted to enter your business name to see if it already has a listing. To use Google Business Profile, you’ll need a Google account. If you do not have one, please create it now. Avoid using your account; instead, set up a dedicated work account for easier future access and sharing with others.
Add Your Business Information
Next, you’ll need to add your business information. This involves submitting your business’s name, address, phone number, and website for verification. Be sure to double-check for accuracy, as this information will be visible to your customers.
Select Your Business Type
You’ll then need to select your business type from the list provided. This helps Google rank and understand what category your business falls into and ensures your profile appears in relevant searches.
Enter Your Location and/or Location Targeting
If you have a physical location, enter your address. If you offer services in a specific area without a physical storefront, you can specify your service area. This ensures your business appears in local searches.
Add Contact Information
Adding multiple contact methods can improve customer engagement. Include your primary phone number, email address, and any other relevant contact details to make it easy for customers to reach you.
Verify Your Business
Verification is crucial for credibility. Google offers several verification methods, including postcard, phone, and email. Please follow the instructions given to complete the verification process.
Optimise Your Profile
Now, maximise your profile by adding essential details for optimal visibility:
- Business Hours: Let customers know when you’re open.
- Chat Feature: Allow users to message you directly from Google search.
- Business Description: Describe your services or products.
- Photos: Showcase your business visually.
How to Optimise Your Google Business Profile
Add Specific Features, if Applicable
Some business types like restaurants, hotels, and services have access to special features:
- Hotels: Display star-class ratings, sustainability info, amenities, check-in/out times, and direct booking links.
- Restaurants: Upload menus, and dish photos, and accept reservations and online orders from search.
- Service Businesses: List offered services.
- Healthcare Providers: Display health insurance info and accept online appointment bookings.
Additionally, businesses can use buttons for appointment booking, reservations, and online ordering. You can add attribute labels like wheelchair accessibility, free Wi-Fi, outdoor seating, and women-owned to your dashboard under Edit profile > More section.
Add Real Images of Your Business
High-quality images make your profile more attractive. Include pictures of your storefront, interior, products, and team to give customers a glimpse of what they can expect.
Add a Custom Description
A custom description allows you to tell your business’s story. Highlight your unique selling points, core values, and any special offers to engage potential customers.
Include Keywords in Your Profile
Keywords play a crucial role in SEO. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally in your business description, services, and posts to improve your search ranking.
Encourage and Answer Reviews
Customer reviews build trust and credibility. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and respond promptly to all feedback, whether positive or negative.
Verify Your Street Address
Ensuring your address is verified boosts your profile’s credibility. Accurate location information makes it easier for customers to find you.
Regularly Update Your Information
Keep your profile up-to-date with the latest information. Regular updates indicate to Google that your business is consistently active and engaged with its audience. This ongoing interaction can have a positive effect on your search engine ranking over time.
Import Your Products
If you sell products, add them to your profile. This feature allows customers to browse your offerings directly from your business listing, making it easier for them to make purchasing decisions.
Conclusion
Google Business Profile is a powerful tool for small business owners and marketing professionals. It offers an easy-to-use platform for managing your online presence, enhancing customer engagement, and improving local SEO. By understanding the differences between Google My Business and Google Business Profile, and leveraging the features available, you can ensure your business stands out in search results.
Ready to take your business to the next level? Start by setting up and optimising your Google Business Profile today. And if you need assistance, our team of SEO experts is here to help you every step of the way. Sign up for our SEO services for personalised guidance and support.
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