There have been some major updates to the Google Business Profile in 2024. Google Business Profile is not something new, it is the old Google My Business, whose name has been changed. This is an excellent opportunity for businesses to leverage the latest updates and adapt their business to change and thrive in the ever-evolving digital sphere. We’ll tell you how.
What is Google Business Profile?
The Google Business Profile is a free tool created by Google that allows businesses to appear in local business searches on the Google search engine and Google Maps. This tool is designed for businesses to have an online presence that they can manage easily and reach out to potential customers looking for them. A Google Business Profile also provides excellent, easy-to-understand analytics that businesses can use to build on their online presence. It acts as a bridge between businesses and customers located in particular geographical locations.
Major Updates for 2024
The following are the major Google My Business updates 2024.
End of My Google Business Websites
What is the update?
Previously, Google allowed businesses to create a basic website using Google My Business. This website has all the information about your business and could even redirect users to your business’s official website. This was a good option for businesses that did not have a website. But this has now come to an end as of the 5th of March, 2024. Users trying to log on to the website, till the 10th of June, 2024, will be redirected to your profile and after that date, will be shown a “Page not found” error on screen.
What do you need to do?
So far, if your business is functioning without a website, you will now need to create a website and update this information on your Google Business Profile. With the availability of excellent website builder programs like WIX, Squarespace, and WordPress, creating a website is quite easy and pocket-friendly, so make your website and update the URL on your Google Business Profile and enjoy uninterrupted traffic.
Withdrawal of Chats & Call History Features
What’s the update?
Any chat that happened through the Google My Business Profile website would have a record, and calls that went through the numbers on the Google Business Profile would also have a record but now this has effectively ended since 31st July 2024.
What do you need to do?
Update all the contact information on Google Business Profile, including your business phone numbers and email addresses. This way, whenever someone searches for your business, the right numbers and emails will be displayed on the search results page. Regarding chat, you can invest in customer service software that offers chat services, or you can even use Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp Business as a primary chat tool.
AI-powered Menu Creation
What is the update?
This is a special update for restaurants and similar businesses that require menus. You can now create detailed menus just by using photos. The Google-powered AI and machine learning algorithms will recognize the menu items in the photos and accurately categorize them.
What benefits do you get?
Speed and accuracy. Menu updating will become quicker. Your customers will also get all the accurate information, including prices as the menu listings will be accurate.
Emoji Reactions for Google Reviews
What is the update?
Businesses can now react to reviews on Google with emojis. This increases the interaction between businesses and customers. You can now use emojis like heat, fire, folded hands, etc. to show acknowledgment of a review instead of writing back. This saves time and shows the customer that you have read their review.
What benefits do you get?
The level of interaction between a business and its customers increases online, improving the search results for the business, and getting a positive reaction to a review will encourage more customers to put up reviews and speak their minds. Customer feedback will also help businesses better their products.
Minor Updates for 2024
The following are the minor Google My Business updates 2024:
Linking Your Ad Campaigns
What is the update?
The ad campaigns that are linked to the Google My Business Profile will stop as the domain will now be different. So, pause all campaigns to add the new URLs.
What do you need to do?
Pause your current ad campaigns and update the URL in the ad campaigns and your Google Business Profile before starting. Keep regularly monitoring and reviewing the ad performance after updating the URL.
Make Reservations with Google
What’s the update?
The feature for restaurant businesses where customers can make reservations for a table will still be functional in a few regions despite the chat feature being disabled.
What do you need to do?
Check if this feature is still available in your region and use it to get reservations in your restaurant business. If you have other reservation systems in place, you can even integrate the Reserve with Google feature with those systems for a seamless reservation system.
Easy Access for Profile Management
What is the update?
You can now have direct access to your Google Business Profile. Simply search your business’ name in the search bar or on Google Maps, and you will get direct access to your profile. You can then update, edit, or modify your profile the way you want.
What benefits do you get?
It becomes a lot easier and more convenient to access your profile and you can make changes faster and see them in real time.
Algorithm & Spam Updates
What is the update?
2024 has seen many Google My Business updates focused on improving the search metrics, targeting high-quality content, and spam. Local businesses that use high-quality content on their website, profiles, and campaigns will get more attention.
What do you need to do?
Focus on the quality of your content. Make sure the content you use is original and plagiarism-free. It should be informative, should bring value, and is not generated by AI. Also, follow all the best SEO practices to rank high on the SERP.
Strategies You Need to Implement
Do the following things to leverage the Google My Business updates:
Focus on Local SEO
- Update your Google Business Profile with accurate information regarding your business.
- Research and find high-search local keywords and use them in your business’s descriptions to improve search rankings.
- Read all the reviews left by customers and respond positively. This builds the trust metrics for your business and improves search rankings.
Improve Online Presence
- Leverage the increasing demand for visual media by using original, high-quality images and videos showcasing your products and services.
- Be a part of local events and interact in forums dedicated to those events. This will improve your localized presence.
Incorporate Additional Channels for Communication
- Incorporate customer services software, programs, and tools to manage inquiries and interactions better.
- Facebook Messenger is also a great option that you can use for managing inquiries, interactions, and additional support.
- WhatsApp Business is another excellent tool to establish direct communication with your customers and manage their requirements.
How Tru Performance Can Help!
All the actions stated above require a lot of time, attention, energy, and dedication. Most businesses don’t have the time or resources to do all this. Therefore, you need to partner with a company like Tru Performance. From managing and updating your Google My Business profile to enhancing your business with the best digital marketing strategies and the latest IT solutions, you can trust us to create online business growth. We will help you stay ahead in the digital landscape.
Share this blog