One of Google’s best-known tools for businesses across the world and local marketing efforts is Google Business Profiles. But you might better remember this as “Google My Business.” Though, in actuality, this tool has changed its name numerous times… starting out as Google Local Business Center back in 2005, then Google Places, and Google+ Local.
Google Business Profiles allow businesses of all sizes to offer important information consumers want, including hours of operation, holiday hours, photos of your location, product info, and various tags (like accessible parking, woman owned, LGTQ+ Safe Space, and so on). Over the years, GMB/GBP has become a staple of local search engine optimization, a valuable tool for small businesses, a way for people to find local businesses on maps, and more. But you may have noticed some changes beyond the name in recent months.
Previously, Google Business Profiles had a handy dashboard that aggregated all the tools you could access for your business. In one space you could find your recent reviews and respond to them, add new photos, post updates on sales and coupons, and make sure your name, address, and phone number were all correct. In November, Google moved away from this separate page and made all of these same tools available right in search. While some people may have issues with this new layout (or find it a bit more confusing than the prior setup), the new dashboard for Google Business Profiles allows you to see exactly how your business information, maps listing, posts, and more appear for potential customers/clients.
The many questions we’ve gotten in recent weeks all tend to boil down to “Where do I find X now?!” As with all new updates to things we’ve gotten used to… there is a bit of a learning curve. Everything is still there. You might just not notice it at first. Let’s walk you through how to find all your tools on the new dashboard.
Where can I find all my profile tools?
You can still access your business profile from the nine dots at the top right corner of Google Search when logged in. The logo is even still the same despite the name change. If you manage multiple businesses then you’ll still be greeted with the Business Profile Manager that lists your business names and address, verified status, and a few handy quick tools. Previously, you could click to manage your business and be brought to a second dashboard. Now, the “See your profile” button will open up a search for your business with access to your dashboard. You can also just search for your business by name in the search box instead of all those old extra steps.
Your new dashboard will look something like the image above. The edit profile button still brings up all the same information like description, contact info, website URL, and business categories. And every button has a simple name so there should be less confusion on how to find the right thing. You’ll also see that you have Read Reviews, Messages, Add Photos, Performance, Advertise, Edit Products, and more. There’s even a handy carousel of suggestions for your business. And don’t forget the menu found in the 3 Dots. A few handy things are in there including more information, access to support, adding new managers, and account settings like notifications.
Some of these tools can be accessed in multiple ways. From your search window, you’ll see your public profile next to your dashboard. Your profile listing also has some buttons that function the same as in the dashboard next to it. For instance, you can add new images to your website from the Add Photos button on the dashboard of the Add photos button on your business images.
If you click the down arrow on your dashboard, it will expand to show a few more tools. Here is where you’ll likely see the “Add update” button. But if you look at the profile listing on the side and scroll down, you’ll also see your recent posts and an Add Update button.
Even the “Edit profile” button I mentioned earlier can still be accessed from the listing right next to your dashboard. Instead of navigating between a few different pages nested inside of a separate dashboard, the new layout for Google Business Profiles provides all the same tools as popups on the same page. Just give it some time, we’re sure this new dashboard layout will eventually click and feel just as easy (or better) than the prior one.
Efferent Media can help with your Local Search Marketing efforts
Whether you’re a hyper-local small business or a brand with dozens of locations, having a proper Google Business Profile will help get clients and customers in the door or on the phone. At Efferent Media, our specialists have the expertise in local optimization to get you seen by the right people. To see how you can improve your local marketing, reach out and schedule a meeting with the team at Efferent Media or give us a call today at (631) 867-0900.