An Improved Google My Business Makes It More Of An "Engagement Platform"

Google is launching a new version of its Google My Business (GMB) app, which offers an improved customer visibility, and a range of capabilities to enhance experience.

First of all, the update was said to be driven by local business feedback, and also from Google's own observation of how users were engaging with the app. It includes:

  • An improved business profile editor.
  • A bottom navigation bar which provides quick access to business profile and customer information.
  • A Post button allows for the upload of photos, creation of Google Posts.
  • Customers tab shows customer information and provides the ability to interact. This includes reviews, messages and followers.
  • Follow tab shows the followers of a business, if users have opted to expose their profiles.
  • A Messages tab showing customer messages from Maps and Search.

Using GMB is a simple way to stand out on Google.

With a press of the new Post button in the app for example, businesses can upload a photo, create an offer or event, and add it right to their Google Business Profile. Businesses can also manage their business information on Google from the Profile tab and watch the change appear across Search and Maps.

Also with GMB, businesses can have all of their customers that are on Google - all in one place.

So when people are searching for your business, they can easily connect with the business by message, following, booking your service, leaving a review, all within your GMB profile.

Google is also making it easy for you to track results, by showing how many people are finding and connecting with you from your Business Profile on Google. "We’ve put your profile results front-and-center on the home screen so you’re always in the know," explained Curtis Galloway, Engineering Manager at Google My Business.

There is also real-time notification feature, and Google in making GMB analytics available in a more prominent space with simplified view that can be expanded for more details.

Google has also decided to call local business information on Maps and Search as "business profiles," instead of just "listings." What this means, Google is seeing all contents and tools as part of GMB's "engagement platform" for local consumers and businesses.

GMB's update further highlights that idea with more interactivity.

In summary, GMB has indeed evolved. What was just a place for businesses to upload basic information, it has become an engagement platform where businesses can maintain their reputation, monitor visibility and perform various forms of customer engagements.

Published: 
19/11/2018