Have you heard? The Google My Business app is no longer available. At the end of 2021, Google announced that the popular app used by businesses to manage the information in their Google listings would be retired. From July 2022, Google My Business was no longer available for download, replaced by Google Business Profile (GBP) and two apps: one for Google Search and one for Google Maps.
So what does this mean for business owners? And how can you ensure your info is up-to-date?
Fundamentally, not a lot changes. Web users can still see your Google listing and all its information. There’s no need to recreate your account from scratch. You can still access your account on your computer using Google’s Business Profile Manager, which has an interface similar to Google My Business and is useful for managing multiple businesses across different locations. If you’re used to doing things on mobile, all you have to do is download two apps, and you’re ready to go.
You’ll still be able to reply to messages, respond to reviews, and edit the information in your profile through the Google Maps app. But there are a few differences between how Google Business Profile works and the old methods of the Google My Business app. For example, as well as accessing your profile through business.google.com, you’ll be able to update and share information directly through Maps or Search, either in the apps or via the web interface.
Other changes Google has announced include the ability to send messages directly from Google Search, access read receipts from Google Search and Maps, and – in the U.S and Canada – turn on call history. Like all things digital, Google Business Profile is subject to changes, and who knows what new developments Google may have for it in the future? One thing is certain; however, it’s already a useful tool for managing your details on Google and connecting with your target audience.If you haven’t spent a lot of time on your online presence, now is the time to start. Google Business Profile and Google Ads will help you kick off with a bang.
And for those business owners and entrepreneurs who have been using Google for a while, while Google My Business as you know it may be finished, the best part of your journey may be just about to begin. Anchor Digital has a range of methods and tools to help you get the most out of Google.
Access your Google Business Profile on Google Maps
There are a couple of ways to access your GBP account on Google Maps. You can simply search your business name in the map section as if searching for an address to pull up directions. Or you can click the ‘account’ button on the top right of your screen to bring up a list of menu options and select ‘Your Business Profile’.
Access Your Google Business Profile on Google Search
You can access your GBP via either a mobile device or your desktop. Before using mobile, make sure you have the Google Search app. If you’re using an Android phone, this app is likely to already be on your device. If you’re using iOS, you can download it via your app store.If you’ve claimed your listing, you can type either the business name itself or simply “my business” into the search bar, and the listing should appear. If you haven’t claimed your business profile yet, you can click ‘own this business’ under the phone number on the listing. This will take you through a series of steps to verify your identity. You can also head to google.com/verifymybusiness to ensure you have access.
Access Your Google Business Profile on Desktop
You can use the Business Profile Manager website to make changes to your GBP via computer. You can also use the Business Profile Manager to modify your online details via Google Search. This comes in particularly handy if you’re responsible for multiple businesses that you need to manage in bulk.
Simply log into your Google Business Profile via your computer, and you can update details, add users and work on converting the people who find you on Search and Maps into your customers. All this with a completely free tool.
Download the Google Maps App
Goodbye Google My Business, hello Google Maps. Change is inevitable, but in this case, it shouldn’t be hard to get used to. You can download the app via Google Play or the Apple store, and you’re ready to start.
Troubleshooting
If you need some assistance managing your Google Business Profile, Google has put together this handy YouTube video to show you how it’s done.If you can’t access your account, the problem could be one of a few different things: it’s likely you haven’t claimed your business yet, haven’t created a business profile yet, or you’re logged in under the wrong Gmail account. In both Search and Maps, you can check your profile settings in the upper right-hand corner to see which e-mail address you’re logged in with. It needs to be the same e-mail address as the one associated with the owner or manager of the listing.
If you still need help getting used to the changes or have a burning question that hasn’t been answered, you can reach out to Google directly. Try their contact page and allow time for a response: the average is between 24-48 hours.
Enhance Your Google Ads Marketing with Anchor Digital
Once you understand how to access and manage your Google Business Profile, it’s time to optimise it to gain more traffic and conversions. While the Google My Business app may have been very useful, you don’t need it to get a handle on Google and use it to take your business to new levels of success.
With Google Ads, you can track everything, including visits, conversions and sales. Google Ads allows you to set a budget that works for you and get your business ads in front of customers when they search for the kind of services you provide. And you only pay when they click on them. Like your Google Business Profile and the former Google My Business, Google Ads is an effective tool to have in your kit to expand your business’s reach beyond its previous targets. If this is new to you or not something you have a lot of time to think about with a business to run, Anchor Digital can help you grow your business with Google Ads.
Anchor Digital conducts in-depth research into customer behaviour, offers cost-effective bidding and buying strategies, monitors the competition, and provides comprehensive and easy-to-understand reports. We balance an evidence-based, analytical approach with a flair for creativity to help you achieve results, with no need for lock-in contracts to hold onto your business. Drop us a line so we can work with you on a strategy that works for Google and for your customers, both present and future.
