Since the start of coronavirus, Google has rolled out several new features and attributes to Google My Business (GMB).
If you run a local business, you need to know about these updates so you can get the most out of your platform.
In this article, we review 10 recent changes to Google My Business that you should check out.
1. HEALTH AND SAFETY ATTRIBUTES
In late 2020, GMB rolled out new attributes to help searchers make informed decisions about the health standards of businesses they may visit.
These new GMB attributes are:
- Reservations are required.
- Mask required.
- Staff wear masks.
- Staff will have their temperature checked.
- Temperature measurement required.
Please note that if you follow stricter health-related guidelines than your competitors and promote those guidelines on your GMB, you are very likely to win additional business from health-conscious individuals.
health and safety attributes2. Pandemic-Related Attributes of Restaurants
Google was among the first to roll out COVID-related attributes for restaurants and other businesses in the foodservice industry.
Here is a list of these attributes:
- curbside pickup.
- contactless delivery.
- I will eat at
These attributes appeared in GMB shortly after business resumed.
3. ONLINE SERVICE ATTRIBUTES
At the height of the pandemic, many chose to “go virtual”.
That’s when online meetings became the norm and Zoom became a household brand name.
Back in June, Google saw an opportunity to cater to online-only users and did so by offering a few more attributes in the GMB.
Attributes that can be used to indicate that a company offers virtual services are:
- online care.
- Online reservation.
- online quote.
- online class.
Think about how you can use these attributes to promote your business to people who literally want to go the extra mile to avoid being exposed to COVID.
4. Call record
This is test mode, but keep an eye on it.
GMB is currently developing a new feature that allows them to see calls from recent customers that arrived via search.
Here’s what Google has to say about this new feature:
You can track customer calls on Google Search and Maps using call history. With all your calls in one place for him, you can answer missed calls and stay connected with your customers.
These calls make it easy to find and do business with customers who found your business through Google. Calls from your business profile will start with a short message saying they’re from Google.
Here’s how it works:the user phone Click the button on your GMB profile and Google will record your call.
GMB records both missed and answered calls.
Then, copy the recorded call to[通話]You can view it in tabs.
However, it is only available in the app, not the browser version.
If you choose to use the call log feature, the application uses a forwarding number, thus masking your actual phone number.
5. Additional GMB Insights Data
Google also recently enhanced its GMB performance reporting.
For starters, GMB lets you know how many people have contacted you after visiting your profile page.
Additionally, the platform has started offering additional reports on searches.
Once fully completed, you’ll know how many times your Business Profile has appeared in search results.
Searching Google Maps will also show the data.
This kind of insight is available for up to 6 months.
6. Message
Google recently rolled out GMB messages in their desktop UI.
It was previously available in a mobile app.
When you log in to GMB, message button in the left sidebar. Click it to go to the message interface.
It follows the standard “chat screen” pattern. You can see the back and forth between you and your individual correspondent.
However, you must opt-in to the service.
just click the same message button to select Configuration.
Then select the option to turn on messages.
warning: Please try to reply to the message within 24 hours. Failure to respond may result in Google revoking your message.
Why are you so strict? Same old story: It’s all about the customer experience.
If you lose access, you won’t be banned forever, but you’ll have to go through that opt-in process again.
You can set an autoresponder message, but it won’t count as a “real” response within that day.
If you receive a bogus message, mark it as spam so Google can take corrective action.
You can also block annoying messengers.
7. Black-owned businesses
Google has updated its shopping search results to make it easier for people to find black-owned businesses.
Again, this GMB attribute was started in response to user interest.
The emphasis on racial inequality throughout 2020 saw a surge in searches for “black owned bookstores,” “black owned restaurants,” and “black owned beauty products.”
Google search “black-owned bookstores”Here’s what Google says about this attribute:
Historically, Black-owned businesses have served as gathering places for Black communities across the country, providing a strong sense of ownership and belonging to those denied equal rights. As they come online, they are creating new avenues for economic opportunity and generational wealth for the black community.
As we kick off the first day of Black History Month, we want to shine a light on Black-owned businesses, big and small, and celebrate their resilience and ingenuity.
Note that setting the black-owned attribute may take some time for the change to take effect.
At this time, this feature is only available to US-based Google Merchant Center retailers.
8. Maximum video upload size
GMB also recently reduction Maximum video upload size.
The previous limit was 100MB. The new limit is 75MB.
So if you want to show off your business in your videos, you may need to show off a little bit for each video.
GMB is table stakes for local searches
Google My Business can be more important than your website when it comes to promoting your local business online.
So you should optimize your profile for search.
You should also stay abreast of the latest changes in GMB and consider how you can use them to more effectively promote your brand online.
Other resources:
image credit
All screenshots taken by the author in February 2021
