Recently, Google made the announcement that what was formerly known as Google My Business will now be called Google Business Profile.
With the new name comes the option to not only edit the information on your Google Business Profile but also to solve any issues or complete the verification process right from search or Google Maps.
Soon, businesses will be able to set up their Google Business Profile directly on search or Maps as well, and to double-check that your profile is visible to the public.
How to manage your Google Business Profile
There are a couple of ways to go about managing your Google Business Profile. The first is simply to type your business name into the search field when you’re logged into the Gmail address you manage your business with.
With this route, you’ll see two main sections on the first page of the results where you can manage your Google Business Profile, directly under the search bar in the Knowledge Panel and on the Profile itself, which is on the right side of the page.
Manage and update your business information by selecting “Edit profile” in the knowledge panel or “Edit your business information” on your Profile itself.
From here, you can select the right business categories, add a description of your business, update your hours and contact information, edit your service area and more.
By clicking on the “Promote” button, you’ll get a list with a variety of options to help you promote and monitor your business.
From here, you can monitor your performance, advertise your business on Google, add photos, events, offers and updates to your Profile, and ask for reviews.
By clicking on the “Customers” button, you can monitor and manage your customers.
From here, you can view and reply to your reviews, see information about customer calls, view and respond to messages from your customers, and answer your customers’ questions.
Alternatively, you can type in “my business” in the search bar when you’re logged into the Gmail account you use to manage your Google Business Profile.
If you prefer, you can also manage your Google Business Profile directly from the Google Maps app — again — when you’re logged into the Gmail account you use to manage your Profile.
For local businesses, keeping your Google Business Profile up to date and accurate is one of the most important things you can do to rank high in local searches and connect with consumers in your area.