The History of Google Business Profile
Google My Business started way back in 2004 as Google Local. Over the past few days you have may have heard that Google My Business is changing it’s name to Google Business Profile.
What does this mean for you and your local business? Not much, the way you verify, enter your details and optimise will be through the web rather than the mobile app. The mobile app is going, encouraging users to use Google Chrome.
2005, just twelve months from the launch date of Google Local Business Center. Enabling business owners to update their business easily and quickly.
In 2009, Google Maps officially launched single web pages for a local business. The business page included;
- (NAP) Business name, Address and Phone Number
- Website
- Business Hours
- Maps and directions
- Reviews
- Photos
- YouTube videos
- Types of Products and Services
In 2010 Google Places, replaced the Google Local. Businesses had to “claim” their local business and could be found via Google Maps. Google Local Business Center otherwise known as the dashboard was introduced to make changes to listings.
2011, Google launched the platform Google+ Pages and Google+ for Business. These pages didn’t work seamlessly integrate with Google Maps or Local Search.
2012, Google+ Local was designed to integrate Google Places and Google+. Including social features combining Google Maps and local search. This was not a smooth transition. Business owners and marketers found it difficult to comprehend.
It was not until 2014, Google My Business ultimately evolved into something useful. Google My Business was able to impeccably combine all elements in one dashboard;
- Update your business information from one place to be shown on Search, Maps and Google+
- Add photos of your business and virtual tours, to show customers your uniqueness
- Connect with your audience by highlighting news and events
- Collect business reviews and respond to those reviews
- Beginning of the use of custom insights integrating keywords
- And of course the GMB App.
In 2021, the Google My Business platform, will be known as Google Business Profile. Doing away with the mobile app and editing straight from the web browser. Logging into your browser with your Google associated email address.
For those who uses GMB regularly, you won’t be surprised. There have been outstanding support requests including the 80% logo issue, reviews not appearing and entire listings disappearing. The excuse has been delayed due to covid, perhaps this is a legitimate explanation, however, resources would have been focusing on the new changes and the future of Google Business Profile.
At the end of the day Google is a business and I do believe this is a start of plans to charge for GBP. Just like Facebook plan to cash in on paid events, hosted and advertised using their platform. I can see this will be the case for Google.
Whilst it is free, I highly recommend, claiming your business listing, optimising your profile, to show your uniqueness and offerings.
Affordable Web Solutions offer Google Business Profile audits and optimisation done for you enquire at info@affordableweb.solutions.
In 2022, you will be able to enjoy the flexibility of online training to complete it yourself.
