We have seen many changes in Google My Business in 2021.
You should be taking advantage of these changes otherwise you won’t be maximizing the conversions you could be getting out of Google my business for SEO, paid search, reviews, and more.
In this article, we have outlined the Google My Business Changes in 2021. Be sure to apply your necessary edits to these areas and you can get better results in your converting goals.
The Health and Safety Attribute
In this section, there are different options of how your business is showing attributes on your Business Profile. These show up to the public and search results.
Your choices are:
Appointment required
Mask required
Staff get temperature checks
Staff required to disinfect surfaces between visits
Staff wear masks
Temperature check required
2. Pandemic Related Attributes For Restaurants
This section gives the public an idea of the kind of service you provide.
The selections listed:
Curbside pickup
No contact delivery
Dine-in
3. Attributes for Online Services
Depending on what business category you chose will determine what attributes for online services you can offer. These options are offered for a health care provider for example:
Oral Care
Online appointment
Online estimates
Online classes
4. Call Logging
This is currently in test mode, but it’s worth keeping an eye on. This is what Google has to say about call logging:
“You can keep track of your customer’s phone calls on Google search and maps. Your calls are all in one place to help you respond to missed calls and to help you stay engaged with your customers.”
5. Additional Google My Business Insights Data
Google recently enhanced the GMB reports. GMB will let you know of how many people have reached out to you after a visit to your profile page. The platform started offering additional reports about searches.
6. Messaging
Google My Business now has messaging on its desktop user interface. This is another feature that is in the beginning stages, but it’s been available on Mobile for a while.
When you log in, you will see a messages button on the left. Click on that button and turn on your messaging and you will be prompted to set up your messages. Warning, you will need to respond to your messages within a 24-hour window, if you don’t Google might revoke your messaging rights.
7. Black-Owned Businesses
Google has updated shopping search results to make it easy to find black-owned businesses. Search results with keywords such as black-owned bookstores, black-owned restaurants, and black-owned beauty supplies have soared throughout the last year.
If you are an African American who owns a business, you can set the black-owned attribute in your Google Merchant Center.
As of right now, this feature is only available in the US.
These are some of the changes that have happened in Google My Business in the last year.
If you would like help implementing changes or managing your Google My Business, drop us a line at https://www.shelleyssocialmedia.com