Google has recently rolled out several new features in Google My Business (GMB) to help businesses improve their presence in online search, and better interact with current and potential customers. Since launching five years ago, Google My Business has helped 150 million local businesses connect with local people. The platform has continually evolved to provide a better experience for both businesses and users.
Let’s find out what these new features do!
Welcome Offers
Who doesn’t like a deal or two? Welcome Offers will allow businesses to reward customers who follow them on Google My Business. If a user follows a company, they can be rewarded with a deal from that business, turning them into loyal customers.
Cover Photos
Google My Business users can now easily control their main cover photo that appears in the listing. Businesses can add personality to their profile by setting a cover photo as we do on Facebook and other social media accounts.
Logos
This feature will give additional branding opportunity for businesses. If companies add core information such as phone number, hours and website, their company logo will be displayed at the top right-hand side of their profile.
Short Names & URLs
Business owners can now claim a short name and URL which will help users find businesses quicker. Additionally, this feature will help businesses send them back to their profile to get the latest updates and make bookings. In coming months, Google will add a feature which will allow users to search this shorter name in Google Maps.
Photo Displays
Businesses can upload images to their Google My Business profile which will appear instantly and prominently on a new dynamic module. This is a great way for a business to show what they are really about. Soon, photo captions will be added so companies can tell a story using images.
Offline Materials
Google has recently launched a website to help businesses easily download and order custom marketing assets. You can get posters, stickers and social media posts on your profile, free of charge. This will certainly add a unique factor to your business profile.
Bonus Feature
Lastly, to give that extra something to businesses that consistently deliver a great experience for people, Google will reward the top 5% best performers by adding them to a ‘local favourite’ category. These lucky business profiles will also receive a digital and physical ‘badge of honour’ which will help users find and engage with them more easily.
Google is continuing to better the experience of Google My Business users and bringing customers and business together. If your business doesn’t have a profile, then now is the time to set one up!
