GMB streamlines management & introduces

Google has offered another boost to local businesses via another update to Google My Business (GMB).

Businesses can now add details, such as contact information and opening hours, and create Posts to share updates, like special offers or new offerings, right from Google Search.

Google’s latest update will make it easier to manage a GMB profile because edit functions will be easier to find, making your profile simpler to update.

Starting next week, you’ll also be able to create Posts about upcoming events, including when and where they’re happening, whether you’re throwing a reopening party or hosting an online tasting.

David Rohan, Product Manager, Google

“Last year, we added ways for you to change basic business information, message your customers and see detailed insights. And now, as we head into International Small Business Week, we have even more ways for you to update your Business Profile, all directly from Search and Maps.”

That means communicators can spend less time faffing around and more time keeping customers and perspectives aware of current offerings and how the business is operating.

Happy locals mean a better reputation and more chance of repeat business. That’s a win, win. In addition, the increase in searches about local delivery options and stock levels means a customer will have the information they want at the point of Search.

Showcase offerings easier than before

Local businesses will now add their service offerings (haircuts, nail treatments, carpentry work) to profile directly from Search.

To do so, use the ‘Edit Profile’ menu in Search to make quick and easy updates to your service offerings. You can also edit the area you serve, too. Making it easier for customers to book your service or a table at your restaurant, too, which can only help increase revenue.

David Rohan, Product Manager, Google

“For those who have a service or restaurant business and work with one of our Reserve with Google partners, you can now enable online bookings through your Business Profile — right from Google Search.

Once you’ve signed up with a Reserve with Google partner, you’ll see how many bookings customers have made with your business directly on Google.”

Any time you can shift some of the admin burdens away from potential paying customers is good for business, so make sure you can take advantage of these new changes.

Restaurants will be able to capitalise

With lockdowns continuing to ebb and flow, the hospitality sector has needed to be more malleable than most.

Food ordering has increased more than 200% since last year. To make it easier for businesses to cash in, Order with Google will let eateries accept takeaway orders directly through their Business Profile on Google Search and Maps, reducing friction and growing revenue.

Eateries will now be able to add menu items to Business Profile on Search and Maps. To do this, go to the ‘edit profile’ menu on Search – this is where you’ll find options to add and edit your whole menu.

David Rohan, Product Manager, Google

“These new entry points help food businesses update their info and interact with customers right from the apps they already use — Search and Maps.”

Eateries who wish to accept orders through their Business Profile must use a third-party provider such as BentoBox, Delivery.com or Redcat.

This third-party app will add a place an order link, and should be updated automatically by these providers. A full list of third-party providers can be found here.