Google My Business Update 2021

Google has announced that the GMB will now be changed to Google Business Profile in the coming months.

It isn't the first time Google has altered the name of Google MB. It has done it in the past, the below image shows the evolution of google my business.

Let’s list down the changes that we can see in the coming months for google business profile

1. GMB Dashboard - The dashboard will not be available for small business anymore and will only be available for large verified business or chain of business.

2. Options – Listing’s verifications, Analytics, Insights will not be available on Business profile, they will be moved to the SERP page, where options will be provided for review, adding images etc.

3. Google Business Profile – To Manage business information, you will now have to log on to business profile by using the search term and then update information.

Note * - If the listing is not verified or has been suspended for any reason this will also appear on the search results.

4. Google My Business App – GMB app will be removed from smart phone in early 2022, all the results will now be a part of search page. (SERP).

5. Google Maps – Will now have the Msg’s & Chat option for business.

6. Business Photographs – This was part of GMB dashboard and this will be moved to SERP page

7. Business Reviews, Q&A – will now be available in the SERP page or it could also appear on the map, since the dashboard will seize to exit in coming days.

8. For Large Business – Google Business dashboard will still be available as – Profile Manager.

9. Google My Business API – will be renamed to Business Profile API, the functions would remain the same.

The roll out for the above changes could happen over the next few weeks, the below screenshots show Google My Business Twitter page – changed to – Google Business Profile, however the dashboard for GMB still shows the current name and not been updated to Google business profile.

Currently a 5 result Test is underway that could show 5 google business profiles for searches.

New options and terms might be included, it could cause initial challenge but will eventually ease out.

Summary : Its too early to predict if the changes could be beneficial for small business, Once the new roll out is completed, this could provide answer to more questions and live reviews for the effectiveness on changes to google my business.