Recently, Google Business Profile (GBP) got new features. They were included to make it easy for people to access on Google their business listings.
They also help to position GBP as the best tool for local businesses and GBP agencies. To improve their online presence, get discovered, and reach potential customers.
GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE
It’s a free tool that businesses use to manage across Google from Google Search to Google Maps, their online business presence.
What makes it so useful for businesses is it
- Causes your business profile to appear in local search results. To show key information. Like your website, location, hours of operation, phone number, and more.
- Makes it easier for customers’. To find your business when searching for products/services it offers in their local area.
BENEFITS OF GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE UPDATE
- IMPROVED VISIBILITY: Your business will appear when customers search for a product or service it offers, in the local pack. That is, the three businesses shown on Google Search & Maps. This increases your chances of attracting new customers.
- CUSTOMER TRUST: Google Business Profile with complete, up-to-date information appear to potential customers as trustworthy. Reviews and photos with timely updates will project your business as professional and reliable.
- ENGAGEMENT: Allows you to post updates, offers, events, and more. This encourages user interaction and engagement.
- INSIGHTS: Google offers valuable data on how users are interacting with your Google Business Profile. Information like how they found your listing, where they are coming from, and what actions they took. This data can be used to refine your marketing strategy.
Your Google Business Profile in many ways is your Digital Business Card. That is much more interactive and dynamic.
WHAT IS NEW IN GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE?
The following details the latest updates and features about Google Business Profile included in 2025.
1. AI TOOL TO GENERATE & ADD TO YOUR GBP MENU: Allows restaurant and drink business to
- Add their menu. To their GBP quickly.
- Use a photo. That details their actual menu cards efficiently.
2. ENHANCED MESSAGING CAPABILITIES: GBP messaging feature now includes Whatsapp & Text Messaging options. They help businesses to,
- Communicate directly with customers. Through their preferred platforms. This facilitates quicker responses with improved customer satisfaction.
- Manage messages from both mobile and desktop platforms. This ensures across devices, seamless communication.
3. WHATSAPP & TEXT MESSAGING INTEGRATION: Allows businesses to add in their GBP, Whatsapp & Text Messaging. They
- Offer customers an easier way. To reach businesses for inquiries or appointment bookings, and even support. Directly from Google search.
- Make it easier for businesses to respond quickly. This way they can engage more efficiently.
4. INTEGRATION WITH YOUTUBE: Links to your GBP, your YouTube channel. This integration,
- Enhances your business’s visibility in Google and YouTube search results. You can showcase your offerings. Even behind—the-scenes content to a wider range of audience.
- GOOGLE REVIEWS REACT EMOJIS: Enables businesses to engage and be more social. When responding to Google reviews. Businesses on Google Maps can now
- Use an emoji. Like a heart, prayer, or fire. To reach to a particular reviews.
5. ENHANCED PRODUCT & SERVICE LISTINGS: Allows businesses to
- Provide detailed information about their products/services. Including names, descriptions, images, and prices.
- Showcase offerings clearly. This improves visibility in Google Search & Maps. Additionally, they assist customers to make informed decisions.
6. IMPROVED PROFILE SECURITY WITH MULTIPLE MANAGERS: Helps businesses to prevent loss of access. They now can
- Have multiple managers for their GBP. This ensures continuous access while simultaneously facilitating assignment of new owners and managers. In the event of personnel changes.
7. STRICTER MEASURES AGAINST FAKE REVIEWS: For UK businesses. In response to complaints on fraudulent reviews. New update includes,
- Improved detection and removal of fake reviews.
- Disablement of new reviews. For offending businesses.
- Putting warning alerts. On the profiles of businesses using fake reviews.
8. MANDATORY GBP VERFICATION FOR LOCAL SERVCIES ADS: Businesses to run Local Services Ads, should have a verified Google Business Profi.
They help
- Prevent frauds.
- Ensure the ads accurately represent the businesses they promote.
HOW TO LEVERAGE YOUR GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE?
You need to ensure, to extract the maximum out of it, its set-up and optimize it correctly.
The following details step-by-step ways to do it.
USE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
Visual content is vital to attract potential customers.
Businesses according to Google, with photos receive 42 percent more requests for directions. Similarly, it gets 35 percent more click-throughs’ to their websites.
For maximum benefit,
- Add high-quality photos. That is, photos of your products/services, storefront, or team.
- Upload a profile photo and cover photo. That aligns with your branding.
- Include videos, if applicable. That highlights your services. Else share behind-the-scenes content.
Regularly update your images. They signal to Google that your business is proactive and engaged. This can positively affect your site ranking.
ENCOURAGE AND RESPOND TO REVIEWS
Customer reviews on Google Business Profile are among the most powerful tools. They help build with potential customers, trust. Additionally, they also play a prime role in local search rankings.
ASK FOR REVIEWS:
- Encourage satisfied customers. To leave positive reviews.
- Ask for reviews. Through email, receipts, or even in-person.
RESPOND TO REVIEWS
- Take time. To respond to all reviews, positive as and negative.
- Thank customers for their feedback. They indicate that you value their input.
You improve by engaging with reviews, your business’s credibility. They create a positive online reputation.
POST UPDATES AND OFFERS REGULARLY
You can share directly your updates and promotions as well as offers, on your listing. This feature is akin to a mini blog where relevant content is shared with your audience.
Use posts to
- Announce new products. Or services.
- Highlight special discount. Or Sales.
- Share customer success stories.
- Promote events. Or Webinars.
Regular posting keeps your profile active and engaging. This can help you stand out in search results.
ENABLE MESSAGING FOR DIRECT COMMUNICATION
Messaging feature in Google Business Profile is a boon.
They
- Allow customers to contact your directly through text.
- Ensure quick response. Also, answer queries in real-time.
- Ensure your business is set-up. To receive messages and respond promptly. This helps build a strong relationship with customers.
USE INSIGHTS TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE
You can track vital metrics to gather critical insights. That can be leveraged to improve performance.
Like,
- How customers found your business. Via search, maps, direct search, etc.
- What actions they took. Calling your business, visiting your website, OR requesting directions.
- Where your customers are located. Helpful for local targeting.
You can tailor by analyzing data, your marketing efforts. This helps to better understand your audience.
➡️ Read More :- Google Offices in India
Businesses with the 2025 updates to Google Business Profile, gain access to enhanced tools. Tools that help connect with customers, and manage their online presence.
Your business by leveraging these new features, can improve its visibility. This will help to build trust with customers and stay competitive in the digital landscape.
