For local businesses, visibility on Google is critical. Most customers today rely on Google Search and Maps to find stores, restaurants, and service providers near them. Google Business Profile, formerly known as Google My Business, continues to evolve with new features that help companies connect with customers more effectively. The new things in Google Business Profile give businesses more control, better insights, and improved ways to showcase what they offer.
Direct Management in Search and Maps
One of the biggest updates is that businesses can now manage their profiles directly in Google Search and Google Maps. Instead of going through a separate dashboard, owners can type their business name into Google and see editing tools appear right in the results. This makes it quicker to update business hours, add photos, respond to reviews, or post updates without switching platforms.
Enhanced Business Posts
Google Business Profile now offers more options for posts. Businesses can share promotions, events, product launches, and news directly in their profile. These posts show up when customers search, giving them fresh reasons to engage. The ability to add buttons like “Order Online,” “Call Now,” or “Book” makes these posts actionable, turning profile views into leads.
Expanded Services and Product Listings
Businesses can now list products and services in more detail, complete with photos, descriptions, and pricing. For restaurants, menus can be added directly; for retailers, popular products can be displayed; for service providers, detailed service categories can be included. This helps customers make decisions without needing to click away from the profile.
Messaging and Customer Interaction
Google has expanded messaging features, allowing customers to send questions directly from a business profile. Businesses can respond through the Google Maps app or Google Search, making customer communication easier and faster. Quick replies and automated responses can also be set up to improve efficiency.
Improved Insights and Analytics
The updated insights dashboard provides clearer data on how customers interact with your profile. You can now see what search terms people used to find your business, how many requested directions, how many clicked to call, and how many visited your website. These insights help identify which marketing strategies work best and where improvements are needed.
Booking and Ordering Integration
For businesses in hospitality, fitness, or personal services, booking integrations are expanding. Customers can book appointments, classes, or reservations directly from the profile. Restaurants can also connect delivery and ordering services, making it easier for customers to place orders without leaving Google.
Customer Reviews and Reputation Management
Google continues to enhance review features, giving more visibility to customer feedback. Reviews remain a powerful trust factor, and businesses can now highlight positive reviews, respond more easily, and report inappropriate ones. The emphasis on reputation management means businesses must actively monitor and engage with customer feedback.
Accessibility and Attributes
Profiles now allow businesses to add attributes such as “Wheelchair Accessible,” “Free Wi-Fi,” or “Women-Led.” These details help customers make informed choices and improve inclusivity. Regularly updating these attributes ensures profiles remain accurate and appealing.
Final Thoughts
The new things in Google Business Profile make it more than just a listing — it’s now a full engagement platform. With direct profile management in Search and Maps, improved posting options, messaging, product listings, and advanced insights, businesses can connect with customers more effectively than ever before.
For any local business, keeping your Google Business Profile updated and active is no longer optional. It’s a powerful tool to drive visibility, customer trust, and real-world results.