Google My Business vs. Google Business Profile: how to activate it

Google My Business is a tool created by Google to manage the online presence of companies. The objective is to offer more visibility to businesses that implement a local SEO strategy and can increase their sales. Read this article to boost your ideas!

Today, Google performs more than 100,000 searches per second, according to the data it provides.

People then search Google for the information they need about businesses, companies and even professionals who provide services. Therefore, it is key that your brand appears as an option among the thousands of search results. And not only that, but that it appears prominently.

Google My Business was the ideal tool to increase your brand’s visibility in Google search engines, attract new customers and increase sales.

However, the tech giant announced that the name of its platform has changed from Google My Business to Google Business Profile. Keep reading this post for more details!

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What is Google My Business?

Google My Business (or Google My Business) is a free online tool that allows you to create a business listing on Google to appear in search results when people look for your business or your category, in a privileged position on the first page.

In addition, with this platform you can also appear in Google Maps searches, increasing your reach and notoriety.

Let’s see an example of how the Tiendanube business listing appears in Google:

Among the main advantages of this tool, we can highlight:

  • You gain visibility in Google search results.
  • Show key information about your business to your potential customers.
  • Obtain information about users through search statistics or by analyzing the most frequent questions they ask.
  • You will build trust through ratings and reviews, getting more people to contact you.
  • You advertise and to have a better reach and income.

On the other hand, Google My Business is a powerful local SEO tool, as it is designed for searches that contain a geographic component. What does this mean? That helps you reach people who are close to your physical business, organically.

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So far we have explained what Google My Business is and what are the advantages of this strategy in your business. However, it is important to reiterate that this year Google changed the name of the tool to Google Business Profile. We tell you the details!

How does the new Google Business Profile update (previously Google My Business) work?

Since 2021, he has been working on the transition from Google My Business to Google Business Profile. The goal is for businesses (single and multi-location) to manage their profile from Google Search or Google Maps, rather than from Google My Business, as the app is no longer available.

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On the other hand, the challenge of this new proposal is to attract more large companies with multiple locations to use Google Business Profile.

Now, if you already offer your products or services in a physical store, it’s time to start thinking about your local SEO strategy with this powerful platform.

Take note!

If you already knew Google My Business and how it works, you can get a clearer idea of ​​how Google Business Profile is used in a business and what is new:

local tracking

According to one of the American company itself, 7 out of 10 customers make a purchase or visit a business based on the information they found on the internet.

Given this, it is important to have a business profile on Google and constantly update the business file, it is the best way for your location to appear on Google Maps!

Let’s look at a concrete example:

In general, users do Google searches of the style “Decoration in Morón”, “Shoe store in Caballito”, “Dentistry in Santa Fe”. In that case, and if your file is optimized according to the geographical area, Google Business Profile will show your business data to those users, increasing your chances of sale.

This data will be displayed, as we said before, in a privileged place within the first page of search results.

Look at the example of Tiendanube

📌 Search by area:

📌 Search by business name:

Important fact: the Google business profile is designed for businesses that have a store on the street, you can read more about this requirement in the .

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Direct communication with customers

Among the novelties that come with Google Business Profile are the claim and verification of the business profile, the call history and messaging to manage them directly from Google Maps.

In addition, you have the possibility of sharing news about your business, events, products or services. Organizing virtual tours is another of the newest features.

Easy to update business information

The option to edit your business profile information from Google search has been active for several months. However, now another function is added: complete the verification or solve a problem.

But how is this process carried out? Search for your business name on Google or Google Maps. Then, you will see and choose between the two options according to your case: verify the business profile or solve a problem, such as the suspension of the service on the platform.

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Finally, you can edit the information that appears in your business file such as address, hours of operation, responses to user reviews and much more.

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How to create your Business Profile on Google in just 5 steps?

Next, we show you what are the steps to follow to create your Business Profile in Google:

1. Have a Gmail account

The first thing you need to create and manage your business profile is a Gmail email account. If you don’t have it, it’s the same procedure as how to create a profile on Google My Business.

2. Create an account from Google Business Profile Manager

We suggest you check if your brand appears or not in Google. In case it appears, later we will tell you how to claim ownership of that business.

On the other hand, if there is no record created, proceed to register by entering . Once you access the portal, you have to choose the “Manage Now” option.

Next, a message will appear with two options: “Search for a company” (if you already appear in Google) or “Add a company”.

3. Register name, category and location of the business

If you chose “Add company” you have to complete the following information:

  • Name: name of your business or company.
  • Category: I chose one of the available categories that best identifies your business.
  • Location: If your business has a physical location and customers can visit it, it is important that it is visible. Now, if you offer services or make deliveries, you can select an area or region on the map.
  • Means of contact: here you have to detail the phone and so that customers can communicate with your company easily, quickly and safely.

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4. Check business profile

Once these steps are complete, Google needs to verify that you are the owner of that business. Therefore, it will send you by postal mail to the address you entered, an envelope that contains a code. This takes about 2 weeks.

Until the moment you enter that code in your business file, the profile will be enabled but with the legend “Verification required” and you will not be able to manage it.

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When you receive it, you will have to enter your Business Profile again and upload that code where it says “Verify now”. From that moment on, you can now manage your business file!

5. Customize the business profile

After creating and configuring your profile in Google Business Profile, you have the option to customize the account from the administration panel.

One recommendation is to add the description of your business, the hours of service to the public, etc.

Businesses that include photos in their Google business listing receive 42% more requests and 35% more clicks to their website than those that don’t.

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If you already knew how to activate Google My Business, these steps will be easy for you. The most important thing is that you keep your business file updated to enhance your online presence.

How to manage your Google Business Profile from Google Maps?

You can manage your Business Profile from the Google Maps app in its version for and :

How to enter the Business Profile?

  • Access the Google Maps application.
  • Find your Business Profile.
  • Go to the menu and choose between the options “Edit profile”, “Promote” or “Clients” to modify the information you need.

How to switch from Google My Business to the Google Maps app?

  • Download the Google Maps app on the mobile devices you need.
  • Use your Google account to access your Business Profile.
  • Go to your company account from Google Maps by clicking on the profile photo.

Who can manage a Company Profile?

  • People who have the permission to own or manage a business profile.
  • Owners of Company Profiles can also transfer their permission, as well as invite or unsubscribe other users as owners or administrators.
  • If you’re a business owner that has multiple locations, you’ll ideally want to manage your account from the Google Business Profile Manager dashboard.
  • If you’re a business owner with a single location, it’s recommended that you manage your account from the Google Maps app or Google search.

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Steps to optimize your business profile on Google

1. Edit business information

In the “Company Information” section you will find several options when editing and updating the data, such as: “”, “Contact”, “Schedules”, “Location” and more. This is a similar step to the one previously done for…

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