Google MyBusiness replaces Google Places for local businesses and provides a new Google+ admin page service for all businesses
Value/Importance: [rating=2]
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Announced on 12th June 2014, this has been touted as a major change, with an in-depth review by Search Engine Land for example. But we have rated it as relatively low in value and importance for marketers since it should’t be overhyped - it doesn’t involve new options for marketing, rather it is a new labelling to be aware of. It’s an attempt by Google at providing a more unified business offering from Google. It’s a good move since it aims to reduce the confusion between Google+ for Business and Google Places which it replaces.
What you need to know / do
1. If you or your clients are looking to register a local business within Google, e.g. to be visible in Google Maps, you now need to go to Google My Business rather than Google Places which is replaced.
2.Information including reviews and photos are now available as part of a company Google+ page, so it’s important to improve the quality of these to show satisfaction and credibility with the business.
3. Businesses can choose their type and information provided and displayed for consumers depends on this - the essential choice is retail, local or brand/company.
4. A new Admin interface for business owners accessible from the Google+ page combines editing of Google+ with Insights (limited Google+ page Analytics which were already available) , reviews and where relevant AdWords and Analytics.
5. Google My Business is part of a wider service called Business Solutions which offers services for advertisers and agencies too.
By Dave Chaffey
Digital strategist Dr Dave Chaffey is co-founder and Content Director of online marketing training platform and publisher Smart Insights. 'Dr Dave' is known for his strategic, but practical, data-driven advice. He has trained and consulted with many business of all sizes in most sectors. These include large international B2B and B2C brands including 3M, BP, Barclaycard, Dell, Confused.com, HSBC, Mercedes-Benz, Microsoft, M&G Investment, Rentokil Initial, O2, Royal Canin (Mars Group) plus many smaller businesses.
Dave is editor of the templates, guides and courses in our digital marketing resource library used by our Business members to plan, manage and optimize their marketing. Free members can access our free sample templates here.
Dave is also keynote speaker, trainer and consultant who is author of 5 bestselling books on digital marketing including Digital Marketing Excellence and Digital Marketing: Strategy, Implementation and Practice.
In 2004 he was recognised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing as one of 50 marketing ‘gurus’ worldwide who have helped shape the future of marketing.
My personal site, DaveChaffey.com, lists my latest Digital marketing and E-commerce books and support materials including a digital marketing glossary.
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