Using a mobile device to manage your life is what most people want in this day and age. They are always with you and come with beneficial applications that make life easier. Phones can even be used to manage small businesses, given you have the right applications installed. Google My business was an app that let this very thing become a reality. It allowed the owners to ensure that they show up in the Google search engine, their correct locations are in Google Maps, and view and reply to customer reviews. Yes, this app was indeed a business owner's dream come true.
Until the day they received the news that Google My Business App would be getting replaced.
This has caused some panic among business owners, and rightfully so. However, this is not all bad news; everyone will be fine. This article will enlighten you on how this app is being replaced and how to use the new features.
Why is Google My Business App Going Away?
First, this rebranding of Google My Business is not a new thing. This was once known as Google Places, and before that, Google+ Local, and before that… well, you get the picture. This is all part of Google trying to motivate business owners to use their search engines and maps more often.
While the app is going away, the Google My Business platform is simply getting a new name. It will now be called Google Business Profile. The app for mobile devices will not be available; however, if you use this on your desktop, then nothing will change besides the name.
Google is moving towards the Google Business Profile to be used by large companies with multiple locations. Small business owners are now being asked to use search engine results pages and maps app to manage their listings.
How Does This Affect Business Owners?
Not much will change for you if you are a large business owner. At least not yet. The platform will function the same on a desktop computer. There are speculations that more changes will be made in the coming months or years. How or if those potential changes will affect large business owners cannot be elaborated on as they are purely speculation at the moment.
The most significant change that small business owners will see is the retirement of the Google My Business Mobile App. While this seems like the end of the world, it is only a minor inconvenience. The good news is that you will still be able to manage your business on your mobile device. The only difference is instead of using one app, you will use a few others.
What Apps Can Be Used to Manage Your Business?
Any Google-powered search engine will let you access your business and the Google Maps App. Chances are that these are already apps you have installed and use often. So rest assured that this does not mean learning or installing any new, complicated software. It only means that you have to click on different apps.
Google Maps App
It seems that Google is trying to force mobile users to use the Google Maps App to manage their listings. This is an app that is most likely pre-installed on your device. If the Maps App is not on your mobile phone, you will need to download and install it from the Android or IOS store.
Once you have the app, you must log in to your Google Business profile. Upon opening the Google Map App, you will simply search for your business name. Once you find it, you can verify yourself as the owner. This will allow you to manage specific details about your business on the Google Maps App.
You will also be able to list others as owners or managers to give them access to these details. Depending on your mobile device's OS, there are specific steps one must take.
Google Maps will be the best option for managing various aspects of your small business. You can respond to reviews and messages from your customers here. Make sure that you turn on the notifications to be received via email or push notifications on your phone:
To Turn on or off Notifications:
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Maps app.
- Tap Account Circle -> Settings -> Notifications.
- Select "Your business."
a. Turn on a notification: Next to the notification, turn on the switch.
b. Turn off a notification: Next to the notification, turn off the switch.
Google Search Engine
Another option will be using your Chrome search engine on your phone. The process will remain relatively simple for accessing all of your business listings. Once again, if you do not already have a Chrome search engine installed on your mobile device, you will want to go to your android store or IOS store to install one. Most phones come pre-installed with this search engine.
Once the app is installed, you will want to ensure that you are logged in to your Google business account. Once you are logged in, you will simply type in the words "My Business" and hit search. Voila! It is that simple. This will bring you to a search page with your business listing.
From here, you will be able to:
- Share links and update your customers
- Read and respond to messages and reviews
- View any calls you received or missed from customers
- Manage any bookings or requests from your customers
These are not the only things you can do, as some features will depend on your business type.
Makes sure that you are being notified of customer messages or reviews. You will have a few initial setup steps you will need to do to turn on or off notifications.
To Turn on or off Notifications:
- In Google Search, search for "my business."
- Tap Menu -> Notifications.
- Turn on or off Customer Notifications.
While this rebranding may cause small business owners who wish to use their mobile devices to manage their listings a minor inconvenience, it will only last a short time. You might even find that the new methods of managing your business are more straightforward. The most important thing to remember is that you are not on your own, and our team is always here to help.
We Can Help!
While getting on the maps may seem challenging for many business owners, the process is straightforward when you partner with Maennche Marketing Agency. If you are ready to learn how our team can help your business get on the maps to start reaching new customers, message or call us today to schedule your free consultation.