GMB to GBP: 3 ways in which Google can help Small Businesses
Google recently announced that Google My Business (GMB) will now be known as Google Business Page (GBP). But this is not merely another name change like it was from Google Places or Google+ Local. Their new change has been designed to focus on the larger businesses with multiple listings while the Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) have been asked to manage their single listing on Search, Maps or other similar platforms.
While the company has bigger plans in mind, what we are actually getting to is an indifference towards the small businesses. Here are some ways in which Google can alter the indifference and work towards an equal opportunity for all businesses to manage their pages on its console -
1. Not Removing Websites From its Local Pack
According to Moz(SEO Software), 6 out of 10 of Google’s SERPs hide the website link of local packages resulting in home bases of several small businesses getting obscured. Google’s effort to be a ‘transactional layer of the internet’ can, however, impact the important role small businesses play as the very centre of localism.
Google should ideally return these links to the single-location businesses for allowing more customers to experience their very own platform.
2. Avoid Its Scare Tactics
Google’s shift from GMB to GBP started off with emails that sounded more of a threat to their business rather than a change. The tone of their Call to Actions was to make them believe that not complying with the change would hurt small businesses.
They should have taken a more empathetic approach towards dealing with such a diaspora, especially considering downslide certain businesses have been going through since the COVID situation started, and also it was very important to keep in mind the value SMBs bring at a local level.
3. Drafting a New Policy for the Small Businesses
Local businesses have been the key to a sustainable community. From doctors to grocery stores, these businesses have helped people in times of pandemic as resource centres. It is thus extremely important for Google to find a new way to support neighborhood businesses with a policy that truly benefits their cause.
If you are a small business owner looking to find a solution for this Google My Business to Google Business Profile issue, we are here to help you out. Sanket Communications has a rich history in the communications sector and we have adapted ourselves with times to today stand proud as the best Digital Marketing Agency not only in Bhubaneswar but in the whole of Eastern India. Give us a chance to help boost your business !
