Yesterday, June 11, 2014, Google launched its newest feature, called “Google My Business.” This suite of tools is essentially a re-launch of Google’s local listings product in the form of a unified interface that merges all of a business’ information into one concise dashboard.
Designed as “a free and easy way to find and connect with your customers [and] help your business shine,” Google My Business allows users to update business information across Google Search, Maps and Google+ all in one place. Google My Business also allows business owners to post photos, connect with users/customers via Google+ and stay current on reviews. In addition, the new feature pulls in custom insights and integrations with Google AdWords Express, enabling business owners to better understand not only how people find their business on Google, but also how these users go on to interact with the business online.
All businesses currently using Places for Business and/or a Google+ Dashboard will be transferred to the new Google My Business user experience, where they will be joined by new businesses. In addition to providing a bulk upload tool for businesses with more than ten physical locations, Google has also developed a Google My Business app to enable on-the-go information management (released for Android on 06/12/14 and promised to launch soon for iOS).
For more information on Google My Business, read Google’s official blog post about the release, watch their brief introductory video and check out Good My Business for yourself, at google.com/mybusiness.
