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Google "My Business" Launches! Goodbye Places for Business! HUGE Google Update!
This launch signifies a major investment in local businesses, and stabilizes the Google local business foundation for the future. (See screenshots and key features below.)
This launch is the biggest business-owner-facing launch in Google Local history and is rolling out globally today. Will span 236 countries/regions and be available in 65 languages.
WHEN??? This will be a fast rollout, not phased. Many (most?) of you will get it today! The new product will be available on desktop as well as mobile. The Android app I think is ready and iOS app should be soon.
Goal & Key Points
.:. Everything is rebranded "My Business" (GMB for short). That will be the name going forward.
(Forever I hope! I sure don't want to have to change my entire site & training again!)
.:. Unified Dashboard - ONE front door and one dashboard for everything, single sign-up and seamless navigation across all of Google’s business services.
.:. Google really wants to empower businesses to succeed in mobile & social world and wants My Business to be the business owner’s information hub.
When I got my first demo of the product over 2 months ago, I was so encouraged when I saw the big picture that Google had in store for us. But then when Google upgraded my account last week, so I could start working with “GMB”, I was amazed at how seamless and functional it is. I was truly impressed at how much of our feedback and suggestions over the past 3 years have been integrated. It’s really everything we’ve been wanting and more! Heartfelt thank you to the Google team!
One of the features I love, you can see above. You can post to Google+ from right inside the same dashboard where you respond to reviews, check stats and do everything else.
More new features below. But 1st, here is a screenshot of the App Switcher. (Top right in dashboard)
Now let’s take a look at more cool upgrades.
KEY CHANGES & NEW FEATURES
The Places Bulk Upload Tool is now Google My Business Locations. Through the new tool, businesses or agencies can manage information for ten or more locations. Google is working hard to launch new functionalities in the future, including increased upload speed and social integration.
Official Google Launch Announcement
NEW! Video Demo from Google: <a href="http://localsearchforum.catalystemarketing.com/google-local-important/19167-google-my-business-demo-q-jade-video.html">Google My Business Demo and Q & A with Jade - Video is Live</a>
New Help Docs: Google My Business Support
FAQ: <a href="https://www.google.com/business/faq.html">Google My Business</a>
New Landing Page: Google My Business
UPDATE 6/24: <a href="http://localsearchforum.catalystemarketing.com/google-local-important/19491-google-my-business-now-available-ios-well.html">Google My Business Now Available on iOS as well as Android</a>
STAY TUNED for more info & updates, other posts about the launch and answers to your questions.
<a href="http://blumenthals.com/blog/2014/06/11/google-my-business-a-brand-a-portal-a-platform-places-makes-it-to-the-promised-land/">Google My Business – A Brand, A Portal, A Platform – Places Makes it to the Promised Land | Blumenthal's Blog</a>
<a href="http://boss.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/11/google-streamlines-its-tools-for-small-businesses/">Google Streamlines Its Tools for Small Businesses | NYTimes.com</a>
<a href="http://imprezziomarketing.com/seo-blog/google-places/huge-google-update-goodbye-google-places-hello-gmb/">Huge Google Update: Goodbye Google Places, Hello GMB | Imprezzio Marketing</a>
Great one from Search Engine Land: <a href="http://searchengineland.com/google-business-visual-tour-193764">Google My Business: A Visual Tour Of Google’s New Tool For Local Businesses & Brands</a>
<a href="http://techcrunch.com/2014/06/11/google-introduces-google-my-business-a-new-one-stop-shop-to-help-business-get-found-online/">Google Introduces “Google My Business,” A New One-Stop Shop To Help Business Get Found Online | TechCrunch</a>
<a href="http://mashable.com/2014/06/11/google-my-business/">Google Launches New Platform to Connect Businesses With Customers | Mashable</a>
Google Launches ‘Google My Business’ Dashboard, App | WebProNews
<a href="http://screenwerk.com/2014/06/11/google-retools-smb-services-with-new-google-my-business-suite/">Google Retools SMB Services with New “Google My Business” Suite</a>
<a href="http://niftylaw.com/the-need-to-know-guide-to-google-my-business-for-lawyers/">The Need To Know Guide To Google My Business For Lawyers</a>
<a href="http://www.whitespark.ca/blog/post/33-google-my-business-what-you-need-to-know">Google My Business - What You Need to Know | Whitespark</a>
<a href="http://www.brightlocal.com/2014/06/12/google-business-introduced/">Google My Business - Video Guide & Insider Insights | BrightLocal</a>
A Great question, I forgot to address that. No this is a business owner facing/dashboard change only.
Q Did you beta test the new dash? Any data problems?
A I got upgraded on Friday and have been using since then. But I would not call it Beta. It was more so I could help with the PR - get screen shots, work on my announcement, etc. I was so busy with pre-launch marketing stuff that I can't say I tested it technically or critically at all. Mostly was just looking for cool new features to talk about after it went public.
Q I got several bulk Qs...
A I asked Google about this during our pre-launch meetings and GMB will not be available for bulk. The bulk tool was rebranded "Google My Business Locations" and will remain separate. But lots of new features will be added.
Q What were they thinking with that name?
A The name is the one thing I don't like either for several reasons. But I think it will appeal to Mom and Pops which is likely what they were going for.
Q I don't really see that much new or different?
A I think there is much more to the upgrade than folks are noticing. You have to look close, Google is so subtle. But there are things that once you need them you'll say, now that's handy!
Q Guess this means I'll have to change my site and marketing messaging?
A Have to redo stuff due to the rebranding??? Tell me about it! I have to totally re-do my training program which is at least a 1 month+ project as busy as I am. I'm out of business literally until I get it done. Plus need to re-do much of my site, forum and all my email templates.
Q I have one question, you mention in your post the ability to preview your listing to see how it looks in search, maps, etc, but for the life of me I can't find that option.
A HOW TO PREVIEW ON GOOGLE, DELETE LISTING & MORE: SCREENSHOT IN POST #20
FYI ALL - I started a new hashtag for #googlemybusiness related tips and news so you can find all new info on the topic in one place.
<meta property="og:type" content="article"><meta property="og:title" content="Google My Business! All the Latest News - All in One Place"><meta property="og:description" content="Discover the latest details about the most exciting Google Local update so far!">
<meta property="og:image" content="">
Hang onto your seats for the biggest Google Local update ever!
<img src="http://marketing-blog.catalystemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/GoogleMyBusinessNEW.jpg" alt="GoogleMyBusinessNEW" width="50%" />
Google “My Business" Launches Today!
<img src="http://marketing-blog.catalystemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/GoogleMyBusinessNEW.jpg" alt="GoogleMyBusinessNEW" width="50%" />
Google “My Business" Launches Today!
This launch signifies a major investment in local businesses, and stabilizes the Google local business foundation for the future. (See screenshots and key features below.)
This launch is the biggest business-owner-facing launch in Google Local history and is rolling out globally today. Will span 236 countries/regions and be available in 65 languages.
WHEN??? This will be a fast rollout, not phased. Many (most?) of you will get it today! The new product will be available on desktop as well as mobile. The Android app I think is ready and iOS app should be soon.
Goal & Key Points
.:. Everything is rebranded "My Business" (GMB for short). That will be the name going forward.
(Forever I hope! I sure don't want to have to change my entire site & training again!)
.:. Unified Dashboard - ONE front door and one dashboard for everything, single sign-up and seamless navigation across all of Google’s business services.
.:. Google really wants to empower businesses to succeed in mobile & social world and wants My Business to be the business owner’s information hub.
When I got my first demo of the product over 2 months ago, I was so encouraged when I saw the big picture that Google had in store for us. But then when Google upgraded my account last week, so I could start working with “GMB”, I was amazed at how seamless and functional it is. I was truly impressed at how much of our feedback and suggestions over the past 3 years have been integrated. It’s really everything we’ve been wanting and more! Heartfelt thank you to the Google team!
Screenshot of Top of "My Business" Dashboard
<img src="http://marketing-blog.catalystemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/GMBdash.jpg" alt="GoogleMyBusinessDashboard" width="85%" />
<img src="http://marketing-blog.catalystemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/GMBdash.jpg" alt="GoogleMyBusinessDashboard" width="85%" />
One of the features I love, you can see above. You can post to Google+ from right inside the same dashboard where you respond to reviews, check stats and do everything else.
More new features below. But 1st, here is a screenshot of the App Switcher. (Top right in dashboard)
Google My Business App Switcher
<img src="http://marketing-blog.catalystemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/AppSwitcher.jpg" alt="GoogleMyBusinessAppSwitcher" width="35%" />
<img src="http://marketing-blog.catalystemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/AppSwitcher.jpg" alt="GoogleMyBusinessAppSwitcher" width="35%" />
Now let’s take a look at more cool upgrades.
KEY CHANGES & NEW FEATURES
- New Landing page: google.com/mybusiness
- NOTE: This is for G+ Local Dashboards AND G+ Business pages. All the same platform!
- In dashboard, app switcher is in top-right corner
- Profile completion bar with explicit calls to action
- Better in-product messaging and call to action prompts
- List of things to complete
- Specific fields open up dedicated boxes, like contact info
- Links out to Help Center content
- Other options at bottom of dashboard (Remove listing, report problems, get help)
- HOT! View business on Google gives preview of business info:
1) In Google Search (With knowledge graph)
2) In Google Maps
3) On Google+
- See reviews from Google and around the Web
- Responding to reviews is available in-dash
- Reviews analytics are available
- Visibility (Views & clicks)
- Engagement (Posts, actions)
- Audience (Who is engaging with you?)
The Places Bulk Upload Tool is now Google My Business Locations. Through the new tool, businesses or agencies can manage information for ten or more locations. Google is working hard to launch new functionalities in the future, including increased upload speed and social integration.
LINKS TO OFFICIAL GOOGLE RESOURCES
Official Google Launch Announcement
NEW! Video Demo from Google: <a href="http://localsearchforum.catalystemarketing.com/google-local-important/19167-google-my-business-demo-q-jade-video.html">Google My Business Demo and Q & A with Jade - Video is Live</a>
New Help Docs: Google My Business Support
FAQ: <a href="https://www.google.com/business/faq.html">Google My Business</a>
New Landing Page: Google My Business
UPDATE 6/24: <a href="http://localsearchforum.catalystemarketing.com/google-local-important/19491-google-my-business-now-available-ios-well.html">Google My Business Now Available on iOS as well as Android</a>
Google My Business Launch Video
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LCzri4tXuF0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LCzri4tXuF0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
STAY TUNED for more info & updates, other posts about the launch and answers to your questions.
What do you think? Are you Excited???
<img src="http://marketing-blog.catalystemarketing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/GMBnews.jpg" alt="GMBnews" width="85%" />
Related Posts
Sharing other blog posts and news stories as I find them here!
Sharing other blog posts and news stories as I find them here!
<a href="http://blumenthals.com/blog/2014/06/11/google-my-business-a-brand-a-portal-a-platform-places-makes-it-to-the-promised-land/">Google My Business – A Brand, A Portal, A Platform – Places Makes it to the Promised Land | Blumenthal's Blog</a>
<a href="http://boss.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/11/google-streamlines-its-tools-for-small-businesses/">Google Streamlines Its Tools for Small Businesses | NYTimes.com</a>
<a href="http://imprezziomarketing.com/seo-blog/google-places/huge-google-update-goodbye-google-places-hello-gmb/">Huge Google Update: Goodbye Google Places, Hello GMB | Imprezzio Marketing</a>
Great one from Search Engine Land: <a href="http://searchengineland.com/google-business-visual-tour-193764">Google My Business: A Visual Tour Of Google’s New Tool For Local Businesses & Brands</a>
<a href="http://techcrunch.com/2014/06/11/google-introduces-google-my-business-a-new-one-stop-shop-to-help-business-get-found-online/">Google Introduces “Google My Business,” A New One-Stop Shop To Help Business Get Found Online | TechCrunch</a>
<a href="http://mashable.com/2014/06/11/google-my-business/">Google Launches New Platform to Connect Businesses With Customers | Mashable</a>
Google Launches ‘Google My Business’ Dashboard, App | WebProNews
<a href="http://screenwerk.com/2014/06/11/google-retools-smb-services-with-new-google-my-business-suite/">Google Retools SMB Services with New “Google My Business” Suite</a>
<a href="http://niftylaw.com/the-need-to-know-guide-to-google-my-business-for-lawyers/">The Need To Know Guide To Google My Business For Lawyers</a>
New Posts One Day POST-Launch 6/12/14
Darren, Myles and a few other pros got a Hangout with Jade yesterday, I believe covering most of the same things that were in our TC Hangout last week. Here are their overviews which you'll find bring some clarity on a few points. Especially branding of the public facing page which is something I'll be posting about later today.<a href="http://www.whitespark.ca/blog/post/33-google-my-business-what-you-need-to-know">Google My Business - What You Need to Know | Whitespark</a>
<a href="http://www.brightlocal.com/2014/06/12/google-business-introduced/">Google My Business - Video Guide & Insider Insights | BrightLocal</a>
Q & A BELOW
As I get questions on Q and other places I will post them here:
Q Is anything different on the customer facing side, or is it just the back end dashboard that's new?As I get questions on Q and other places I will post them here:
A Great question, I forgot to address that. No this is a business owner facing/dashboard change only.
Q Did you beta test the new dash? Any data problems?
A I got upgraded on Friday and have been using since then. But I would not call it Beta. It was more so I could help with the PR - get screen shots, work on my announcement, etc. I was so busy with pre-launch marketing stuff that I can't say I tested it technically or critically at all. Mostly was just looking for cool new features to talk about after it went public.
Q I got several bulk Qs...
A I asked Google about this during our pre-launch meetings and GMB will not be available for bulk. The bulk tool was rebranded "Google My Business Locations" and will remain separate. But lots of new features will be added.
Q What were they thinking with that name?
A The name is the one thing I don't like either for several reasons. But I think it will appeal to Mom and Pops which is likely what they were going for.
Q I don't really see that much new or different?
A I think there is much more to the upgrade than folks are noticing. You have to look close, Google is so subtle. But there are things that once you need them you'll say, now that's handy!
Q Guess this means I'll have to change my site and marketing messaging?
A Have to redo stuff due to the rebranding??? Tell me about it! I have to totally re-do my training program which is at least a 1 month+ project as busy as I am. I'm out of business literally until I get it done. Plus need to re-do much of my site, forum and all my email templates.
Q I have one question, you mention in your post the ability to preview your listing to see how it looks in search, maps, etc, but for the life of me I can't find that option.
A HOW TO PREVIEW ON GOOGLE, DELETE LISTING & MORE: SCREENSHOT IN POST #20
FYI ALL - I started a new hashtag for #googlemybusiness related tips and news so you can find all new info on the topic in one place.
<meta property="og:type" content="article"><meta property="og:title" content="Google My Business! All the Latest News - All in One Place"><meta property="og:description" content="Discover the latest details about the most exciting Google Local update so far!">
<meta property="og:image" content="">
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