, ,

Goodbye Google Plus

Posted by

Hello, Google My Business.

After several years of decline in activity and membership Google has finally pulled the plug on their experimental social network: Google Plus.

What does this mean for you?

1. If you don’t already have your business profile set up and verified in Google My Business then you must do that now. If you want to rank well in local Google searches then this is a must. 

2. If you have any social media icons on your website which say: “Google+” you will need to get those switched to a “Google Maps” icon. This will help your website visitors by ‘selling’ them on your services and building trust, because your profile in Google Maps not only shows your location but also your Google Reviews (something most web users will base their decision on whether they will want to do business with you or not).

What is the difference between Google My Business and Google Maps?

Google My Business (GMB)

GMB is a program open to business owners that permits you to manage the way their business is shown in Google Maps: to learn more, visit https://www.google.com/business/

Google Maps (Maps)

Google Maps is a website that helps users find a place, find their location, bicycle-friendly roads, dirt/unpaved trails, see live traffic speeds, and get directions. Maps also shows local businesses. The information on these local businesses can be managed within Google My Business.

Summary

1. Check your website for any ‘Google Plus’ icons and send in a request to remove them and replace with ‘Google Maps’ link

2. Log into your Google account. Go here: https://www.google.com/business/ and see if you have a Google My Business listing created for your company. If not, go ahead and create one.

If one was already created and you don’t have access to it anymore you will have to request to transfer ownership to you: https://support.google.com/business/answer/4566671?hl=en

0 responses