‘Google My Business’ to Become ‘Google Business Profile’

Published: November 8, 2021

TL;DR

  • Google My Business has been rebranded to Google Business Profile, integrating business management directly into Google Search and Google Maps.

  • The update simplifies local SEO by allowing users to claim, verify, and manage profiles without using a separate app.

  • New features include messaging within Search, read receipts, and profile verification directly on Google platforms.

  • The standalone Google My Business app will be retired in 2022, marking a shift toward a more streamlined local business management experience.

Google has announced that they are renaming ‘Google My Business’ to ‘Google Business Profile’. The move is designed to completely reshape local SEO by extracting business profile management away from a single application and implementing it directly into Google Search and Google Maps.

This isn’t the first time Google has made a significant change to the app. Prior to ‘Google My Business‘, it was known as ‘Google Places’ and going even further back, it was called ‘Google+ Local’.

Additional Features

Not only has Google announced these changes, but they will also be introducing some new features alongside the name change:

  • You will be able to claim and verify your Google Business Profile directly via the Google Search and Google Maps applications
  • A messaging feature will be introduced within Google Search
  • Message read receipts will be able to be accessed within Google Search and Google Maps

When Will the Changes be Implemented?

Whilst Google hasn’t announced a specific date, the changes are expected to be implemented sometime in 2022, and the ‘Google My Business’ app will be retired.

For any help with your local SEO, fill in our contact form below.

Lucy Clowes
Written by Lucy Clowes
Lucy Clowes is the Head of Agency Operations and Search at Fly High Media. She oversees the agency’s SEO, PPC and social teams, helping them deliver joined-up strategies and measurable results for clients. With a background in SEO and content, Lucy brings expertise in organic search strategy, content planning and performance analysis. She is particularly interested in how AI-driven search is changing the way people discover brands, and helps clients strengthen their visibility across both traditional search and emerging platforms. Her approach combines clear priorities, close collaboration and a focus on work that supports clients’ commercial goals.

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