Prospect Genius

Hello there to our community of small business champions!

We at Prospect Genius are back with some hot-off-the-press insights, and this time, we’re zooming in on the Google Business Profile platform— one of the many keys to your small business’s online success!

1. Celebrating Diversity with New Attributes

Google is on a mission to make the business world more inclusive and accessible, and they’re doing it by introducing “disabled-owned” and “indigenous-owned” attributes to Google Business Profiles. These join the existing lineup of “black-owned,” “LGBT-owned,” and “women-owned” attributes. This is your chance to showcase your business’s unique identity, and connect with customers who are looking to support diverse communities. It’s a simple, self-assigned tag that can make a world of difference in establishing a personal connection with your customers.

2. Searching Near and Far

In a world that’s constantly on the move, your customers’ location can change in a heartbeat. Google knows this, and that’s why they’re giving users the option to search based on their “precise location” as gathered by GPS data, or an “estimated location” as gathered by past user behavior. For businesses like plumbing services, appliance repair, or junk hauling, this means customers who are just around the corner or planning a move can find you with ease, making sure you’re connecting with the right clientele at the right time. This is one of the many reasons it’s important to make sure the location data on your Google Business Profile is 100% accurate— if it’s not, you could be missing out on leads!

3. Social Media Integration

Your Google Business Profile is becoming more sociable than ever! Now, you can flaunt your social media prowess right on your profile. This is a game-changer for businesses looking to showcase their brand personality, recent projects, or customer testimonials. It’s about creating a holistic image of your business, giving potential customers a sneak peek into what makes you unique, and why they should choose you.

4. Streamlined Booking Experience

For businesses utilizing third-party booking software, things just got a whole lot smoother. With the new “Book Online” button feature, customers can seamlessly book your services right from your Google Business Profile, through integrations with 200+ platforms including but not limited to HouseCallPro, Square Appointments, Wix, and Yelp. This not only streamlines the booking process but also opens up new avenues for customer interaction and conversion. If you use a third-party booking software, you should certainly consider capitalizing on this new feature! You can view a list of booking services compatible with Reserve with Google here.

5. A Smarter Way to Search

Google is all about creating intuitive, user-friendly experiences, and their new UI feature is no exception. Introducing an expandable list of business categories related to user searches, this update means that if a customer searches for “appliances,” they’ll be greeted with a comprehensive list including categories like “appliance repair service,” “appliance parts supplier,” and more. This ensures that your business gets found under the right category, increasing visibility to the most relevant audience.

At Prospect Genius, we’re here to help you navigate these exciting updates and ensure your Google Business Profile is optimized to perfection. Our team of experts is ready to guide you through every step, helping you unlock the full potential of your online presence.

Remember, your success is our success, and we’re just a phone call away. Let’s make the digital world work for you!

As small business owners, our online profiles are pivotal in connecting with our audiences. A suspended Google Business Profile or a disabled Google Business Profile can be quite a setback. But, with change on the horizon regarding Google’s appeal procedures, it’s crucial to stay updated and be prepared.

Currently, Google is launching a revamped reinstatement process for disabled or suspended Google Business Profiles in the European Union. Though this new reinstatement process is currently only in use in the EU, it’s anticipated to extend globally, affecting American businesses in due time.

Old Vs. New: A Quick Comparison

Previously, if your business profile was suspended, you would respond by filling out a straightforward form. This form would have you confirm some basic details about your business’s operations and give you a chance to explain why you believed your profile should be reinstated. Upon submission, your form would be examined by a technician. This is the appeals process currently in place for Google Business Profiles based in the USA (as of the date of posting). A glaring issue with this current appeals process is that, should your appeal get denied, the feedback you’ll receive from Google is frustratingly vague. A redeeming feature, however, is that you’ll have the ability to re-appeal.

In contrast, the incoming system promises enhanced clarity. Businesses that find themselves in violations of Google’s quality guidelines will be directly informed of which policy they’ve violated. Unfortunately, though, it’s a double-edged sword. While transparency is heightened, room for errors is slim. Under the new system, appeals are becoming a one-shot endeavor, paired with a stringent 60-minute window for providing relevant business documents.

The Renewed Process in a Nutshell:

Should you find your business profile suspended or disabled in the future, this is how the new appeals process will go down:

1. You’ll be alerted via email about the suspension. This email will indicate the breached guideline and provide a link to Google’s quality guidelines document, where you’ll be able to learn more about how your profile has violated Google’s policies and how you can amend your profile.
2. Take a moment to gather up some evidence that your business’s profile has a right to be listed on Google. Nine times out of ten, Google will request that you provide a copy of your business’s license or registration documents, so that they can verify that your business actually exists. If you do not have these documents, you may be able to substitute a utility bill relevant to your business, such as your phone bill. Be sure that this utility bill contains your business’s name and address!
3. To begin the appeals process, you’ll need to log in to a Google account that has access to the Google Business Profile in question.
4. Once you’ve accessed your profile, you’ll only have 60 minutes to fill out your appeal and attach the relevant documents we advised you gather in step #2. This is why it’s so important that you have these documents handy before you begin your appeal. This time limit is strict, and if your appeal gets denied for lack of evidence, you will not have the opportunity to try again!
5. Once your appeal is submitted, sit tight while an employee from Google reviews your case. You will receive an email notification with the results.

Bear in mind—

• You will, unfortunately, only have one chance to get this right. It’s really important that you follow our instructions to the letter. Don’t be afraid to call us with any questions prior to your appeal!
• Despite the fact that the 60-minute time limit is strict, there’s no visible timer in the window. Keep an eye on the clock and make sure you don’t exceed that time limit!
• You can submit multiple proof documents if you’d like. To accomplish this, you will need to use a zip file.

Pros and Cons: Analyzing the Shift

• Enhanced Transparency: The new system eliminates guesswork, pinpointing the specific policy infringement.
• Simplification: This streamlined new process will cut back on prolonged back-and-forth exchanges. You’ll submit your appeal, it will be approved or denied, and that will be the end of it.

• Limited Appeals: Gone are the days of multiple appeal attempts. Business owners will only have one opportunity to get this right, and may risk losing the ability to have their business profile listed on Google if they fail. We won’t mince words here— not having a Google Business Profile is a huge detriment to your business’s online reputation, and should be avoided at all costs.
  
• Time Pressure: The 60-minute evidence submission window is strict, and extremely problematic if you’re under-prepared.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

It’s absolutely vital for American small business owners to anticipate this shift. Familiarize yourself with Google’s guidelines and ensure your profile stays compliant. Maintain updated, easily accessible documentation proving your business’s legitimacy. This foresight can be a lifesaver, ensuring you’re not caught off-guard when the 60-minute clock starts ticking.

Lastly, should you find yourself navigating the murky waters of a suspended or disabled Google Business Profile, remember you’re not alone. Prospect Genius stands ready to assist. With our expertise, we can guide you through the reinstatement process, ensuring your online presence remains robust and uninterrupted.