Launched in 2012, Google My Business revolutionized the way local businesses could promote themselves online. Thanks to this platform, SMEs were able to optimize their visibility on Google’s search engine, attracting more customers and improving their local SEO. Since its initial release, Google My Business has evolved to become an essential tool for businesses looking to strengthen their digital presence.

Google My Business, now known as Google Business Profile, has marked a significant evolution in the world of local SEO. Launched in 2012, the platform enabled businesses to manage their online presence more effectively. However, in 2024, major changes occurred due to the Digital Markets Act coming into force. This article explores the initial release of Google My Business, the transformations it has undergone and the impact these changes have had on businesses.

Google My Business: An essential tool for local SEO

Launched in 2012, Google My Business has quickly been adopted by businesses of all sizes as an essential tool for improving their online visibility. The platform enables businesses to create and manage their business listing, interact with customers through reviews and provide accurate, up-to-date information. The integration of features such as opening hours, photos, customer reviews and contact information has made Google My Business indispensable for businesses looking to attract more customers.

Google’s Venice update in the same year reinforced the importance of local SEO. This update enabled Google to better understand local search intent and provide more relevant results based on the user’s location. As a result, local businesses were able to benefit from greater visibility thanks to Google My Business.

Upgrade to Google Business Profile

In 2022, Google decided to rename Google My Business to Google Business Profile. This name change marked a new era for the platform, aimed at offering even more advanced functionalities and better meeting the needs of businesses, especially SMEs. This transition has enabled businesses to better manage their online presence, optimize their profile and attract more customers.

To find out more about optimizing your profile, consult the guide available on Google My Business: How long will it take to optimize your profile?

The consequences of the Digital Markets Act in 2024

In March 2024, the entry into force of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) considerably altered the local SEO landscape. This European law aims to regulate the anti-competitive practices of major technology companies, including Google. As a result, Google has had to fundamentally rethink the way it displays businesses in its search results, leading to a decrease in the visibility of Google Business Profile listings.

This change has also led to a drop in traffic and conversions for many corporate websites. Companies have had to adapt quickly to these new regulations to maintain their online visibility. To better understand these adjustments and anticipate any suspensions, please consult the detailed article on Google My Business: Watch out for suspended listings!

New Challenges and Opportunities for Businesses

With the implementation of the Digital Markets Act, businesses need to rethink their local SEO strategy. Google may have to create a dedicated site with a page for each location, which will require further optimization. Businesses now need to focus on other aspects of their online presence, such as local keyword optimization and improving their e-reputation.

E-reputation management has become crucial for local businesses. Find out more about the importance of e-reputation for local businesses on Google My Business and E-réputation des Commerces de Proximité, and stay informed with our E-réputation Web Watch.

Finally, for companies wishing to temporarily hide their Google Business Profile, practical tips are available at Tips: How to temporarily hide Google My Business.

FAQ : Google My Business – Back to the Initial Release Date

When was Google My Business first launched?

Google My Business, originally known as Google Places, was launched in 2010. However, it was in 2014 that Google officially introduced the platform as Google My Business. This update aimed to offer businesses a more integrated way of managing their online presence, combining Google Places, Google+ Local and Google Maps.

Why did Google decide to launch Google My Business?

Google launched Google My Business to simplify the management of businesses’ online presence. Previously, businesses had to manage multiple platforms separately, which could be complex and time-consuming. Google My Business centralized these features, allowing businesses to update their information, respond to reviews and manage their photos from a single interface.

What were the main features of Google My Business when it was launched?

At launch, Google My Business offered several key features, including the ability to create and verify a business listing, update contact information, opening hours and business descriptions. Businesses could also add photos, respond to customer reviews and access insights into their listing’s performance.

How have businesses reacted to the launch of Google My Business?

Businesses have generally welcomed the release of Google My Business. The centralization of online presence management tools has made life easier for business owners, enabling them to focus more on their day-to-day operations. The ability to respond directly to customer reviews and track the performance of their listing has also been much appreciated.

Has Google My Business evolved since its initial launch?

Yes, Google My Business has evolved considerably since its launch. Google has regularly added new features and enhanced existing ones to better meet the needs of businesses. For example, the integration of Google Maps, the ability to publish posts, and the addition of messaging features like SMS and WhatsApp have enriched the user experience.

What impact has Google My Business had on local SEO?

Google My Business has had a significant impact on local SEO. By centralizing business information and making it more accessible to users, Google My Business has helped businesses improve their visibility in local search results. Companies that optimize their Google My Business listing with complete and accurate information have often seen an increase in traffic and conversions.