Unveiling the New Google Business Profile Policy

Karina Singer
3 min readOct 8, 2023
Unveiling the New Google Business Profile Policy

A Deep Dive into the Latest Changes On Google Business Profile

In a move that promises to reshape the online presence of businesses, Google has recently revealed a set of significant changes in its Google Business Profile (GBP) policy. These updates, aimed at improving the accuracy, transparency, and user experience of business information on Google, are poised to have a profound impact on how businesses manage and showcase their profiles. Let’s explore the key revelations in the new GBP policy.

Enhanced Verification Process:

One of the standout features of the new GBP policy is the enhanced verification process. Google is putting a greater emphasis on ensuring that businesses go through a rigorous verification process to claim and manage their profiles. This step is designed to reduce instances of inaccurate or misleading information and to boost the overall reliability of business details displayed on the platform.

Stricter Guidelines for Business Names:

To foster a more authentic representation of businesses, Google has introduced stricter guidelines for business names. The policy now mandates that businesses use their real-world names, prohibiting the inclusion of unnecessary keywords, city names, or service details in the business name field. This move aims to prevent misleading representations and create a more level playing field for businesses.

User-Generated Content Moderation:

Recognizing the impact of user-generated content on the perception of a business, Google has implemented more robust measures for moderating and managing user-generated content on GBP. This includes reviews, photos, and other user-contributed content. The goal is to ensure that the content reflects genuine experiences and provides valuable insights to potential customers.

Greater Transparency on Business Hours:

Business hours are a critical piece of information for potential customers. The new GBP policy emphasizes the importance of providing accurate and up-to-date business hours. Google encourages businesses to specify their regular operating hours, special hours, and any other relevant details to enhance transparency and avoid potential customer frustration due to outdated information.

Proactive Content Monitoring and Removal:

Google is taking a proactive stance in monitoring and removing content that violates its policies. This includes content that is abusive, off-topic, or otherwise violates community guidelines. By implementing more robust content moderation measures, Google aims to create a safer and more informative environment for users exploring business profiles.

These revelations in the new Google Business Profile policy signal a commitment to elevating the quality of information available to users and fostering a more trustworthy online business ecosystem. Businesses are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these changes and adapt their practices to align with the updated policy guidelines.

As businesses navigate these changes, it’s essential to view them as an opportunity to enhance their online presence and build trust with potential customers. Google’s emphasis on accuracy, transparency, and user-centric content reflects a broader industry trend toward creating more authentic and reliable online experiences for consumers. In embracing these changes, businesses can contribute to a more reliable and valuable online landscape for everyone.

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