Google now has more ways for businesses to edit the information that appears to searchers without leaving Search or Maps.
This is an expansion of the capabilities Google started rolling out last year that let businesses edit basic information and message customers from search results.
Now businesses will be able to add or edit more details such as contact information and opening hours, and create Posts to share updates right from Google Search.
Here’s an overview of all the new things businesses can do without leaving search results.
Create Posts
It’s never been easier for businesses to create and publish Google Posts, as it can now be done directly from the SERPs.
Publishing posts to Google My Business makes it possible to share updates with searchers such as special offers or new products.
Starting next week, businesses will be able to create Posts about upcoming events including when and where they’re happening, even if they’re only happening online.
Add/Update Services
Businesses offering local services — such as construction, auto repair or hair styling — can use the ‘Edit profile’ menu in Search to update the services they offer and, if applicable, the local areas they service.
Accept Takeout & Delivery Orders
Google lets food businesses accept orders for takeout and delivery directly through their business profile on Google Search and Maps.
In the coming weeks, those businesses will be able to add and update online ordering options directly from Google Search.
Once ordering through Google is enabled, businesses can indicate their ordering preferences for takeout and delivery to let customers know what works best.
Businesses can also add menu items to their profile from Search and Maps by clicking on ‘Edit profile.’
Help Customers Find Products With Pointy
In addition to being able to manually add product information to business profiles via Search and Maps, eligible retailers in the US can get all their in-store product inventory automatically added to their Business Profile by signing up for Pointy right from Google Search.
Pointy is a Google product that removes the need to manually enter product details.
Instead, businesses can scan items in their physical store and they’ll be added to Google My Business so customers can see what’s in stock.
Signing up for Pointy is currently free from now until September 30.
To make these updates to your business profile, start by logging into the Google account associated with your business.
From there you can type the name of your business or ‘my business’ into Google Search, or tap your profile picture followed by ‘Your Business Profile’ on Google Maps.
Source: Google
