Google recently announced a significant change in eligibility for businesses hoping to register a Google Business Profile. Whereas previously Google only required a registered business address to be eligible for the platform, they are now implementing the rule that “a business must make in person contact with customers during its stated hours”. In a nutshell, Google now requires that customers be able to show up at the business address in order to be eligible.
While this may come as a surprise to many businesses, when you consider the purpose of the Google Business Profile it is in alignment with their values. Google’s primary purpose for the Google Business profile is to get customers the address to your business and allow them to meet with you. With this change, Google is showing that it wants to prioritize businesses who meet with customers in person.
Many types of businesses will be affected with these new policies. One type of business is rental homes or properties, with the exception of those locations that have a leasing office. Residential businesses, those that are located inside personal homes, will no longer be qualified. Similarly digital businesses, or any business with a P.O. box or mailbox as a business address, are likely to be disqualified. Any businesses that are no longer qualified are likely to have their Google Business Profile suspended and lose their hard earned reviews.
If your business is one of the many who may be suspended from Google Business Profile, there’s no need to panic; there are many other ways to get your business out there. One substitute is to join a business directory, which allows customers and other businesses to discover your business through a public listing. Another way to boost your business is through Search Engine Optimization, or the process of focusing on targeted keywords to increase your result in a Google search. Lastly is social media, which can be a strong tool to create outreach to your community.
The full Business Eligibility and Ownership Guidelines can be found here: https://support.google.com/business/answer/13763036