Google announced a new service today to help business owners list their information, display photos, see customer reviews and participate in social sharing with Google+, all from one convenient location.
The suite of tools is called Google My Business. It combines the information from Google searches, Google+ and Google Maps, becoming the new default for businesses that were previously using tools like Google Places for Business.
Business owners need to have a Google account to use the tools, but all of the services are free.
“The Internet is connecting more businesses with their people every day. However, our users tell us that finding these loyal customers can be complex and time-consuming. We believe it shouldn’t be,” states a post on Google’s blog.
Creating a Google account and filling in the required information is all that business owners have to do to get their company’s information added to Google Maps, Google+ and Google Search.
The Google My Business services can be accessed from a computer or using an app, allowing business owners to be connected from anywhere with their tablets and smartphones. The Android app is already available and the iOS app is expected to launch soon.
Not only can small and medium business owners use Google My Business to become more visible to potential and current customers, but they can also get information on how they are being found.
AdWords Express, a Google insight tool, will integrate with Google My Business. Business owners can use AdWords Express to learn what searches people are using to find their business, see what customers are clicking on and monitor other search-related data.
This new service is the next in a line of recent Google offerings to help out businesses. The search engine also created Helpouts for Small Business and a Google Small Business Community in May.
