GBP users can now select a new identity attribute in GBP for LGBTQ+ owned. This is different than the one that says LGBTQ+ friendly which has been around for several years.

Google is redirecting users from the Google Business Profile Manager website to the Google Search Interface when trying to update listing details. The goal is to move away from Google Business Profile Manager all together.

Although well documented, new instances of a a dental office having to deal with third party services being shown in their Knowledge Panel without prior authorization. Google looks for ways to automate that but sometimes it might be too much.

You can now filter in Google Maps with the "Available Online" option. Use cases for this could be a lawyer or doctor for virtual/ video consultations looking to communicate before having an appointment in person.

Google has explicitly stated that they are discouraging or prohibiting negative reviews, or selectively soliciting positive reviews from customers. This has been common place for a while but is now doubled down in their terms of service.

Google just added this to the Guidelines: "Businesses showing their address on Google should maintain permanent fixed signage of their business name at the address."

Google has resolved the outstanding issue where managers and owners of a Google Business Profile could not answer Q&A's as the brand. This has been a well documented bug for the better half of a year.

The issue where an individuals name appears instead of the business name when replying to GBP messages appears to be fixed. The reply will now be listed as "response from owner"

Google is now asking some Google Local Guides to leave sub-reviews about a single business listing. So Google might ask the local guide about the restrooms in the restaurant or the if the place is dog friendly.

Covid-related Health & Safety attributes (Mask required, etc.) for Google Business Profiles disappeared completely. "Covid-19 testing center" is still available under Highlights. Covid Posts and Info Links are still available.

Google displays a large warning on the Google nest hub about reviews that have not been verified as a confirmed visit and experiences. Google will remove fake content when it is identified

Google's helpful content update is a sitewide signal. It targets websites that have a relatively high amount of unsatisfying or unhelpful content, where the content is written for search engines first.

Google just added a new line to their Google Posts help article in the section about "Avoid Spam". They specify that using "Duplicate photos, posts, videos, and logos are now considered to be spamming users with content.

To provide greater visibility to busiensses that are asian owned and operated. Google has created a structured attribute for you to include to your business.

Google has updated their help center best practices to advise Business Profile users and reviews not to upload photos that are blurry or selfies. To be relevant users must take photos at the location in question

The introduction of Google FAQs allows business owenrs to create up to 10 Frequently asked questions and answers can include links as reference. Great opportunity to link customers to in-depth content on your website!

The Google My Business app is no longer available. To keep your Business Profile updated and reach your customers where they are, you can use the Google Maps app and Google Search. There are no changes to how customers can view and interact with your Business Profile.

Every local organic result that Google could associate with a local business gets annotated with a Local Card. The Local Card has very limited space. Essentially the name and address are allocated two lines (21 characters each), with the business name followed by a dash symbol.

The process to advertise with Local Services Ads hasn�t changed, it�s just that the reviews requirement has changed from one review to now five. This is up from the previous requirement of having to have only one review.

Google is testing hiding the local pack within a locations tab that expands when you tap on it or the arrow down. When it expands, it shows you the full local pack listings.