Google rolls out new feature to increase online presence of SMBs

Owners can track performance and take steps to increase online presence

Google has launched ‘Google my Business’, a  new feature from the search engine that will allow business owners to manage their business information on the platform. All they need to do is find their business on Google Search, enhance listing, share photos and posts related to their business. They will be able to see how many views they are getting.

"With more than 80 per cent of people searching the web to find local information, it’s important to have a high quality presence that showcases what makes your business unique.

When people get to know your business, they are more likely to become customers; and businesses with complete listings on Google are twice as likely to gain customer trust, 38% more likely to attract in-store visits, and 29% more likely to see a purchase," said the company. 

The service is targeting primarily small and medium businesses. It will help users track how their company listing performs on Google and take actions to improve the performance. It will also allow them to engage with customers. The functionality will be visible to businesses above the search results when they log in through their Google business account. Users can update information and pictures through the menu.