Google My Business vs. Google Business Profile: Understanding the Evolution
If you’ve ever tried to manage your company’s presence on Google, you’ve probably come across Google My Business and more recently, Google Business Profile. But are they the same thing, or has something fundamentally changed?
Let’s break down the evolution from GMB to Google Business Profile — what it means for your company, how it impacts visibility, and why Google Business Profile optimization is more important than ever in 2025.
What Is Google My Business?
Google introduced Google My Business (GMB) as a free platform that enables business owners to control how their business details are displayed in Google Search and on Google Maps.
Through a Google Business account, companies could list vital details like address, contact information, hours, website links, photos, and more.
It quickly became a powerful local SEO tool, allowing small businesses to be discovered by customers nearby. Whether you ran a bakery, salon, or dental clinic, a well-maintained Google business page was key to local visibility.
The Shift: From GMB to Google Business Profile
In late 2021, Google began rebranding Google My Business to Google Business Profile to simplify the platform and align more closely with user behavior. The goal was to move away from the standalone GMB app and integrate profile management directly into Google Search and Google Maps.
This update streamlined the experience by allowing businesses to manage their profiles directly from the search results page. The term “GMB” is still commonly used, but the proper term moving forward is Google Business Profile.
Why Did Google Make This Change?
You might be wondering — why the rebrand? The answer lies in how users interact with business listings. Instead of logging into a separate app, most business owners prefer the convenience of editing their Google business listing right where their customers find them — on Search and Maps.
This change also supports Google’s focus on mobile-first indexing and real-time updates.
- So, does this mean GMB is gone forever?
Not exactly. The core functionality still exists — just under a new name and with a few key improvements.
Key Differences Between Google My Business and Google Business Profile
Here’s a breakdown of the main differences:
| Feature | Google My Business | Google Business Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Management Platform | Standalone dashboard/app | Google Search & Maps |
| Name | “Google My Business” | “Google Business Profile” |
| Real-time Management | Less integrated | More seamless, instant edits |
| Mobile Experience | App-dependent | Native within Search & Maps |
| Optimization Tools | Separate tools | Built-in analytics & posting tools |
How to Access and Manage Your Google Business Profile
To manage your listing today, simply search for your business name on Google while signed into your Google account. You’ll see your editable profile right in the results, allowing you to update:
Hours of operation
Services
Photos
Posts and offers
Customer Q&As
Reviews
This is where Google business profile manager comes into play. It’s not a separate platform anymore — it’s a feature within your main Google experience, tailored for ease of use and real-time management.
How to Add Your Business to Google
Still new to all of this? Don’t worry — adding your business is easier than ever.
Steps to Add Business to Google:
Go to Google Business Profile
Sign in with your Google account.
Click “Manage Now” and follow the prompts to list my business on Google.
Add your business name, category, location, contact details, and website.
Verify your business — by phone, email, or postcard.
Once verified, you can start optimizing!
Why Google Business Optimization Is Crucial in 2025
With more people turning to local search to find nearby services, Google business optimization is no longer optional — it’s essential. Businesses that actively manage and optimize their Google business profile tend to appear higher in local search results, Google Maps, and even voice searches.
Curious about how to boost your rankings on Google search?
It starts with GMB optimization strategies like:
Adding high-quality photos regularly
Responding to reviews (good and bad)
Publishing weekly Google Posts
Using accurate and consistent business information
Leveraging relevant keywords in your business description
These practices not only improve visibility but also build trust with potential customers.
Real Example: A Local Gym That Dominated Search
A neighborhood gym in Dallas, TX, revamped their outdated Google business page by adding updated photos, enabling real-time messaging, and posting weekly promotions. Within 60 days, their search impressions increased by 58%, and direct calls from Google tripled.
This is the power of SEO Google Business Profile practices — when done right, they turn passive viewers into paying customers.
Best Practices for Google Business Profile Optimization
Here’s a quick checklist for optimizing your my business profile like a pro:
✅ Use a consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone number)
✅ Select the right categories for your business
✅ Write a compelling, keyword-rich business description
✅ Add product/service details and pricing
✅ Post updates, offers, and events weekly
✅ Enable chat or call features for quick customer communication
✅ Analyze insights via your Google business profile manager
Still Calling It “Google My Business”?
You’re not alone! Many business owners still refer to it as “GMB account” out of habit. While Google has rebranded it, the older term is still widely recognized — and it’s okay to use both interchangeably while people adjust.
But remember: to stay current and credible, especially when communicating with customers or using Google support, use the official term — Google Business Profile.
Previously called GMB, Google Business Profile is a free service by Google that lets businesses control how they appear on Google Search and Maps. By optimizing your profile with accurate information, photos, services, and regular updates, you can improve your local SEO, attract more customers, and grow your visibility in 2025.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Change, Optimize the Future
The shift from Google My Business to Google Business Profile is more than a name change — it’s a strategic move toward better usability, mobile responsiveness, and faster local search visibility.
Are you ready to take full control of your local SEO?
Now’s the perfect time to revisit your listing, implement Google business profile optimization, and turn your business page into a lead-generating powerhouse.
Ready to Optimize Your Google Business Profile?
At Listbusinessprofile, we specialize in helping businesses just like yours unlock the full power of Google. Whether you need help setting up, optimizing, or ranking higher in search — we’ve got your back.
👉 Get your FREE Google Business Profile Audit today and start dominating local search!