Search engine giant Google has recently updated its Google Business Profile (GBP) guidelines, introducing stricter requirements for businesses associated with minimum age products or services.
The new guidelines specify that businesses associated with products or services that require age verification (such as Challenge 25, for example) are required to have a physical, brick-and-mortar location if they wish to obtain a Google Business Profile.
Google’s updated policy states:
“Businesses associated with products or services that require the customer to be a certain minimum age… aren’t permitted as service-area businesses without a storefront.”
Service-area businesses (businesses that provide products or services to customers, but not from their fixed business location) are no longer eligible to create or maintain a Google Business Profile under these circumstances.
These new requirements enable Google to verify the authenticity of such businesses, ensuring that only legitimate businesses can reap the rewards of a Google Business Profile.
What is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile is a free tool that businesses use to manage their online presence across Google Search, Google Shopping and Google Maps.
A Google Business Profile can help businesses increase their visibility in local search results, enhance credibility and trust with potential customers by providing users with verified business information and allow businesses to engage directly with customers through posts and reviews.
Want to know how to enhance your Google Business Profile? We’ve detailed 5 Google Business Profile fields to optimise to improve rankings in this insightful blog.
Interested to know more? Find out how our friendly and knowledgeable team can help improve your online presence and get in touch today!
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