Google Business Profile

Also known as: GBP · Google My Business (GMB, former name) · Google Places (historical)

Definition

Google Business Profile (GBP) — formerly Google My Business (2012–2021) and earlier Google Places/Google+ Local — is Google’s free tool through which businesses manage their presence in Google Search and Google Maps. A GBP listing displays business name, category, address, hours, phone, website, photos, reviews, and attributes, and is the primary determinant of eligibility and ranking in Google’s local pack (map results). Claims and verifications are made through the platform; profiles are subject to Google’s guidelines, and violations can result in suspension. (Google Business Profile — official)

Identities

Source Type	Identity
Wikipedia	Google Business Profile
Wikidata	Google My Business (Q56277314)
DBpedia	N/A
ProductOntology	Product
Wiktionary	N/A
LCSH	Internet marketing
MeSH	N/A
NCBI Taxonomy	N/A
AGROVOC	N/A
Google Scholar	Google Business Profile local search
ConceptNet	N/A
OpenCyc	N/A

Also Known As

GBP
Google My Business (GMB, former name)
Google Places (historical)

Usage Scenarios

1. Local Pack Eligibility

Verified, complete profiles compete for the three-position map pack in local searches.

2. Business Information Management

Hours, services, menus, photos, and attributes kept current for searchers.

3. Review Management

Businesses receive and respond to customer reviews on the profile.

Strategies

Accurate primary and secondary categories.
Consistent NAP with website and citations.
Regular posts, photos, and Q&A activity.

Security and Safety Measures

Two-step verification on manager accounts to prevent hijacking.
Guideline compliance to avoid suspension.

Historical Context

Google’s local listings evolved from Google Local (2004) → Google Places (2010) → Google+ Local (2012) → Google My Business (2012) → Google Business Profile (2021 rebrand). GBP remains the central object of local SEO practice.

Challenges and Controversies

Suspension Opaqueness

Google suspends listings for guideline violations with limited appeal transparency.

Review System Abuse

Fake reviews — both positive (bought) and negative (attacked) — are chronic issues.

References

Google Business Profile — Official