Google My Business vs Google Business Profile, What Changed

Google My Business and Google Business Profile are the same thing. In late 2021, Google renamed Google My Business to Google Business Profile and began moving most management tasks directly into Google Search and Google Maps. The separate Google My Business app was later retired. Your listing, reviews and information did not change. What changed is the name and where you go to update it. The fundamentals of a strong profile remain the same.

Here is what changed, what stayed the same and what to do now.

What Google My Business was

Google My Business was the tool businesses used to manage how they appeared in Google Search and Maps: name, address, phone, hours, categories, photos, posts and reviews. It became essential for local businesses, especially contractors, designers and service companies.

What changed

• The name: Google My Business became Google Business Profile.
• Where you manage it: most single-location businesses can now edit their profile directly from Google Search or Maps while signed in.
• The app: the standalone Google My Business app was retired, with management moving into Google Maps and Search.
• Multi-location tools: businesses with many locations use a desktop management tool, sometimes called Business Profile Manager.

What did not change

• Your listing, reviews and photos remained in place.
• The importance of accurate information stayed the same.
• Categories, services, hours and attributes still matter.
• Reviews still influence local visibility and trust.
• Posts and photos still help keep your profile active.

How to manage your profile now

Sign in to the Google account that owns or manages the profile, then search for your business name on Google. If you have access, you will see management options above or alongside your listing. You can edit information, add photos, respond to reviews, create posts and view performance. Google Maps offers similar options in the app.

If you do not see management options, you may be signed in to the wrong account or may not have access. Our article on Google Business Profile ownership problems and fixes explains how to resolve this.

Performance reports

Google provides performance information showing how people found and interacted with your profile: searches, views, calls, website clicks and direction requests. Our guide to reading your Google Business Profile performance report explains what each measure means.

What strong profiles still do

Regardless of the name, strong profiles share common traits: accurate categories, complete services, clear descriptions, current hours, regular photos, steady reviews with thoughtful responses and occasional posts. Our article on the best Google Business Profile examples for contractors shows what this looks like in practice.

A quick profile check

If you have not reviewed your profile since the change, check:

• Is the business name exactly right?
• Are the primary and secondary categories accurate?
• Are your services listed?
• Are service areas or your address correct?
• Are hours current, including holiday hours?
• Have you added photos recently?
• Have you responded to recent reviews?
• Who has owner and manager access?

Why it matters for contractors and designers

For local service businesses, your Google profile often appears before your website. It influences whether homeowners call, visit your site or move on. Our article on how Google Business Profile works for local contractors explains the mechanics, while why Google Business Profile matters for interior designers and the benefits of a Google Business Profile for architects cover those professions.

Common confusion

Some business owners think they need a new account because of the name change. You do not. Others see old instructions online referring to Google My Business. The steps may look different now, but the concepts are the same. If an agency or vendor still calls it Google My Business, they mean your Google Business Profile.

Features that came and went

Over the years, Google has added and removed profile features, such as certain messaging options, short names and specific post types. These changes can make old guides confusing. When in doubt, check what is currently available in your own profile and follow Google's official help pages rather than older articles. The core elements, accurate information, photos, reviews and responses, have stayed constant through every change.

Multiple locations and service areas

Businesses with several offices or showrooms can manage multiple profiles, each tied to a real location that meets Google's guidelines. Service businesses without a storefront can hide their address and show service areas instead. These options existed under Google My Business and continue under Google Business Profile.

Keeping access organized

The rename is a good prompt to review who has access to your profile. Former employees, past agencies or personal accounts sometimes still hold ownership. Make sure your business controls primary ownership and that current team members and partners have the right level of access.

What to do next

Spend thirty minutes this week signing in, checking every section of your profile, adding a few recent photos and responding to any unanswered reviews. Then set a monthly reminder to repeat the photo and review steps. Those small habits matter far more than the name of the tool.

Avoiding scams

Some businesses receive calls claiming their Google listing will be removed unless they pay. Google does not charge for a Business Profile. Be cautious of anyone requesting payment to keep your listing active or asking for your login details.

If you would like help reviewing and improving your Google Business Profile, our Google Business Profile service works with contractors, designers and architects. Or request a studio review to see how your profile looks today.