Google My Business in 2025: What’s New and What’s Next
In 2025, Google My Business (GMB) remains a crucial tool for any business seeking local visibility. As Google expands its features, GMB is evolving beyond its traditional functionality, now offering innovative tools that use AI to optimize listings, improve customer engagement, and boost visibility. Whether you’re a business owner, a digital marketer, or a student looking to enter the marketing world, these GMB trends will help you stay ahead of the curve.
AI-Powered Insights and Recommendations
AI is revolutionizing the way businesses interact with customers, and GMB is no exception. With Google’s advanced AI capabilities, GMB now offers personalized recommendations tailored to each business’s profile.
AI analyzes user behavior and business data to deliver actionable suggestions, such as optimizing descriptions, choosing peak posting times, and suggesting which images or keywords could enhance visibility. Imagine receiving tailored prompts, like updating your business hours based on high-traffic trends or getting notified about which posts are resonating most with your audience.
Key Benefits
Increased Efficiency
AI saves you time by automating routine tasks and analysis.
Personalized Optimization
Get tips specifically designed for your business, improving relevance and performance.
Data-Driven Insights
Leverage real-time insights to make informed decisions and stay relevant in local search.
Pro Tip: Use AI-driven recommendations to ensure that your GMB listing remains optimized for customer engagement and visibility.
Enhanced Visual Content
Visual content is increasingly valuable, especially on platforms like Google My Business, where images can significantly influence customer engagement. Google has enhanced its visual content capabilities, allowing businesses to stand out through immersive visuals like 360-degree photos, virtual tours, and high-quality videos.
In 2025, Google’s emphasis on rich visuals has only grown. Virtual tours give potential customers a glimpse into your space, fostering trust and curiosity. Investing in professional, high-resolution images that highlight your products, ambiance, and team will drive more engagement and click-throughs.
Best Practices for Visual Content
Utilize 360-degree Photos
Provide a complete view of your space, making customers feel welcome even before they arrive.
Showcase Your Products or Services
High-quality, focused images of your offerings create a positive first impression.
Feature Your Team
Highlighting the people behind your business humanizes your brand, building trust with potential customers.
Did You Know? Listings with high-quality photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to websites.
Advanced Messaging and Chatbots
Today’s customers expect quick, accessible communication with businesses. With Google’s messaging feature, businesses can interact directly with customers via their GMB listing. Google has enhanced these tools, allowing businesses to add chatbots that handle routine inquiries, reservation bookings, and FAQs—keeping customers engaged and informed around the clock.
Advanced AI-powered chatbots can answer customer queries instantly, freeing up staff to focus on more complex customer interactions. This feature is a game-changer for companies with high-volume customer interactions, like restaurants, hotels, or retail stores.
How Chatbots Benefit Your Business
Instant Response
Keep customers engaged by answering questions in real time.
Time-Efficiency
Automate repetitive inquiries, saving your team’s time.
24/7 Customer Service
Enhance customer satisfaction with around-the-clock support.
Integration with Other Google Services
A standout feature for GMB in 2025 is its seamless integration with other Google products. Enhanced integration with Google Search, Maps, and even Ads allows businesses to amplify their presence, ensuring they appear in relevant customer touchpoints.
Imagine a customer discovering your listing on Google Maps, browsing through your 360-degree photos, and instantly booking a table—all without leaving the Google ecosystem. This synergy ensures a smooth, uninterrupted experience, making it easy for customers to engage with your business.
Optimization Tips
Cross-Promote on Google Ads
Drive more traffic by linking GMB with your ad campaigns.
Optimize for Google Maps
Make sure your business information is accurate to appear in local map searches.
Leverage Google Reviews
Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, which boost your visibility in Google’s algorithm.
Insight: Integrated listings drive higher engagement and conversion rates since they streamline customer interactions across various Google platforms.
Local SEO and Google My Business
Local SEO is more important than ever, as it directs customers to your business in search results. In 2025, Google continues refining its algorithm to prioritize relevant, high-quality local listings. Businesses need to adapt to the latest SEO trends to stay competitive.
Strategies like keyword optimization, consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) across platforms, and actively engaging with customer reviews are essential. Local keywords, such as “coffee shop near me” or “local pet store,” help GMB listings rank higher, attracting more relevant customers.
Best Practices for Local SEO in GMB
Focus on Keywords
Optimize your GMB listing with location-specific keywords.
Maintain Accurate Business Info
Ensure your contact details, address, and hours are updated.
Engage with Reviews
Regularly respond to reviews to show customers you value their feedback.
Sustainability and Green Initiatives
As more consumers prioritize eco-conscious choices, businesses can leverage GMB to showcase their commitment to sustainability. Google now allows businesses to highlight eco-friendly practices, such as using renewable energy, reducing waste, or sourcing locally. Adding these credentials to your profile can attract eco-minded customers and improve your reputation as a responsible business.
How to Highlight Sustainability on GMB
List Sustainable Practices
Clearly mention your green initiatives on your GMB page.
Use Eco-Friendly Labels
Add relevant tags and keywords, such as “eco-friendly” or “sustainable business,” to attract eco-conscious customers.
Accessibility Features
Google emphasizes inclusivity, offering features to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities. By optimizing accessibility on your GMB listing, you ensure a positive experience for all users.
For example, if your location has wheelchair-accessible entrances, include this in your GMB listing. Google also allows businesses to add information on assistive technology or services for the visually and hearing impaired.
Making your business accessible is not just an addition; it’s a necessity in today’s world.
User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) can make your listing more dynamic and trustworthy. Customer reviews, photos, and videos add authenticity, showcasing real experiences and increasing credibility. Encourage satisfied customers to post their photos and stories directly on your GMB page, and engage with their content to foster a community.
Data Privacy and Security
As data privacy concerns grow, businesses must ensure customer data security. Google has strong privacy policies in place, but it’s essential to stay informed and follow best practices to protect customer data. Make sure your GMB profile complies with privacy regulations, and avoid asking customers for sensitive information over messaging.
Conclusion
As Google My Business continues to evolve, staying on top of these trends can help you remain competitive. From AI-powered insights to advanced chatbots and sustainability initiatives, GMB in 2025 offers tools that enable better customer engagement, optimized visibility, and a seamless experience. By embracing these updates, you can drive growth and establish your business as a trusted, innovative leader in your field.
