In a move that significantly enhances the utility of Google Business Profiles (GBP), formerly called Google My Business, Google has recently introduced a feature that allows users to edit and add social media links directly. This update aims to streamline the process and offer businesses a more cohesive online presence.
Prior to this update, the ability to control social media links on a GBP was a topic of frequent queries. The common solutions suggested involved using JSON or SameAs schema markup. However, these methods were not always effective. Social media links were primarily determined by search algorithms, often resulting in inaccurate or random affiliations between GBP and social media profiles.
Google has now officially launched a feature that simplifies the editing of social media profiles linked to a GBP. The rollout should be complete by mid-September 2023. Interestingly, this update seems to be profile-specific rather than account-specific. Users can find this new feature in the contact section of their profiles.
The platforms currently supported for this feature include:
Users must adhere to specific guidelines concerning URLs when adding social media links. Non-compliance or the addition of deceptive or misleading URLs could result in account suspension. You can read more about it here.
This feature not only enhances the user experience but also seems to be a strategic move by Google to gather more data from merchants. It is speculated that this could be a way for Google to source more reliable content and associate it with business entities, especially as Google aims to highlight richer content from social media platforms.
The new feature is a welcome addition for users and businesses alike. It simplifies the process of linking social media profiles to GBPs and ensures a more accurate and cohesive online presence for businesses.
