5 Important Google Business Profile Updates Every Local Business Should Know
At Ransom Ranker, we help local businesses win high ticket projects by showing up where it matters most and your Google Business Profile is still one of the most powerful tools in that strategy.
But here’s the thing:
👉 Google keeps changing the rules.
If you're still treating your profile like a "set it and forget it" thing, you’re leaving money (and leads) on the table.
Here are 5 important GBP updates that are changing how local projects find and contact your business. Oh and how you can stay ahead!
1. You Might Not Need Video Verification Anymore
Google used to force new businesses through a long, frustrating video verification process. It was slow, didn’t always work, and most importantly it sucked.
Now? We can throw our hands in the air and celebrate because some businesses are skipping that migraine and getting verified with a simple text message.
Here’s the trick:
👉 Google needs to see “trust signals” that your business is real before you hit submit.
Here’s what we do:
Put your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) in the footer of every page on your website
Set up a Facebook & YouTube page with matching NAP info
Add your business to a few quality directories
Connect Google Search Console and Google Analytics to your site ASAP
You don’t have to do all of them. Two or three can do the job. But the more trust you build upfront, the more likely Google gives you the fast track verification.
2. Messaging Is Now Easier with WhatsApp and SMS
Google has replaced its old messaging system with something much better:
WhatsApp and Text Messaging.
That means customers can now message your business directly from your profile — no apps, no integrations, no weird platforms. Just a quick text.
With text messages having a 98% open rate. People actually open and read them. Faster replies = more booked appointments.
A couple of quick notes:
This only shows on mobile, so test it from your phone
Add a clear call-to-action in your profile like “Text us now” to encourage it
If your competition isn’t using this, they’re missing out. You don’t have to.
3. New Menu Uploads for Restaurants
If you work with restaurants, this update is for you as well.
Google now lets you upload a photo or PDF of your menu, and it will use Google AI to automatically build the menu onto your profile.
It’s a huge time saver! No more typing out every dish one by one.
⚠️Reminder:
AI isn’t perfect so always check the auto-generated menu before publishing it.
4. YouTube Helps Your Google Profile
We’ve said it once and we will say it again, the power of YouTube is being under utilized and appreciated in local markets.
Do you want a powerful way to boost your Google rankings? Use YouTube.
If you're not aware, Google owns YouTube and tracks what users interact with. Posting videos helps your profile rank higher because it shows Google that your business is real, active, and local. (“Trust Signals”)
Great video ideas:
Answer common customer questions - “They Ask, You Answer” is great for this!
Show your work or services
Introduce your team
Once the video is on YouTube, repost it to your other social media platforms too. The more “Trust Signals” your business has, the stronger your profile becomes.
5. Google’s New AI Mode Skips Your Website
This one’s major.
Google’s new AI mode in search is changing the game. When someone searches for a service, Google’s AI mode shows them local results but when they click, it doesn’t go to your website. It opens your Google Business Profile instead.
That means if your profile is out of date, or if the info sucks, you're losing customers before they even see your site.
Start treating your GBP like your homepage:
Keep info accurate
Add services and products - (Fill it out completely)
Post content weekly & photos
Always be asking for fresh reviews
Keep Q&A up to date
Final Thoughts
Google is doubling down on Business Profiles and the businesses that win are the ones that treat it like a top priority.
These updates aren’t optional — they’re already live and making a real impact on who shows up, who gets clicked, and who gets hired.
At Ransom Ranker, we help local businesses stop chasing leads and start owning their market. That often starts with a Google profile that works like a sales asset, not just another directory listing.
If your profile isn’t showing the right info, isn’t up to date, or just isn’t converting, it’s time to fix that. We know what moves the needle and we’re here to help you with your profile.
Go take a look at yours and see what is missing. Then reach out if you want the heavy lifting handled or if you need some help!
