The New Update Enables Businesses to Add Social Media to Google Business Profile

Businesses are increasingly tapping into the immense potential of social media platforms to bolster their presence, raise brand awareness, and attract potential customers. With the ever-growing user base and dynamic features of social media, companies find themselves in an opportune position to engage with their audience on a personal level and showcase their offerings effectively.

However, the landscape is evolving, presenting new avenues for businesses to explore. Now, entrepreneurs can further amplify their reach and engagement as they can finally add social media to Google Business Profile.

Not only does this integration streamline the process of managing online presence, but it also unlocks a myriad of opportunities for enhanced interaction and visibility. Let’s explore how this latest development can benefit your business.

Google Announces GBP-Social Media Integration

Just recently, Google announced that it released a feature allowing Google Business Profile or GBP (formerly known as Google My Business or GMB) owners to automatically display social media posts from popular social networking sites directly on their respective pages. This is to help them further showcase their online activities and engagement to potential customers.

To take advantage of this new feature, businesses should link their social media pages to their GBP. Once enabled, they can add one link from each of the following social networking sites to their GMB profiles:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Pinterest
• TikTok
• X (formerly known as Twitter)
• YouTube

However, certain Business Profiles may not be able to use this feature as it is only available in selected regions.

How to Add Social Media to Google Business Profile

One of the best things about GBP’s latest update is that you can easily manage the social media links that potential customers can see when they visit your GMB page. Nevertheless, you must follow specific formats to ensure your social media posts will appear automatically.

For example, if you want to showcase your Instagram posts on your Google Business Profile, the link should read https://www.instagram.com/{username}. Other social media sites follow the same link pattern, except YouTube and LinkedIn.

YouTube links should look like this:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/{username}

https://www.youtube.com/user/{username}

https://www.youtube.com/@{username}

While the link format for LinkedIn is as follows:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/{username}

https://www.linkedin.com/company/{username}

As you can only display one account per social media platform, ensure that you select the most active or relevant account to get the best possible results with GBP.

How to Edit or Remove Social Media Links

Editing or removing social media links from your GBP page is also a quick and simple affair. First, go to your Business Profile and then navigate to the “Edit profile” section. Click on “Business Information” and then on “Contact”. Afterwards, click “Social profiles” to edit or remove links to your social media pages.

Note that Google may automatically add social media links to eligible GMB pages. If this happens to your profile and you’re unhappy with it, don’t fret. You can easily edit those links by adding a new link for the same social media site using the instructions above. Meanwhile, if your business serves multiple locations, you can manage your links with an API.

Why Now Is the Best Time to Stay Active on Social Media

Now that businesses can add social media to Google Business Profile pages, you have plenty of reasons to stay active on social media. With a prolific social media presence and a GMB profile, you can:

1. Increase visibility and engagement

The new GBP feature allows you to display updates in real-time, making it easier for prospects to stay updated on the latest promos, discounts, product/service launches, and news about your business.

2. Foster a culture of transparency

Integrating social media into your GBP gives customers a transparent view of your operations, values, and behind-the-scenes happenings. This allows you to build trust and establish a genuine connection with future and existing customers.

3. Drive traffic and conversions

Leveraging the combined power of social media and GBP empowers you to drive targeted traffic to your online and physical storefronts. It also enables you to entice potential customers to take action, whether it’s making a purchase, booking a service, or visiting your establishment.

Boost Your GBP Page with Social Media Posts

The integration of social media into Google Business Profile marks a significant step forward in the digital marketing landscape. It offers businesses unparalleled opportunities to expand their online reach, engage with their audience, and drive meaningful interactions.

By harnessing the combined power of social media platforms and Google My Business, entrepreneurs like you can elevate their visibility, foster trust, and ultimately drive business growth.

If you need help optimising your GBP to dominate local search results, we at Springhill Marketing are happy and always ready to assist you. Get in touch with our team, and we’ll provide you with local SEO solutions tailored to your business.