Impact du Digital Markets Act sur Google My Business
Since March 2024, the European Union has implemented the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a regulation requiring Google to no longer favor its own solutions to the detriment of the competition. This measure has significant repercussions on the visibility of companies via their Google Business Profile and on traffic to their website.
All this should be read in the conditional, because Google is looking for solutions.
Google My Business: Pillar of local SEO
Google My Business, formerly known as Google Business Profile, has been a crucial element for businesses looking to increase their local visibility since its creation in 2014. Through this platform, businesses can create a detailed profile including their name, contact information, website, photos, promotions and much more. This profile appears in Google search results, giving businesses a privileged showcase to attract new customers.
If it turns out that GMB is disappearing, then all these functions will go with it:
- Google Reviews Disappear
- Photos disappear from Google profile
- The blue Reserve button has disappeared
- Phone & website button disappearance
- GPS button disappears
The Europe and member country zone is only affected, which means that the rest of the world will still see its features.
New rules, new strategies
With the DMA coming into effect, the rules of the game are changing. Google can no longer unfairly favor its own services, which means that the supremacy of Google My Business in local SEO is being called into question. Businesses must therefore adapt their strategies to maintain their online visibility.
Tips to Bypass Google My Business Deletion
- Invest in other local SEO platforms: In addition to Google My Business, there are many other platforms that businesses can be listed on. Bing Places for Business, Yelp, Apple Maps, and TripAdvisor are a few examples. By listing on these platforms, businesses can increase their visibility and reach a wider audience.
- Maximize presence on specialized directories: In addition to general platforms, businesses should also focus on directories that are specialized in their industry. For example, restaurants can be listed on Zomato, interior design professionals on Houzz, etc. This helps in reaching a more relevant audience and boosting your online presence.
- Partner with local influencers: Local influencers, such as bloggers, vloggers, or local social media personalities, can play an important role in promoting a business locally. By partnering with these influencers, businesses can gain increased exposure in their area.
- Host local events or special promotions: Local events, such as tastings, open houses, workshops, or special offers, can draw attention to a business and drive traffic to your location. These events also provide a way to interact directly with customers and strengthen ties with the local community.
- Encourage word-of-mouth and referrals: Word-of-mouth remains one of the most powerful ways to attract new customers. Encouraging satisfied customers to recommend the business to others can be an effective strategy for increasing local visibility. Offering incentives, such as discounts or gifts, in exchange for referrals can encourage customers to share their positive experience with others.
- Create relevant local content: Producing content specific to the business’s location can help attract the attention of local residents. This can include blog posts on local news topics, interviews with local figures, videos highlighting unique aspects of the local community, and more. By providing interesting and relevant content, businesses can build their online presence and attract a local audience.
By implementing these tips, businesses can maintain their online visibility and ensure the sustainability of their business despite regulatory changes. It is essential to remain flexible and adapt your strategies according to the evolving digital landscape and new regulations. By investing in a variety of marketing channels and staying attentive to the needs and preferences of your target audience, businesses can continue to thrive in an ever-changing environment.
Also consult us to implement an action plan before the end of GMB