Google rolling out video appointments, online classes to local business profiles

A prompt to set up video appeared in the Google My Business (GMB) dashboard at the end of last month, first noticed by SterlingSky’s Colan Nielsen. It didn’t carry any context or explanation and set off speculation about its purpose and functionality.

Screen-Shot-2020-10-31-at-7.54.16-AM Google rolling out video appointments, online classes to local business profilesThough not appearing for everyone, some local SEOs speculated that the “launch” may have been premature. I asked Google about it and a company spokesperson clarified the video prompt is actually related to an announcement made in late May.

Prompt to set up video streaming on GMB profile

Source: Colan Nielsen, SterlingSky

Part of earlier COVID-related product announcements. A Google spokesperson told me, “This functionality is a further extension of our online services announcement earlier this year. Merchants can already note on their Business Profiles that they offer virtual services and add links for booking online appointments. We’re testing some new functionality to help merchants easily get started with video conferencing providers so they can begin offering virtual services. There’s no change to what’s displayed on the Business Profile.”

Video options presented in GMB dashboard

video2-426x600-1 Google rolling out video appointments, online classes to local business profiles
Source: Local Search Forum

Reserve with Google relationship seemingly required. That earlier announcement contained a number of initiatives designed to support small businesses during COVID-19 and help them pivot to online services. Specifically, the video button is for virtual appointments and online classes. New business attributes such as “online classes,” “online appointments,” or “online estimates” have also been added.

Google also explained its Reserve with Google program was being expanded beyond in-person appointments to online services and classes. Working with a Reserve with Google partner is necessary to enable the scheduling functionality for online classes. But there appears to be some business-owner discretion over the video platform used (e.g., Google Meet vs. Zoom vs. Webex). Google was not entirely clear on this point.

It’s also not clear to me whether a business would be able offer virtual consultations (e.g., for sales) outside of a Reserve with Google partner relationship. Right now it appears the booking relationship is required and it may be that any sales consultation would need to be booked through the same scheduling functionality offered for conventional appointments and online classes.

Virtual class online booking flow

GMB-virtual-classes-booking-800x391-1 Google rolling out video appointments, online classes to local business profiles

In its blog post at the time Google said, “Merchants working with one of these partners can offer online bookings directly on Google and share details with customers about how to pay and join the meeting using their preferred video platform.” The initial Reserve with Google partners mentioned were Booksy, WellnessLiving, Zooty and Regis.

One other thing that I was unable to clarify was whether the virtual classes would be streamed directly on the GMB profile (assume yes) or whether the video module could and would also live on local business websites. However, in its statement above Google says somewhat confusingly, “There’s no change to what’s displayed on the Business Profile.”

Why we care. Six months in, many consumers are still wary of gathering in indoor public places and resuming regular routines. Accordingly, virtual classes and services remain a lifeline for many local businesses during this period of crisis, which could extend well into next year. But online classes and consultations represent a shift in how small businesses will deliver services going forward.

Yelp introduced attributes such as online classes in May, though it’s not facilitating video platform adoption in the way that Google directly is. Small businesses have also been using Facebook live for online classes as well.

I suspect some of the unanswered questions above will become clear shortly as video rolls out more widely and we get a direct look at the functionality in action. Regardless, the move is also noteworthy because it takes Google My Business even further into the realm of digital commerce.


About The Author

Greg Sterling is a Contributing Editor to Search Engine Land, a member of the programming team for SMX events and the VP, Market Insights at Uberall.

RECOMMENDED POSTS

Find Out More

Marketing Tips You Need

Keep In Touch

Quick Subscribe

Client Reviews Tell The Tale.

Jillissa CooperOctober 31, 2024
Paul GrewSeptember 25, 2024
Nicole NoblesApril 18, 2024
Dan was a delight to work with. I needed a few headshots taken for my LinkedIn profile and Dan provided the easiest and most comfortable experience using state-of-the art equipment in a very professional setting. Also, the turn-around time on results was quick and I felt completely engaged and satisfied during the entire process. I highly recommend his services.Donny RitcharoenDecember 19, 2023
I got headshots taken and they turned out so well! The lighting was amazing.Tessa ChanMay 30, 2023
We used Appture to build a lodging website, and they were awesome! Dan went above and beyond to show us the functions and make all of our changes. Appture is our go to for web design from now on!Abigail HaleOctober 26, 2022
Appture knows their business and will go the extra mile for their customers. They do high quality work and provide great ongoing support.Chris McCorkindaleMay 24, 2022
Anita CauthornMay 24, 2022
It’s so rare in these times to find one man with so much wow factor and more rare to find men with similar interest and passion in their life journey as myself . Dan Elliott has been introduced to many in what is now considered as the Terror Dome , a place where many dreams are not deferred they are detoured to routes that lead to dead ends , he comes in full of optimism so infectious that he, maybe with out knowing is energizing those who have ventured where others would fear going with just the right jolt to forge on in the way of helping fallen humanity … His various fields of expertise has helped many in my region and I can only imagine the number he has effected beyond those I know … from day one I knew “ this was a man of kindred spirit “ Dan Elliott is a Gem and adds glimmer to things he touches … I’m a Witness ….and eternally grateful….L.Rashaan RichMay 21, 2022
Dan and his group are highly capable and knowledgeable. They work fast and get the job done. I highly recommend Appture.Justin FrankMarch 26, 2022
They are highly specialized in their work and constantly seek innovation.Ismail YenigulMarch 14, 2022
Dan is a marketing wizard. Honest, Experienced and a read deal. I am blessed to have him in my journey online :) Highly recommended.Sabbir HasanMarch 7, 2022
So much to say. Creative, Intelligent, Talented, Limitless, Affordable. It's amazing what these guys can do.Hack mackMay 17, 2019
We'd used some other agencies before, but man, they simply knocked us all over. After being in business for 30 years, I wonder how much more business we'd be doing if we'd hired them earlier.Rebecca HoneaMay 17, 2019