2025 Google Business Updates
May 16, 2025
Staying on top of Google Business Profile updates can mean the difference between low foot traffic and a showroom buzzing with walk-ins. In 2025, Google has introduced several powerful features to help you nurture customer relationships right from Search and Maps.
1. “What’s Happening”: Showcase Your Flooring Events
Though initially for restaurants, the What’s Happening carousel now works for any local business willing to think creatively—like highlighting:
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Weekly Tile Demo Days (“Hardwood vs. Laminate Demo: May 21–23”)
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In-showroom Sales Events (“Spring Clearance: Up to 30% Off”)
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Workshops (“Learn DIY Floor Prep: June 5”)
These posts appear under a “This week” label atop your profile, signaling fresh activity to Google—and customers
2. WhatsApp & SMS Messaging: Instant Styling Chats
Google Business Profiles now let you add WhatsApp and SMS buttons, so potential clients can:
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Snap a photo of their existing floors and ask, “Which product(s) fit my living room?”
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Book an in-home measurement via quick text
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Follow up with questions about underlayment options in real time
Set up is simple in your dashboard—just add your number and WhatsApp link; then test on mobile to confirm it shows up
3. AI-Powered Optimization: Get Smarter Suggestions
Leverage Google’s built-in AI helpers for:
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Drafting punchy headlines (“Transform Your Space with Exotic Bamboo!”)
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Generating replies to reviews (“Thank you for showcasing your new floors—so glad you love the pattern!”)
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Enhancing photo backgrounds of your showroom or installed jobsites for Posts without Photoshop
Tip: Always personalize AI drafts—mention materials or project details—to keep your voice front and center.
4. QR Codes for Reviews: Seal the Deal On-site
Google’s new review QR codes let showroom visitors scan and rate you instantly:
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Generate your code in the Reviews section of your profile
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Display it at checkout, on business cards, or with sample swatches
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Encourage happy clients to “Scan to Share Your 5-Star Flooring Experience!”
Easy scanning boosts genuine feedback and strengthens your local ranking
5. Bulk Special-Hours & Holiday Scheduling
Planning a Mother’s Day sale or a summer showroom revamp? Use bulk editing to:
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Set “Special hours” for all your locations at once (e.g., “2025-05-10: 10 AM–6 PM”)
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Upload seasonal closures or VIP shopping events via CSV upload
This keeps customers informed (and avoids “Temporarily closed” flags) without manual edits per location
6. Services Catalog & “Product Studio” Visuals
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Services Catalog: Detail your core offerings—“Laminate Installation,” “Custom Tile Mosaics,” “Eco-Friendly Flooring”—complete with price ranges and photos.
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Product Studio: Use Google’s AI to place your top-selling products into styled room scenes, grabbing attention in the Products panel (see: EmbedSocial.)
30-Day Action Plan
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Profile Audit: Enable What’s Happening, messaging links, AI suggestions, QR codes, and bulk hours.
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Content Calendar: Schedule biweekly Posts for demos and consultations.
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Messaging Testing: Confirm WhatsApp/SMS buttons work and set up auto-greetings.
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Review Drive: Print QR codes for your desk and installer teams.
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Bulk Upload: Preload special hours for upcoming sales.
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Visual Refresh: Refresh your Services catalog and run a Product Studio shoot of your most Instagrammable installs.
By tailoring these updates to your business, you’ll not only climb the Local Pack rankings but also create seamless, modern paths for prospects to become loyal customers.
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