Foreword
In a move to champion small businesses, Google has recently released a new feature that allows shoppers to filter their search results to showcase products exclusively from small businesses. With 84% of consumers expressing the importance of supporting local enterprises, this update from Google aims to make it simpler for users to discover and patronise small businesses not just this weekend, but in the long run.
Businesses can now designate themselves as small businesses through their Google Business Profile or Merchant Center account. This is a straightforward process that involves navigating to the “business information” tab in Merchant Center or the “more” section within “edit profile” in Business Profile. Once marked, products from these businesses will have a distinctive “small business” label on both Google Search and Maps, providing users with an instant indicator of a business’s size and community roots.
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Understanding the growing inclination towards supporting local businesses, Google’s new filter is designed to cater to the 84% of people actively seeking ways to back smaller enterprises. By allowing merchants to identify themselves as small businesses, Google is facilitating a more intentional shopping experience for users who want to contribute to their local economy.
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Google has also taken proactive steps to automatically add the small business attribute to some merchant listings. Factors such as the number of products offered, the business’s locations, and web traffic are taken into consideration. However, merchants have the flexibility to remove the label at any time, providing them with control over how they present themselves to potential customers.
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Google’s commitment to supporting small businesses is evident in this latest update, providing a user-friendly way for consumers to actively engage with and uplift local enterprises. As shoppers increasingly prioritise supporting their communities, this new filter on Google’s shopping search results is poised to make a significant impact on the visibility and success of small businesses. So, whether you’re a shopper eager to explore local gems or a small business looking to enhance your online presence, Google’s new feature is set to be a game-changer in the world of online marketing.
