In April 2022, due to security concerns, Google blocked the ability to use Google Business and add new objects to Google Maps. For 1.5 years, Ukrainian users could not leave reviews and ask questions, and entrepreneurs could not add information about their businesses.

Thanks to the efforts of the team of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, which fruitfully cooperates with Google, the restriction was lifted at the beginning of September 2023.

Information about the resumption of the ability to add business information to Google Maps and use Google Business reported Minister of Digital Transformation Mikhail Fedorov.

He thanked Google for its "balanced and fair decision." It “will help Ukrainian entrepreneurs who, despite a full-scale war, are developing businesses, creating new jobs and supporting the state’s economy.” According to him, Ukrainian business needs such a “tool for promoting and finding new clients.”

Please note that in temporarily occupied territories and in regions where active hostilities continue, these Google services do not work.

Useful online tools

Google Business and the ability to add new locations to Google Maps are useful tools for businesses of all sizes to improve their online presence and provide more relevant information to users. Let's talk in more detail about these opportunities and their implications for business.

Google Business Benefits

1. Increase business traffic

Google Business (formerly Google My Business) allows you to create or improve your company profile on Google. This helps increase business mentions in Google search results, on Google Maps and other services of this search engine. Potential clients can quickly and easily find you and learn more about your business activities, hours, contact information, reviews, etc. Business information helps potential clients quickly find and contact a company.

2. Informing about changes

Owners of relocated businesses can change the location in their Google Business profile and attract customers in the new location. For many entrepreneurs, this is a very important option in today's environment.

3. Reviews and ratings

Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to receive feedback from clients. For any business, It is important to respond to reviews, including negative ones, to maintain a positive company image. This approach helps to build and maintain good communication with clients, and, if necessary, quickly resolve their problems.

4. Statistics

Google Business makes it possible to view statistics and analyze your business profile. In particular, receive consolidated information on the number of views and clicks on a phone number. This helps you better measure the effectiveness of your Google presence.

5. Photos and videos to improve your profile

Can add photos and videos of your business to, for example, demonstrate on Google Maps interior of an office or retail outlets, present products, talk about services, etc. This makes it possible to make the business profile more attractive to users.

6. Announcements

Thanks to the functionality and capabilities of Google Business, you can run advertising campaigns to attract more customers through promotion business in Google search results.

Adding new places to Google Maps

Adding new items to Google Maps helps disseminate information about certain places, attractions and businesses. Users and businesses can add properties to Google themselves using:

1. web versions Google Maps;
2. Google Maps apps for mobile devices.

You can also add reviews and photos to objects already listed on Google Maps to share your experiences and impressions

Usually, the information that adds the user is being monitored by Google, and it may take time for it to be published on the map. Therefore, review or content is published as long as the content complies with Google's Google Maps Content Guidelines and Policies.

Meaning interactions with Google Maps

1. Keeping maps up to date

Adding new features or updating existing ones helps keep the information on your maps up-to-date and complete.

2. Help the online community

User activity helps spread information about new places and businesses or quickly inform the online community about changes that have occurred to objects present on the cards

3. Travel and recommendations

When many users add and tag points of interest, it allows others to receive recommendations for places to visit while traveling or staying.

Adding new objects to Google Maps: business benefits

Presence of information about business on Google Maps helps to attract new customers, make the company more accessible and competitive in the market, increase its online presence.

1. Increased visibility

Having your business listed on Google Maps increases its visibility to potential customers when they search for services or products in your area.

2. Attracting new clients

Google Maps helps attract new customers, especially locals and those traveling and looking for places to shop, dine, relax, and more.

4. Rating improvement

Users can leave reviews and rate your business on Google Maps. Positive reviews and high ratings also help attract customers.

5. Opportunity for promotion

You can use Google Maps as a tool for advertising and marketing by posting promotions or special offers on your page.

6. Analytics

Google gives businesses access to analytics about how users interact with your business on Google Maps. You can study viewership data and other metrics to improve your promotion strategy.

All of the above actions improve the availability of information for users and attract attention to a customer-oriented and socially responsible business, which, of course, has a positive effect on its recognition, and therefore on development and scaling.