With 2020 behind us and the new year just beginning, Google My Business has a lot of new features and updates coming to its free tool this year. If you use Google My Business to bolster your website and online profile via Google Search and Maps, you’re going to want to keep reading to see how these features and updates impact you. Let’s dive in and see what Google is planning on implementing in the near future (if it isn’t already out!). 1. Small Business Advisors This is a new program from Google that is designed to assist small businesses with online marketing. You get live guidance from an advisor about all of Google’s products that can directly support your business, including Google Ads, Google Analytics, and Google My Business. They provide step-by-step guidance on how to set up and use Google products via a scheduled 50-minute video call. While the session is not free, coming in at $39.99 per session, it can help you if you’ve either never used Google products or have advanced questions. 2. Upgraded Profiles & Google Guaranteed You can now get an upgraded Google My Business profile for $50 a month that will provide you with a Google Guaranteed badge on Google Maps. While it was previously being tested in the Local Services Ads, it looks like Google is going ahead with this new pay-to-play option. Why get it? It adds another layer of legitimacy to your business profile. 3. Local Packs Now Show Years in Business Labels Another test feature that was reported in September 2020 by Search Engine Roundtable, is coming to Google My Business. Your Google My Business profile now has a chance of showing the “opening date” that you set when creating a Google My Business account. This opening date shows as an “X years in business” label, which is fantastic for small businesses looking to bolster consumer trust and reputation. By showing that you are a longstanding business, you may find yourself with higher amounts of traffic. Unfortunately, for those new to the block, may find themselves in a spot of trouble.