Google Business Profile vs Google+ Pages: What Melbourne Businesses Need to Know in 2025

If you have ever wondered about the difference between Google Business Profile and Google+ Pages — you are not alone. Both were created by Google, but they serve very different purposes. For Melbourne businesses wanting more customers in 2025, only one of them matters. Here is everything you need to know.

What is a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free tool that lets businesses display key information directly in Google Search and Google Maps. When someone searches for a service near them — like "IT services Melbourne" or "café near me" — Google Business Profiles are what appear in those local results.

What information does a Google Business Profile show?

• Business name, address, and phone number
• Opening hours and website link
• Customer reviews and star ratings
• Photos, posts, and product listings
• Directions via Google Maps

What were Google+ Pages?

Google+ Pages were part of Google's social network, Google+, which was shut down completely in 2019. Businesses could create social profiles, share posts, and build communities — similar to Facebook Pages. However, low engagement and security issues led Google to discontinue the platform entirely. Any content from Google+ Pages is no longer accessible.

Key differences at a glance

• Purpose: GBP shows your business in search results — Google+ was a social network
• Status: GBP is active and growing — Google+ shut down in 2019
• SEO impact: GBP directly improves local search rankings — Google+ did not
• Cost: GBP is completely free — Google+ required active social management
• Visibility: GBP appears in Google Maps and Search — Google+ had its own separate interface

Why Google Business Profile is essential for Melbourne businesses

It drives local SEO rankings

An optimised Google Business Profile is one of the strongest local SEO signals available. Combined with our SEO Services, it can significantly boost where your business appears when Melbourne customers search for your services.

It builds trust through reviews

Customer reviews displayed on your GBP influence buying decisions. Businesses with more positive reviews consistently rank higher and convert more searchers into customers. Managing reviews is a key part of our Digital Marketing Services.

It is completely free

Creating and managing a Google Business Profile costs nothing. It is one of the few truly free tools that delivers measurable results — more impressions, more clicks, and more walk-in customers for your Melbourne business.

How to optimise your Google Business Profile in 2025

• Complete every section — name, address, phone, website, hours, and category
• Add high-quality photos of your business, team, and products
• Post updates weekly to show Google your profile is active
• Respond to every review — positive and negative
• Use keywords naturally in your business description

Need expert help? Our team at OneHub IT specialises in Google Business Profile management for Melbourne businesses. Contact us today for a free profile audit.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. Is Google Business Profile the same as Google My Business?
Yes — Google rebranded Google My Business to Google Business Profile in 2022, but it is the same tool.

Q2. Can I still create a Google+ Page for my business?
No — Google+ was permanently shut down in 2019 and new pages can no longer be created.

Q3. Is Google Business Profile free to use?
Yes — Google Business Profile is completely free to set up and manage for any business.

Q4. How does Google Business Profile help local SEO in Melbourne?
It makes your business appear in Google Maps and local search results, directly driving more local traffic and enquiries.

Q5. How often should I update my Google Business Profile?
Post updates at least once a week and keep your business information accurate at all times for best results.

Ready to get more customers from Google?

Google Business Profile is the single most powerful free tool available to Melbourne businesses in 2025. Set it up, keep it optimised, and watch your local visibility grow. OneHub IT can manage your entire profile and pair it with our SEO and Social Media strategies for maximum impact. Get in touch today — let us help your business get found.