What is the new feature in GMB that allows spying on competitors?

The new feature in Google My Business (GMB) enables users to view the products and services offered by any business. This capability, which was not present before the update, essentially allows you to spy on competitors by gaining insight into what they provide.

Full Explanation

Google My Business has introduced an update that allows users to access detailed information regarding the products and services listed by other businesses. Previously, such data was not accessible within the platform, but with this new feature, businesses can now easily gain competitive insights. By being able to see what competitors offer, businesses can better understand the landscape of their market and potentially adjust their strategies accordingly.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Open Google My Business and navigate to the search function.
Look up the business you want to analyze.
Access the section where the products and services of the business are displayed.
Review and compare these offerings to inform your business decisions.

Real Examples

While specific examples are not provided, the ability to view any business’s products and services within GMB means that you can explore offerings from local competitors or companies in your industry directly through the platform. This visibility can be used to identify gaps, similarities, or strengths in competitor offerings.

Common Mistakes

Assuming the feature provides confidential or detailed internal competitive data—it only shows publicly listed products and services.
Overlooking this feature as just a minor update, despite its potential impact on competitive research.
Failing to use the insights gained effectively within your business strategy.

FAQs

Can I see detailed pricing via this feature? The feature allows viewing products and services, but specific pricing details depend on what the business has publicly shared.
Is this feature available for all businesses listed in GMB? Yes, it enables viewing the products and services of any business on the platform.
Does using this feature violate any privacy policies? No, since it accesses only publicly available information listed by the businesses themselves.

Key Takeaways

GMB’s new feature offers a way to spy on competitors by viewing their products and services.
This was not previously possible, marking a significant update to the platform.
Businesses can leverage this feature to gather competitive insights and refine their market strategies.