In recent months, Google’s Google My Business (GMB) platform has undergone some significant changes. One of the most notable updates is the introduction of a new Agency Dashboard, designed to streamline the management of multiple GMB listings for agencies, marketers, and businesses with numerous locations. While the update was meant to improve efficiency, it has faced significant criticism from users, especially those who rely on GMB to manage numerous clients or locations.
The new dashboard has sparked mixed reactions from the SEO community, with many expressing frustration over its functionality and user experience. In response to this feedback, Google has made some adjustments and issued statements addressing concerns raised by users.
In this post, we’ll explore the criticism surrounding the new GMB Agency Dashboard, what changes Google has made in response, and what agencies and marketers need to know moving forward.
What Is the New Google My Business Agency Dashboard?
The Google My Business Agency Dashboard is a centralized tool designed specifically for agencies that manage multiple GMB listings across various locations. The goal of the update is to make it easier for marketers to handle client accounts in a more streamlined and efficient manner.
Some of the features of the new dashboard include:
- Bulk Management: The ability to manage many GMB listings at once, without needing to switch between different accounts.
- Improved User Interface (UI): A redesigned layout intended to simplify the process of navigating through multiple client profiles.
- Enhanced Reporting: Tools to access more detailed insights on the performance of individual GMB listings.
These updates were made to enhance the experience for agencies handling multiple listings, particularly those with a large number of locations.
The Criticism of the New GMB Agency Dashboard
While the intentions behind the new Agency Dashboard were clear, the rollout faced significant backlash from the SEO community and businesses that rely on GMB for local SEO. Some of the most common issues raised by users included:
1. Difficult Navigation and User Experience
One of the primary complaints about the new dashboard is its poor user interface (UI). Many users found the interface to be confusing, with multiple navigation elements that made it difficult to efficiently manage multiple listings. The new layout reportedly created more complexity rather than simplifying tasks.
- Feedback: Agencies reported struggling to locate essential functions like bulk editing or accessing key insights, leading to frustration and wasted time.
2. Lack of Customization Options
Another common criticism was the lack of customization options in the new dashboard. Previously, GMB allowed some degree of customization when managing multiple locations, but users noted that the new design lacked flexibility. Agencies felt that the new system made it harder to tailor the platform to their specific needs.
- Feedback: Agencies handling businesses with multiple regions or unique needs complained about the one-size-fits-all approach of the new dashboard.
3. Missing Key Features
Several users reported that the new Agency Dashboard had removed or limited key features that were vital for efficient account management. These included tools for managing client permissions, handling multiple locations more efficiently, and bulk uploading information.
- Feedback: Agencies said that the removal of these features left them with more manual work, defeating the purpose of implementing a streamlined dashboard in the first place.
4. Slow Loading Times
Some agencies also mentioned that the dashboard felt sluggish and experienced slow loading times, especially when managing listings with a large amount of data. Slow performance only added to the frustration of users already dealing with a steep learning curve.
Google’s Response to the Criticism
In response to the backlash, Google has acknowledged the criticisms and promised improvements. The company released a statement addressing the concerns and outlining steps they plan to take to enhance the user experience of the Agency Dashboard.
1. Commitment to Enhancements in Navigation
Google has acknowledged the frustration users have experienced with the new dashboard’s navigation and user interface. In their response, the company has promised upcoming UI improvements to make it easier for agencies to move between listings and access key features. These improvements are being rolled out gradually in response to direct user feedback.
- What this means: Google is listening to user complaints about the interface and is working to make the system more intuitive, helping agencies perform common tasks with fewer clicks.
2. New Customization Features in Development
Google has confirmed that they are working on new customization features to give agencies greater flexibility in how they manage their listings. These features will allow for a more tailored experience based on the needs of specific clients, locations, or industries.
- What this means: Agencies will soon have more control over how they set up and organize their GMB accounts, providing them with the flexibility they were missing from the initial update.
3. Restoring Key Features
In their statement, Google emphasized that they are actively restoring certain key features that were either removed or limited in the new dashboard. Some of the features agencies missed most, such as client permissions and bulk editing tools, will be reintroduced in the coming months.
- What this means: If you’ve been struggling with the loss of bulk management features, rest assured that Google is aware of this issue and plans to bring them back.
4. Faster Performance and Speed Updates
Google also addressed concerns about slow loading times and performance issues. The company stated that they are working on backend improvements to enhance the speed and efficiency of the platform, particularly for agencies managing large numbers of locations.
- What this means: Agencies should expect a faster and smoother experience once the platform optimizations are complete.
What Does This Mean for Agencies?
For agencies and businesses using Google My Business to manage multiple client listings, the changes to the Agency Dashboard can be both a blessing and a challenge. While the dashboard has introduced useful features, such as bulk management tools and improved reporting, the usability issues highlighted by users are real concerns that need addressing.
What Agencies Can Do Now:
- Keep an Eye Out for Updates: As Google continues to tweak the Agency Dashboard, it’s important to stay updated on new features and UI improvements. Watch for email updates or check Google’s GMB blog for the latest announcements.
- Provide Feedback: If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to provide direct feedback through Google’s support channels. Google has shown that they are actively listening to users and making adjustments based on feedback.
- Adapt to New Changes: While the changes may feel frustrating at first, it’s important to understand that Google is committed to improving the platform in the long run. Be prepared to adapt to new features and workflows as they are introduced.
- Explore Workarounds: In the interim, agencies may need to explore workarounds to handle certain tasks more effectively. For example, using third-party tools or manual methods for bulk editing and reporting can help bridge the gap until the new features are fully restored.
Conclusion: Navigating the GMB Agency Dashboard Changes
The Google My Business Agency Dashboard has faced significant criticism from users since its launch. However, Google has responded to this feedback with a commitment to improve the dashboard’s usability, speed, and customization options. While it may take some time for all the promised updates to be fully implemented, agencies and marketers can be assured that Google is actively working on making the platform more efficient and user-friendly.
As an agency, staying updated on the latest developments and providing feedback to Google will be key in making sure your voice is heard. With time, the Agency Dashboard has the potential to become a powerful tool for managing large volumes of GMB listings, improving both productivity and the user experience.
