Google rolls out Gemini tools for Workspace Business Profiles

Expanding Workspace Access

Google is beginning the rollout of Gemini profile tools for businesses that manage their Business Profile with a Google Workspace account. This update allows companies to move away from using individual Gmail accounts to link their verified profiles. Instead, they can use corporate Workspace emails to connect with the Gemini web app.

To get started, a Workspace admin must first enable Gemini app access within the Admin console. Once enabled, employees can use the tool to manage their business presence. This change is part of a broader effort to integrate AI into the professional tools used by small and medium-sized businesses.

While the bulletin says the rollout is happening now, there is some conflicting information regarding account types. Google's help page still mentions that the feature may not be available for work or school accounts as of November 6. Users may need to monitor their specific dashboard to see when the corporate login becomes active.

New Maps Messaging Features

Google has updated the layout of Business Profiles on Google Maps to make communication more direct. A prominent "Message" button now sits right next to the "Call" button on both Android and iOS devices. This move is intended to make it easier for customers to find chat options without having to scroll deep into a profile.

Businesses that have already established a chat option will see this change reflected on their listings. The button can lead customers to various communication methods, including text messages or WhatsApp links. If a business provides a link to WhatsApp, customers can be directed there with a single tap from the Maps app.

However, the newsletter warns that a dead link or an unread inbox can still appear in one of the top buttons. This means business owners should ensure their communication channels are active and monitored. If a profile has both text and WhatsApp set up, Google will only show the text option to the customer.

AI-Powered Schedule Tools

The Business Profile hours editor now includes a "Generate hours" section to simplify administrative tasks. Business owners can type out their schedule in plain language, such as describing a lunch closing or appointment-only days. The AI then fills in the specific hours fields based on that written description.

This tool is designed to save time for owners who have complex operating schedules. After the AI generates the fields, the owner has the opportunity to review and edit the information before saving it to the profile. This ensures that the final public listing remains accurate to the business's actual operations.

Google has provided examples of how users can prompt the system to handle specific events. For instance, an owner could ask the tool to set special hours for a holiday like Black Friday. The tool is currently available in select regions and languages as part of this new suite of features.

Media and Menu Updates

Owners can now interact with Gemini by uploading photos and videos directly from a device or from Google Photos. These images can be used to add to the Business Profile photo gallery or to create new posts. The system also allows users to upload images from a public URL to enhance their visual presence.

For the food and beverage industry, Google has introduced several new menu tag options. In addition to existing Vegetarian and Vegan labels, restaurants can now add Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free tags. These labels help customers with dietary restrictions find suitable options more quickly.

The update also includes Kosher and Halal labeling options for businesses that meet those specific certifications. These tags are intended to be used only where official certification is present. These changes aim to provide more granular information to users searching for specific types of cuisine on Google Maps.

Regional and Technical Limits

The availability of these Gemini tools has expanded significantly in recent months. As of October 13, Google removed the exclusion for the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom from its list of unsupported areas. The service is now available wherever the Gemini web app is supported.

Despite these expansions, there are still some technical limitations on how the tools can be used. Currently, the Gemini connection is restricted to the owner or manager of a single verified Business Profile. This means the tool cannot be used to manage multiple client profiles under a single login for agencies.

Users should keep an eye on the official help pages for future updates regarding these limitations. Google has not yet specified a timeline for when the one-profile limit or the personal-account rule might change. For now, businesses in the EEA and UK can check their dashboards to see if the new connections are active.

Next Steps for Owners

Business owners who manage multiple profiles should be aware of the current single-profile restriction. Because the Gemini connection does not support multi-client management, agency owners will need to navigate this limitation until further notice. It is important to verify which profiles are currently linked to the Gemini web app.

Before the upcoming holiday rush, it is a good idea to test the new messaging features. Owners should send a test message through the chat link on every profile they manage to ensure the connection is working. This helps prevent customers from encountering dead links or unread inboxes during busy shopping periods.

Additionally, Workspace admins should check their Admin console to ensure Gemini app access is enabled. This is a necessary step for employees to begin using the new profile tools. Monitoring the official Google help center will provide the most accurate updates on regional availability and new language support.

Try it today

Check your Google Maps listing to see if the 'Message' button appears next to your 'Call' button, and send a test message to ensure it routes correctly.

Watch

When Google will lift the restriction on managing multiple client profiles via Gemini.

Updates on whether the 'work account' restriction in the help center will be removed.

Expansion of the 'Generate hours' tool to more languages and regions.