Google has released a new application program interface (API) businesses can use to manage their “Google My Business” settings. The feature, known as “Google My Business API”, is aimed at larger businesses and will enable them to search and filter locations and publish updates on Google Search.
Google announced the feature earlier this month, stating that the Google My Business feature is “helping businesses around the world to connect with their customers when they search for them on Google”.
Explaining the feature, the technology giant said that businesses “can use the Google My Business API to create and edit locations in Google My Business.
“These locations can be used in Ads but need to be verified to be eligible to appear in Search and Maps. Note that verification of locations is not supported via the API,” the company said.
Businesses will also be able to manage a wide range of other features through the API. In addition to creating business locations with information, such as business name, address and contact number, they will also be able to manage special hours, informing customers of any opening times that will differ from the company’s normal operational hours.
The feature will also enable businesses to mark a particular location as permanently closed, manage their business photos, search and filter locations by name and category and set the service area for the business. They will also be able to list, invite and remove managers on locations and on their business accounts.
The new API will make it easier for companies to connect with their customers and have better control over their business. However, Google stated that in order to use the feature, a “basic knowledge of RESTful APIs” is needed and advised businesses who feel that the product is not right for them to “check out” the Google My Business UI instead.
In order to start using the API, businesses will first need to complete an access request form.
