For years, people mixed these two up. Even business owners who used Google every day weren’t totally sure what Google My Business was, how it related to Google Plus, or whether they needed both. Some still ask today, even though one of them doesn’t exist anymore.
So let’s clear this up properly, without technical jargon or Google-speak.
Google My Business and Google Plus were never the same thing, even though Google made it feel that way for a long time. One mattered a lot for businesses. The other… didn’t really, at least not in the long run.
What Google My Business Actually Is
Google My Business (now technically called Google Business Profile, though many still use the old name) is a tool for managing how your business shows up on Google Search and Google Maps.
When someone searches:
- Your business name
- “roofers near me”
- “Restaurant open now.”
Google My Business controls what they see.
This includes:
- Your business name
- Address and service area
- Phone number
- Hours
- Reviews
- Photos
- Directions
- Updates and posts
If you’re a local business and you don’t manage this, Google still shows something — but you don’t control it. And that’s where problems start.
What Google Plus Was (and Why It Confused Everyone)
Google+ was Google’s attempt at a social media platform. Think Facebook, but built by Google. It launched with big expectations and slowly fizzled out.
At one point, Google connected Google Plus pages to Google My Business listings. That’s where the confusion came from.
Businesses were told they needed:
- a Google Plus page
- to post on Google Plus
- to engage socially on Google Plus
But here’s the truth: Google Plus never really mattered for local rankings the way people were told it did.
Most users never adopted it. Engagement stayed low. Businesses posted because they felt like they had to, not because it worked.
Google officially shut Google Plus down Google+ in 2019.
The Key Difference in Simple Terms
Here’s the cleanest way to think about it:
- Google My Business = visibility, local search, maps, reviews
- Google Plus = a social network that no longer exists
One helps customers find you.
The other is history.
Why Google My Business Still Matters (A Lot)
If you run a local business, Google My Business is one of the most important marketing tools you have — and it’s free.
A well-managed profile helps you:
- Appear in local search results
- Show up on Google Maps
- Earn trust through reviews.
- Give customers accurate info.
- Get calls, clicks, and directions.
When people search with buying intent, Google My Business often shows before your website.
That’s huge.
What Happens If You Ignore Google My Business
When businesses don’t manage their profile, a few things usually happen:
- Incorrect hours show up
- Old phone numbers stay listed.
- Bad photos appear
- Reviews go unanswered
- Competitors look more trustworthy.
None of this helps you. And none of it fixes itself.
Google pulls information from many sources. If you don’t correct it, Google fills in the gaps — sometimes incorrectly.
Why Google+ Never Delivered for Businesses
Google Plus failed for a simple reason: people didn’t want another social network.
Businesses were encouraged to post updates, share content, and build circles. But customers didn’t engage the same way they did on Facebook or Instagram.
Eventually, Google stopped pushing it. Then they shut it down.
If you ever spent time posting on Google Plus, you weren’t alone. Many businesses did. But it didn’t move the needle the way Google My Business does today.
What Replaced Google+ for Businesses
Instead of a social network, Google focused on local intent.
That’s why Google My Business evolved with:
- posts
- Q&A sections
- messaging
- review responses
- service listings
These features serve real customer needs, not social chatter.
Google realized people don’t want to “follow” local businesses. They want answers, directions, and trust.
Common Misunderstandings That Still Exist
Even today, some confusion sticks around.
“Do I need a Google Plus account?”
No. Google Plus is gone.
“Does posting on Google help SEO?”
Posting on your Google Business Profile can help engagement and visibility, but it’s not the same as social media.
“Is Google My Business optional?”
Not if you want local customers to find you easily.
“Can my website replace Google My Business?”
No. They work together, not as replacements.
How Businesses Should Think About Google Today
Instead of worrying about old platforms, focus on this:
- Keep your business profile accurate
- Upload real photos
- Respond to reviews
- Post occasional updates
- Make it easy for customers to contact you.
That’s where Google puts its weight now.
Final Thoughts
Google My Business and Google Plus were never equals. One is essential. The other is a closed chapter.
If you’re running a business today, your focus should be on managing your Google Business Profile properly. That’s where real customers find you, judge you, and decide whether to call.
Forget Google Plus.
Put your effort where it actually counts.
If you want help optimizing your Google Business Profile, managing reviews, posting updates, and improving your local visibility, Codevelop can help. We work with businesses that want real results from Google — not outdated tactics. Reach out to Codevelop, and let’s make sure your business shows up the right way when customers search.
