Google has implemented stricter measures against third-party ordering and booking providers that dominate GBP listings. In the past, these providers had significant control over Google Business Profiles, making it difficult for merchants to remove integrations themselves. However, Google’s recent update requires all third-party providers to include a dedicated opt-out landing page within the New Merchant Experience (NMX) dashboard.
The opt-out landing page clearly outlines the steps that merchants can follow to disconnect their Google Business Profile from any booking, waitlist, or food ordering application. This change gives merchants more control over their profiles and eliminates confusion about where to turn for help.
To remove a service provider from their Google Business Profile, merchants need to navigate to the Food Ordering section within the NMX dashboard. From there, they can choose the service provider they wish to remove and click on the “Remove Provider” option. It’s important to note that these links cannot be directly edited or removed unless manually added. Instead, each provider offers a landing page that provides instructions on how to disable the integration.
Google has also updated its documentation, stating that providers must remove third-party links from profiles within 5 days of receiving a removal request. If a provider fails to comply, merchants can report a violation.
The abundance of options on food ordering pages can make a merchant’s Google Business Profile look cluttered, confusing customers about where to place their orders. With the recent updates, providers are required to offer an easy opt-out option for any service the merchant prefers not to offer. This allows brands to declutter their online ordering and booking options, providing a better user experience for customers.
DoorDash, for example, has launched a Google Form that allows brands to tailor their offerings for all or some stores and opt out of DoorDash, Caviar, or both. This new process provides transparency and is a game-changer for business owners.
However, merchants should consider the impact of cutting ties with third-party providers on their Google Business Profile metrics. Every interaction on the profile gets tallied up in performance statistics. If a third-party link sends a customer to another site outside the profile, that action won’t be counted in the metrics. Merchants need to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Overall, Google’s implementation of stricter measures against third-party ordering and booking providers is a positive step for merchants. It gives them more control over their profiles and allows them to declutter their online ordering and booking options. However, merchants should carefully consider the impact on their performance metrics before cutting ties with third-party providers.
