https://www.blackenterprise.com/google-is-making-it-easier-to-search-for-and-support-black-businesses/

Google has a badging system that

The goal is to make search and maps more inclusive
Google also has badges for women owned and lgbtq

Google Black Owned Business Attribute Supports Black Businesses.

Google is shining their search light on Black-owned businesses that have the Google Black Owned Business attribute set in their Google My Business profile.

Interestingly, Black-owned businesses make up only 7% of all U.S companies, even though we consist of 14% of the population. The financial system has historically discriminated against Black business owners and reports that 8 out of 10 Black-owned companies don’t make it past 18 months due to poor financing opportunities, lack of training, and more, are shocking! These statistics are much lower than the average 20% record of small businesses that fail within the first year. << site source

In response, Google has come to assist with the exposure problem facing Black businesses in the community with the Google Black owned business attribute. Businesses with a verified Google profile may opt to add the Google Black owned business attribute to their business profile. MyTribe is here to help you understand what this BOB tag is and how it can help your business.

Why the interest in Black Owned Businesses?

During the 2020 Black Lives Matter demonstrations, there was a big move by communities nationwide to support Black-owned businesses. Google discovered that search trends for Black-owned firms had increased by 600 percent in 2020 compared to 2019. Google says, “Across the country, people have been looking for ‘Black-owned restaurants,’ ‘Black-owned bookstores,’ ‘Black-owned beauty supply,’ and more, which speaks to the diversity within the Black business community.” (reference)

What is the BOB attribute?

The Google Black owned business attribute is an internal (search) and external (badge) distinction created by Google in 2021 to be a distinct indicator of a “Google approved” Black owned company. Businesses qualifying for and activating this attribute may be readily identified as Black-owned by others searching for this characteristic. The badge indicating “Black-owned” has a black heart over an orange three-striped background. The badge appears on Maps and in Search results, allowing shoppers to quickly see whether a business is Black-owned in order to further make a decision to shop and support them.

Google also has created attributes for women-owned, veteran-owned and LBGTQ-owned businesses. Business may select as many as apply.

How Do I Become a BOB on GMB?

Businesses that identify as Black-owned can apply for this BOB attribute, by following these simple steps:

1. Sign in to manage your GMB Profile on your computer.
2. Click ‘Info’ from the menu.
3. Select ‘Attributes’ from the drop-down menu and then select ‘Edit’.
4. Search for the attribute(s) that apply to you . You can browse the possibilities available for your company.
5. After you’ve made your changes, click ‘Apply’.

Customers will start seeing your BOB badge on Google Search and Maps results within minutes. You will see the badge next to this phrase, ‘Identifies as Black Owned.’

Benefits of Getting the BOB

The Google Black owned business attribute is a great way for black-owned businesses of all sizes to benefit in the following ways:

1. It grows your website and local customer traffic, leading to more sales and

revenue.
2. It helps a business connect with an audience that wants to support Black-owned businesses.
3. Google’s algorithm will prioritize the ranking of Black-owned businesses which help companies that may not have a marketing budget.
4. It draws in investors who want to promote Black-owned enterprises. Black-owned beauty enterprises, for example, were propelled into the spotlight, prompting retailers to emphasize Black cosmetic companies and beauty brands to build Black-centered campaigns. This attracted Ipsy to pledge $7 million to support the development and promotion of Black-owned cosmetics companies.

What’s the Bottom Line?

The Google Black owned business attribute on Google My Business is a great way to get more traffic and exposure for your business. It’s free, easy to sign up, and may attract investors looking for Black entrepreneurs. There are no downsides – so what are you waiting for? Get your Google Black owned business attribute today!