Google Business Profile API Essential Guide

What type of API does Google Business Profile provide?

Google Business Profile uses a REST API. The API provides a RESTful interface for managing business location information on Google. It is organized around resources such as accounts, locations, and reviews. The API uses standard HTTP methods (GET, POST, PATCH, DELETE) for different operations and returns data in JSON format.

Does the Google Business Profile API have webhooks?

Based on the search results provided, there is no clear evidence that the official Google Business Profile API supports webhooks or offers specific event types to subscribe to. The search results do not contain any direct information about webhooks for this API.

While some Google services like Google Calendar API and Google Cloud Application Integration offer webhook functionality, there is no specific mention of such features for the Google Business Profile API.

One user reported attempting to set up a webhook or notification system for their Google Business Account to detect new reviews or questions, referencing the Google My Business API documentation. However, they experienced difficulties in triggering events.

To get a definitive answer about webhook support for the Google Business Profile API, it would be advisable to consult the most recent official API documentation or contact Google's developer support directly.

Rate Limits and other limitations

Based on the search results provided, here are the key points regarding the API rate limits for the Google Business Profile API:

General Rate Limits

• There is a limit of 10 edits per minute per Google Business Profile.
• This limit cannot be increased.

Best Practices to Avoid Quota Issues

• Avoid sending requests in quick succession. Spread out your requests over time.
• Use exponential backoff when retrying requests.
• Use a caching layer to reduce the number of requests you send.
• Use Batch methods where applicable.

Requesting Quota Increases

• Google Business Profile APIs have default quota limits.
• When you reach the quota limit, you can request a quota increase by submitting a standard quota request form.
• The Google Business Profile team will review the request and determine if an increase is appropriate.

Specific API Limits

• For the My Business Business Information API, there is a limit of 10 edits per minute per Google Business Profile.

Error Handling

• If API requests fail due to quota limits, the API will return an HTTP status code and reason for the error.
• Error codes related to quota limits include:
  • 403 userRateLimitExceeded: User rate limit exceeded (default 2,400 queries per minute per user per project)
  • 403 quotaExceeded: Limit of concurrent requests reached
  • 429 rateLimitExceeded: Limit of concurrent requests reached (per Google Workspace account)

Key Considerations

• Rate limits are in place to protect Google infrastructure from inappropriate automated processes.
• Different API operations may have different rate limits (e.g., for mobile devices: 20 action requests/second, 20 delete requests/second, 10 get requests/second, 10 list requests/second).
• Some limits are per Google Workspace account and cannot be increased.

It's important to note that these rate limits may change over time, so it's always best to refer to the official Google Business Profile API documentation for the most up-to-date information.

Latest API Version

Based on the search results provided, I could not find a definitive answer about the most recent version of the Google Business Profile API. However, I can provide some relevant information:

The Google Business Profile API (formerly known as Google My Business API) allows developers to manage business location information on Google.

Key points to consider:

1. The API documentation refers to different versions, including v1, v4, and v4.9. This suggests there have been multiple versions released over time.

2. As of 2023, there were updates made to the Google Business Profile API. However, specific version numbers are not mentioned.

3. In a Google Business Profile Help thread from 2019, there was mention of introducing Google My Business API v4.1. This indicates that version updates have been ongoing for several years.

4. The current API documentation does not prominently display a single "latest version" number, which makes it challenging to definitively state the most recent version.

Best practices:

1. Always refer to the official Google Business Profile API documentation for the most up-to-date information on versions and features.

2. When implementing the API, use the most recent version available to ensure access to the latest features and improvements.

3. Stay informed about updates and changes to the API by following Google's developer channels and documentation.

While I cannot provide a specific version number as the "most recent," it's clear that the API has undergone several updates over time. For the most accurate and current information, I recommend checking the official Google Business Profile API documentation or contacting Google's developer support directly.

How to get a Google Business Profile developer account and API Keys?

Apply for API Access

1. Go to the Google API Console and select or create a project you want to use with Business Profile.

2. Submit an application explaining your use case and why you need API access. Google will review your request.

3. If approved, you'll receive a follow-up email with next steps.

Enable the APIs

1. Once approved, enable the specific Business Profile APIs you want to use in the Google API Console.

2. There are 8 different Business Profile APIs that need to be enabled individually, including the main Google My Business API.

Set Up OAuth Credentials

1. Create OAuth 2.0 credentials in the Google API Console to authenticate your application.

2. Set up an OAuth consent screen and configure the OAuth client ID.

3. Add authorized redirect URIs for your application.

Implement API Calls

1. Use the OAuth 2.0 Playground or client libraries to make API requests.

2. Implement OAuth 2.0 authorization flow in your application.

3. Make API calls using the appropriate scopes and endpoints.

What can you do with the Google Business Profile API?

Based on the search results provided, here is a list of data models that can be interacted with using the Google Business Profile API, along with what is possible for each:

Account Management API

• Manage business accounts on Google
• Manage users who have access to business accounts and locations

Business Information API

• Manage business information

Business Profile Performance API

• Fetch performance insights about business listings on Google

Business Calls API

• Manage Business Calls
• Collect insights like number of missed calls to a location
• View call data attributed to ad interactions (if linked to Google Ads)

Lodging API

• Manage lodging data for businesses that provide lodging services (e.g. hotels)
• Handle property amenities and policies

Google My Business v4.9 API

• Handles all other functionality related to Business Profile

Key capabilities across these APIs:

• Edit location information
• Read and respond to customer reviews and Q&A
• Update menu details (photos, descriptions, prices)
• View insights for locations
• Subscribe to push notifications for new customer reviews
• Create and update posts
• Add photos and view customer photos/videos
• Invite and remove managers
• Manage service-area businesses
• Perform verification on third-party platforms
• Determine if a location exists and is claimed
• Create user groups and location groups

Additional features:

• Manage multiple locations at scale
• Leverage API-only functionality for multi-location brands and enterprises
• Receive real-time notifications about new reviews, location data updates, etc.
• Get, manage, and track updates across locations and businesses

These APIs allow developers to build applications that interact directly with business location information on the Google Business Profile server, enabling efficient management of large or complex Business Profile accounts.