Observed Signal · Feb 21, 2023 · Product Launch · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Google Adds Profile Strength Label for Business Profiles
Google has introduced a new 'profile strength' label for Google Business Profiles shown in Search results. The label appears as a green circled indicator with the caption 'Looks good!' when a profile is richly populated with information, and as an orange, incomplete circle with a 'Complete info' CTA when not all features are used. Crucially, the green label is shown only for accounts that opt into messaging and that use Google Ads, suggesting a bias toward advertising participation. Clicking 'Complete info' reportedly prompts users to sign up for Google Ads. The rollout was described by SEO expert Barry Schwartz as fully live in the USA, and the concept was discussed in relation to prior testing from 2022. Some SEOs view the label as a promotional tool rather than a measure of service quality, while Google states the label does not reflect qualitative performance standards.
New Google Profile Strength label for Business Profiles; potential push toward Google Ads; industry impact is uncertain
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Barry Schwartz reported the Google profile strength label is fully live in the USA.
- Green 'Looks good!' label appears when the profile is richly enriched with information.
- Orange label appears when not all features are used, with a 'Complete info' CTA.
- Green label is shown only for accounts that opt into messages and use Google Ads.
- Clicking 'Complete info' prompts users to sign up for Google Ads.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
Google launches unified agentic AI for Gemini
At a Google Cloud event on Thursday, Google announced it is bringing agentic AI to its Gemini assistant, launching a unified agent that can autonomously plan and execute tasks on behalf of users. Aimed initially at businesses, the agent can connect to internal systems and external tools, use custom skills, and even choose from third-party models like Anthropic's Claude. It will have its own Workspace account with an email address, and will write its own audit trail. Early testers include On, Shopify, and PayPal. Gemini has over 1 billion monthly active users, and nearly 90% of Fortune 100 companies use Gemini Enterprise.
US Government Excludes Microsoft from Visa Program
The US government has barred Microsoft from participating in the permanent residency process for foreign workers with H-1B visas, accusing the company of abusing the program. Vice President JD Vance stated that Microsoft laid off 6,000 American employees last year while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visa holders. The Department of Labor, led by Keith Sonderling, will not accept new permanent residency applications from Microsoft, as well as several consulting firms and Adobe. This action comes weeks before the midterm elections and reflects the Trump administration's broader criticism of the H-1B program, which it claims disadvantages American workers. Microsoft has not yet responded. The move could impact the tech industry's ability to retain skilled foreign talent.
US suspends Microsoft, Adobe from green card labor program
The Trump administration has suspended Microsoft, Adobe, and six other major tech firms—Capgemini, Cognizant, HCL, Infosys, Tata, and Wipro—from the U.S. Permanent Labor Certification program, which facilitates green cards for skilled foreign workers. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling cited active federal investigations and alleged fraud, noting that no new or pending applications from these companies will be accepted. Vice President JD Vance accused Microsoft of replacing laid-off workers with H-1B visa holders. Microsoft defended its practices, stating that most U.S. employees are American and that 80% of its H-1B petitions were for existing employees. The announcement was made during a White House summit on H-1B fraud, and the administration also plans to investigate nine universities, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, over student visa program abuse.
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