Why is Pointy changing?
Since Pointy joined Google in 2020, we have been hard at work building a new, streamlined Pointy within Google. Starting in fall of 2022, we have begun a rolling process of bringing Pointy directly to Google Search and Maps.
This means that how you use Pointy will be changing and you’ll be able to manage Pointy and your Business Profile all in the one place.
What is changing?
You’ll still have many of the same features as always - instead, how you access them is changing.
Features such as editing your business hours and seeing how your store is performing are all still available to you - though no longer through Pointy.com. Instead, you’ll access these features directly from Google Search and Maps.
Watch the video below for an overview of how to use the new Pointy:
How to manage Pointy from Google Search and Maps box
The Pointy box is also being renamed the product reader while the Pointy app is being renamed the Local Inventory app.
Please note that the Pointy Page will be deprecated. However, customers will still be able to see your products on the Business Profile.
For stores connecting to Pointy via the Pointy box, showing prices and running ads will be disabled. Stores in the US using partner integrations can continue to use product ads by signing up to the ad feature in the Business Profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Business Profile?
The Business Profile is an easy-to-use tool for businesses and organizations to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps.
You can read more about the Business Profile on the Help Center.
How do I access Pointy directly from Google Search and Maps?
First sign in to the account you use to manage your Business Profile.
Then search for “my business” or your business name and city on Google Search. Watch the video below for more information on navigating Pointy from Google Search and Maps.
How to manage Pointy from Google Search and Maps box
To see more information about accessing your Business Profile directly on Google from a variety of surfaces, visit this Help Center article.
What if I don’t know the sign in details for my Business Profile?
Your Google Account password is used to access Google products such as the Business Profile. You can change your password by following the steps in this help article.
What if my Business Profile and Pointy email addresses are different?
As your Pointy account is linked to the same account as your Business Profile email address, your Pointy.com email address will no longer be necessary to log in to Pointy.
You will manage your Pointy products directly from Google Search and Maps moving forward.
Is my Pointy Page going away?
As part of the integration into Google, your Pointy Page is going away. However, your products will still be visible on your Business Profile. Shoppers will be able to browse your products, see what’s in stock, and get directions to your store just as with your Pointy Page.
How do I link to the products on my Business Profile?
You can read how to share a link to your Business Profile on the Business Profile help center.
You can also link to an individual product by searching for your business name and location and copying the URL.
How do I run ads with Pointy directly from Google Search and Maps?
Pointy gives retailers access to local inventory ads, a type of Google ad format.
Right now, these ads are not available to chains or box stores using the Pointy box. Stores using the Pointy box and running ads will be migrated over and your ads will be paused. Please be aware that pricing will also be unavailable for box stores too.
For US-based stores connecting to Pointy using an integration, you can run ads by:
- Signing in to the email address associated with the account of your Google Business Profile.
- Search “my business” on Google Search.
- Select ‘Promote’, then ‘Advertise’.
- On the pop-up, select ‘Start now’.
- Set your budget and enter your payment details, if you haven’t already.
- Select ‘Submit’ to begin running your ads.
You can stop and start these ads at any time. They are charged on a cost-per-click basis. Pointy has in-house Support and Success teams to help you get the most from your ads, if you choose to run them.
Watch the video for more information on running these ads:
How do I see how my profile is performing?
To access Pointy, first sign in to the account you use to manage your Business Profile.
Then search for “my business” or your business name and city on Google Search. Select ‘Promote’ then select ‘Performance’.
Follow the steps in the video to find out more:
Can I change back to the old Pointy?
As part of our integration into Google, Pointy.com is being deprecated. Instead, you’ll be able to manage your Business Profile and Pointy account in the same place. As such, you cannot change back to the old Pointy.
If you would prefer not to participate at this stage, please contact support@pointy.com.