Google seems to be testing a small but important change in the local panel for Google Business Profiles.
In this test, Google is showing fewer action buttons directly on the business panel. Instead of displaying many buttons at once, some actions may now be hidden under a “show more” or “+” button.
Earlier, users could easily see options like call, website, directions, share, and save on the local panel. Now, in some cases, Google may only show a few main buttons first, such as website, directions, and save. The remaining actions may appear only after a user clicks the extra button.
This update was spotted by Syed M. Amir Hassan, who shared that Google Business Profile knowledge panels are showing a limited number of primary action buttons upfront. The rest of the options are being placed inside an expandable button.
Here’s the screenshot:
For local businesses, this is something to watch closely.
The call button is especially important because many customers want to contact a business quickly after finding it on Google Search or Google Maps. If the call button is not clearly visible, some users may not take the next step right away.
This can matter a lot for businesses like plumbers, dentists, salons, restaurants, clinics, repair services, law firms, and other local service providers. These businesses often depend on fast customer actions, especially phone calls and directions.
However, this seems to be a test for now. Google often tests different layouts before deciding if a feature should roll out more widely.
Still, the update shows why businesses should not depend on only one action button. A strong Google Business Profile should have complete details, including the correct phone number, website link, address, business hours, services, photos, reviews, and booking options.
Also, businesses should keep tracking how customers interact with their profiles. If calls, website visits, or direction requests change suddenly, layout updates like this could be one possible reason.
In simple words, Google may be testing a cleaner local panel layout, but hiding important actions like “call” could make it harder for customers to contact small businesses quickly.
So, local businesses should keep their profiles updated, monitor customer actions, and make sure every visible button leads users to the right place.
