Can I Change My Google Business Name?
Yes, you can change your Google Business name.
If you use Google My Business (GMB), you’re already familiar with how it helps you connect with customers locally and globally. If you need to update your business name in the future—whether for rebranding or correcting an error—you can easily make changes to your Google Business Profile name.
Changing your Google My Business name is a straightforward process that ensures your business information remains accurate and up-to-date. Learn how to change your Google My Business name effectively to maintain a strong online presence and enhance your local SEO.
Notes and Tips on Changing Your Google Business Name
- After you submit a request to change your Google Business name, Google will review the information. This review process might involve re-verification of your listing or even suspension if Google needs to confirm the eligibility of the new name.
- Updating your Google Business name can be challenging. Ensure that the new name is reflected in the real world, including on outdoor signs, websites, and marketing materials. Consistency across all digital properties is crucial to avoid conflicts that may lead to suspension.
- Google takes mismatched details seriously. After you submit your name change request, update your business name on other platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Yellow Pages. Failing to make these updates may result in suspension due to conflicting information.
- Avoid spamming by ensuring that your new business name matches your real-world name and is used consistently across your website and marketing materials. Adding extra words related to services, categories, or locations can be considered spamming and may lead to listing suspension.
Criteria for Changing Your Google Business Name
First Criteria: Minor Changes
If you’re making only minor adjustments to your Google Business name, such as changing “Suresh Moonlight Cafe” to “Suresha Moonlight Cafe,” your reviews will remain with your listing. This category includes slight modifications that do not significantly alter the business’s identity.
Second Criteria: Multiple Locations and Name Changes
For businesses with multiple locations, changing the business name according to local languages or specific regional variations falls under this criteria. Adapting the name to fit local language preferences while maintaining consistency across locations will be considered.
Can I Change My Business Name on Google My Business?
Absolutely, you can change your business name on Google My Business. However, before you start the process, ensure you have primary owner access to your Google Business Profile. If you’re unsure how to request access, check out our guide on how to request access to Google My Business.
Now, let’s walk through the steps to update your business name on Google:
Step 1: First, sign in to your Google account using your email or phone number and password on your desktop or laptop.
Step 2: Next, navigate to the Google dashboard. In the top right-hand corner of your screen, click on the grid icon with nine dots. This will reveal the Google My Business icon.
Alternatively, you can directly search for “Google My Business” in your search engine. Click on the first link in the search engine results page (SERP) to access Google My Business.
By following these steps, you can easily submit a request to change your business name and make the official updates to your Google Business Profile.
Step 3: After logging into your Google My Business dashboard, open the main menu located in the top-left corner of the screen. From there, select the “Info” option to proceed with updating your business details.
Step 4: Click on the “Info” option, which will direct you to your business’s information page. On this page, locate the pencil icon next to your business name. Click the pencil icon to edit your business name. Remove the old name from the box and enter the new name before saving the changes.
Step 5: You will be prompted to apply the changes. Click the “Apply” button to finalize your updates.
And that’s how you can easily change your business name on Google My Business. Stay updated with the latest announcements and changes to the Google My Business dashboard, as Google will implement several updates in 2022-2023. Follow us for the most current information and best practices.
Conclusion
Changing your Google Business name is a critical task that can significantly impact your online presence and local SEO. Whether rebranding, correcting an error, or updating business information, following the correct procedures ensures a smooth transition. Accessing the Google My Business dashboard and navigating through the appropriate options allows for efficient updates, maintaining consistency across all platforms.
Maintaining accuracy in your business details is essential to avoid issues such as suspension or the loss of valuable reviews. Staying informed about updates from Google and managing your online profile proactively will help sustain a strong connection with customers both locally and globally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1. How do I change my Google Business short name?
Ans: To update your Google Business short name:
- Access your Google My Business dashboard.
- Navigate to the ‘Info’ section in the left-side menu.
- Click on “Add Profile Short Name.”
- Enter your new short name (up to 32 characters).
- Click “Apply” to save your changes.
Q2. Is a Google My Business account free?
Ans: Yes, Google My Business is a free and user-friendly tool that allows businesses and organizations to manage their online presence across Google. It helps improve visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs) and often leads to higher rankings compared to other local listings.