How Do I Change My Business Information on Google? (And Why You Should Care)

Let’s face it – keeping your business details updated online feels like chasing a moving target. You change your hours for the holiday season, move to a better location, or finally get that new phone number… only to realize your Google listing still shows outdated info. Don’t worry, I’ve been there too. Let’s walk through how to fix this together, step by step.

Getting Started: Where to Make Changes

First things first – you’ll need access to your Google My Business (now called Google Business Profile) account. If you’re like most business owners, you probably set this up years ago and haven’t touched it since. No judgment here! Here’s how to find it:

On your phone, open Google Maps and search for your business name. See that “Claim this business” or “Manage profile” button? That’s your golden ticket. Desktop users can head to business.google.com instead. Pro tip: Use the same email you used when originally setting things up to avoid verification headaches later.

Changing the Basics Without Losing Your Mind

Let’s say you’ve rebranded – maybe “Bob’s Burgers” is now “Burger Boss.” Tap that “Edit profile” button and look for the name field. But wait! Google can be picky about name changes. They once suspended a client’s listing for adding “& Family Restaurant” to their existing name. My advice? Make small tweaks gradually rather than overhauling everything at once.

Address changes are trickier. When a local coffee shop client moved locations, we learned the hard way that Google needs proof. You’ll likely need to re-verify through mail (yes, actual snail mail) with that postcard code. Set aside 1-2 weeks for this process – it’s not instant like other updates.

When Google Says “No” to Your Edits

Ever tried updating your hours only to get hit with an error message? You’re not alone. Common hiccups include:

• Address formatting issues (Google hates abbreviations like “St.” instead of “Street”)
• Phone number inconsistencies across platforms
• Adding services/products that sound too promotional

Just last month, a florist client kept getting rejected for listing “24/7 emergency flower delivery” in services. We switched to “After-hours delivery available” and it went through immediately. Sometimes it’s about speaking Google’s language.

Why Your Phone Matters More Than Ever

Did you know over half of Google Business Profile edits now happen on mobile? The process differs slightly from desktop:

Action	Mobile Steps	Desktop Steps
Change Hours	3 taps in Google Maps	5 clicks through dashboard
Add Photos	Instant upload from gallery	File upload required

But here’s the catch – some features like bulk service edits still require desktop access. I recommend using mobile for quick updates and saving bigger changes for when you’re at a computer.

The Secret Sauce: NAP Consistency

NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency isn’t just some SEO jargon. A recent study showed businesses with mismatched info across platforms lose about 30% of potential customers. Check these common trouble spots:

• Your website’s footer
• Yelp/Facebook profiles
• Industry-specific directories

I worked with a pizza place that had 3 different phone numbers floating online. After standardizing their NAP, their Google search visibility jumped significantly within weeks.

Verification Headaches Solved

Nothing kills momentum like verification delays. If you’re stuck waiting for that postcard:

• Check mailbox daily (it looks like regular mail)
• Don’t edit the address again until verified
• Contact support if it doesn’t arrive in 14 days

For service-area businesses, there’s a workaround – you can hide your address while still showing service regions. This helped a mobile pet groomer client maintain their listing without exposing their home address.

SEO Boosters You’re Probably Missing

Updating your profile isn’t just about accuracy. Those description fields and Q&A sections are prime SEO real estate. A bakery client increased their “custom cakes near me” ranking by simply:

1. Adding “custom birthday cakes” to services
2. Including neighborhood names in the description
3. Responding to common questions about dietary options

Remember to update seasonally too – promoting holiday hours or special events keeps your profile fresh in Google’s eyes.

When to Call in the Pros

While most changes are DIY, some situations need expert help:

• Recovering suspended listings
• Managing multiple locations
• Resolving conflicting duplicates

A hotel client saved hundreds in lost bookings by having us merge their two accidentally-created listings. Sometimes that $50/hour consultant fee pays for itself fast!

There you have it – your no-stress guide to keeping Google info accurate. Remember, a well-maintained Business Profile isn’t just about correctness; it’s about building trust with customers before they even walk through your door. Now go check your listing – I’ll bet there’s at least one tiny update waiting to be made!