If you recently changed the name of your business, you need to update it on Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) to maintain your position in local searches and to avoid confusing your customers online. Follow our comprehensive guide to update your business name in Google Business Profile below!
- How to Update a Business Name on Google
- What to Expect After Changing Your Google Business Name
- Why You Should Change Your Business Name on Google
- FAQs
How to Update a Business Name on Google
- Sign into your Google Business Profile account
- Click the Google Apps grid icon on the top right
- Select the “Google Business” icon* to see your business’ search results page
- Click the “Edit Profile” icon below “Your business on Google”
- Click the pencil icon next to “Business name” under the “About” tab
- Enter your business’ updated name
- Click “Save”
*Note: If you have multiple locations, pick which you want to edit in Google Business Profile Manger during step 3. Each location’s name must be changed individually.
What to Expect After Changing Your Google Business Name
Once you change your business name in Google Business Profile, you will be required to verify your business on Google again through the same process as when you initially set up your listing.
It can take a while for your business to be re-verified under the new name, so don’t be surprised if you don’t see the name change right away or if you temporarily lose your status as a Google-verified business.
It may be possible to receive an instant verification, though. You must fulfill a few conditions (like being set up on Google Search Console) first. Learn more about the ways you can re-verify your business after making changes.
Why You Should Change Your Business Name on Google
You should change your business name on your Google Business Profile to avoid confusing new and existing customers.
If your business is now operating under a new name, it’s important to spread that information so people know who you are, where you’re located, how to search for you online, and how to give your business referrals.
FAQs
How Do I Change My Business Name on Google Maps?
To change your business name on Google Maps, you must follow the same steps as you would when updating your business name on Google Business Profile:
- Log into your Google Business Profile account
- Click the grid icon in the top right of your screen
- Choose the “Google Business” icon
- Select the “Edit Profile” icon on your business’ search results page
- Click the pencil icon next to “Business name” in the “About” tab
- Type your business’ new name
- Click “Save”
Does Changing My Business Name Hurt My Search Ranking?
Changing your business name in Google could impact your search ranking temporarily or long-term. While you re-verify your business, your listing might not perform as well in local searches, but this should improve after Google confirms your new business name.
Long-term issues can occur if you change your name in Google but not on other directories. Google will lose trust in your business if it notices that your name, address, phone number, location, hours, and other business details are inconsistent across the web. This is where listing management services like Yext can help as they allow you to make changes to your listings across various directories at once.
Will I Lose My Google Reviews If I Change My Business Name?
Most businesses will not lose their reviews when they change their name on Google. The mistake some business owners make when they want to change their business name is creating a completely new Google listing. If you update the name on your current account, you will not lose the reviews associated with that profile.
Need help setting up and optimizing your Google Business Profile? Local Search Fuel by Hurrdat offers local citation services and Google Business Profile resources that can help you find new customers across the internet! Get started today!
Grayson McCartney
After playing tennis and majoring in political science at Doane University, Grayson McCartney decided to put his education to use and became a USPTA Elite Tennis Professional in Mckinney, Texas, before changing directions and landing a Content Strategist role at Hurrdat. He has since progressed to his current role of Digital Strategist with a strong passion for tackling niche projects and helping small and local businesses connect with their audiences authentically. In his free time, Grayson enjoys trying and failing to learn the piano, playing golf, participating in weekly softball and volleyball leagues, “nerding out” about 60s & 70s music, and occasionally dusting off the old tennis rackets.