Is your business location on Google Maps outdated or incorrect? Whether you’ve moved, expanded, or restructured, keeping your business information accurate on Google is crucial to ensure potential customers can find you. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to change your business address on Google My Business (now called Google Business Profile), ensuring that your online presence reflects your current location.
Updating your Google Maps information is essential because nearly half (46%) of all searches on Google are local. Furthermore, 72% of people who perform a local search visit a store within 5 miles of their search location, meaning that providing accurate and updated information can make the difference between gaining or losing a customer.
Why Updating Your Business Address Matters
When customers search for your business on Google, one of the first things they see is your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number). This crucial information forms the foundation of local citations and is key to helping customers find you. If your business address is incorrect or outdated, it can lead to missed sales, frustrated customers, and potential harm to your business’s reputation.
In fact, 60% of smartphone users contact businesses directly using the information they find in Google search results. So, if your details are inaccurate, you may lose out on these potential customers. Ensuring your address is up to date on your Google Business Profile is essential, especially if you’ve moved or added a new location.
For example, one of our clients had an existing address but needed to add another location for a new showroom. At GMB Heroes, we handled the situation by managing both locations under the same Google Business Profile while ensuring that each address was listed separately for clarity. Keeping everything streamlined like this can make a big difference in helping your customers find you easily across all locations.
Two Methods to Change Your Business Address on Google Maps
There are two simple ways to update your address on Google: editing your NAP information directly from a Google search or updating it through your Google Business Profile dashboard. Both methods will ensure that the information is reflected across Google Maps and search results. Let’s explore both approaches:
Method 1: Change Your Address Directly from Google Search
This method is quick and effective, especially if you’re already logged into the Google account linked to your business profile.
- Log in to the email address connected to your Google Business Profile.
- Search for your business name in the Google search bar. Your business profile will appear either on the right-hand side of the search results page or just beneath the search bar.
- Scroll down and select “Edit your business information”.
- Navigate to the Location tab. From there, you’ll be able to update the address field.
- Delete the old address and enter the new one. If needed, click on +Add address line to include additional details such as a suite or mailbox number.
- In case Google struggles to identify your new location, it may ask you to manually adjust the pin marker on the map by dragging it to the correct spot.
- After ensuring everything is correct, click “Save”.
- Google requires reverification of your business information after major updates, such as a location change. Follow the prompts to begin the reverification process, which can be completed via postcard or phone call.
Once verified, the new location should be visible to users within a few days.
Method 2: Update Your Address from the Google Business Profile Dashboard
For business owners who manage multiple locations or Google Business Profiles, using the dashboard might be the preferred approach. This method offers more control, especially if you need to make several edits or manage multiple business profiles.
- Log into your Google Business Account and navigate to the dashboard.
- In the left-hand menu, click on Info.
- Look for the map section and select the pencil icon next to it to edit your location.
- Update your new address, making sure to add any necessary additional lines, such as floor, unit, or suite numbers. If Google struggles to locate your new address, drag the pin marker to the correct spot on the map.
- Once satisfied with the updates, click “Apply”.
- As with the first method, your changes will be flagged as “Verification Required”. Complete the verification process to ensure the changes are implemented.
Waiting Period After Updating Your Address
Once you’ve updated your address, it typically takes 3 days for changes to fully reflect on Google Maps and your Business Profile. However, it’s crucial to note that deleting an address can take up to 60 days to take effect completely. During the review process, refrain from making further edits to the profile to avoid delays or issues with the update.
What Happens if Google Updates Your Business Location Without Your Input?
You may occasionally receive a notification that says, “Your business location was updated by Google.” This can occur for several reasons:
- Google’s AI may have found conflicting information from another online source and updated your address accordingly.
- A customer or competitor might have submitted a suggestion through the “Suggest an edit” option on your business profile.
These changes won’t go live unless you approve them, so be sure to review any notifications and take action as needed. If someone is attempting to maliciously change your listing, you can report the violation to Google.
Common Problems When Changing Your Business Address
Even though the process of updating your business address on Google is relatively simple, a few issues can arise along the way. Here are some common problems and how to solve them:
1. Duplicate Listings
Google may occasionally generate a new listing for your business when you update your address, which can lead to two separate profiles for the same location. This can confuse customers and negatively impact your SEO. To avoid this, it’s important to merge any duplicate listings through your Google Business dashboard. Remember, Google doesn’t allow two listings for the same location and will flag duplicates, hiding one of them. So, when making address changes, always ensure there’s only one active and accurate profile to maintain your online presence and avoid potential issues.
2. Delayed Verification
The verification postcard can sometimes take longer than expected to arrive. If you’re experiencing significant delays, contact Google Business support. They may be able to offer alternate verification methods, such as verification by phone.
3. Pin Marker Is Incorrect
Both the pin marker and the address need to be precise to ensure accurate GPS directions. If the pin marker is misplaced—whether on the wrong side of the street or pointing to a random spot—it can confuse customers and lead them to the wrong location.
Thinking about deleting your Google Business Profile and starting fresh after a move? Don’t do it! Deleting your profile will wipe out all the historical data associated with it, which can affect your business’s online presence. Instead, just update your existing profile with the new address. This way, you retain the data and search ranking benefits you’ve built over time.
To adjust your pin marker, follow these steps: go to the Info section in your Google Business dashboard, select your address, and simply drag the pin marker to the correct spot on the map. You can switch to Satellite view for better accuracy. Ideally, place the pin marker at the front door of your business to ensure customers end up at the right entrance. Otherwise, they could end up somewhere inconvenient, like a back alley.
Be careful, though. After repositioning the pin marker, double-check that your address hasn’t changed in the dashboard. Sometimes adjusting the marker can alter the address, so it’s important to verify everything is still correct.
When it comes to major edits, like changing your business address or pin marker, Google may require reverification of your profile. Any additional changes made during the review process can delay or even reject the update. So once you’ve made the adjustment, resist the urge to tweak anything further until the change has been processed. In most cases, Google processes updates quickly—often within 30 seconds—but stay patient during the verification process to avoid complications.
Other Steps You Should Take After Changing Your Address
Changing your business address is just the first step. Here are some additional things to consider to ensure your customers are fully aware of your new location.
1. Update Your Website and Social Media
It’s not enough to just update your Google listing—make sure your website, social media profiles, and any other online platforms also reflect your new location. Consider adding a blog post or banner on your website announcing the move, and send an email newsletter to your customers with all the details.
2. Inform Customers with Google Posts
Google Posts is an excellent tool for making announcements directly on your Business Profile. Use it to inform customers of your new location, upcoming promotions, or any events tied to your move. This feature makes it easy to communicate important changes right within search results and Google Maps.
It’s important to know that others—such as customers or competitors—can suggest edits to your business’s listing. Google allows the community to submit updates, but these changes go through a review process before going live. To avoid any surprises, regularly check your business profile for updates that may have been made by someone else.
3. Update Your Information Across All Directories
Don’t forget to update your NAP information on other platforms such as Yelp, Yellow Pages, and industry-specific directories. Accurate and consistent data across all platforms not only ensures that customers find you, but also improves your local SEO.
4. Monitor Customer Reviews
Relocating can cause confusion for your customers, so make sure to monitor any reviews or questions that arise. Respond promptly to any concerns, and use this opportunity to reinforce your commitment to customer service.
Final Tips for Managing Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is not a one-time task. It’s a living platform that requires ongoing attention. As your business grows, make sure to regularly review and update your profile, including your hours of operation, services, and products. This will ensure that your business remains visible and attractive to potential customers.
If you need help managing your Google Business Profile or local SEO strategy, consider reaching out to experts like GMB Heroes. Their team can guide you through the process and ensure that your profile stays optimised for local search, helping you attract more customers to your new location.
By staying proactive and attentive to your Google Business Profile, you can ensure that your business remains easy to find and continues to thrive in both the digital and physical world.
FAQs
1. How do I update my business address on Google Maps?
You can update your business address by logging into your Google Business Profile and editing the address under the “Info” section. You can also change the address directly from Google search by looking up your business and selecting “Edit your business information.”
2. Why is it important to keep my business address updated on Google?
Accurate business information helps customers find you easily. Nearly half of all Google searches are local, and 72% of people who perform a local search visit a business within 5 miles. Providing the correct address can be the difference between gaining or losing a customer.
3. Can I have two business locations under one Google Business Profile?
Yes, if your business operates multiple locations, you can manage them under the same Google Business Profile. Just be sure to add and update each address individually to avoid confusion.
4. What should I do if my pin marker on Google Maps is incorrect?
If the pin marker is in the wrong place, go to your Google Business Profile dashboard, click on “Info,” then edit the pin marker by dragging it to the correct spot on the map. Ensure that it accurately points to your front entrance.
5. Will I lose my Google Business Profile data if I move to a new address?
No, you don’t need to delete your existing profile. Simply update your current profile with the new address to retain all your historical data, reviews, and rankings.
6. How long does it take for changes to show up after updating my address on Google?
It usually takes around 3 days for your new address to appear on Google Maps. However, deleting an address could take up to 60 days to fully reflect.
7. What if Google creates a new listing when I update my business address?
If Google generates a duplicate listing, you can merge the listings in your Google Business Profile dashboard. Be cautious when updating your address to avoid creating duplicates, as Google may hide one of the listings.
8. What happens if I make changes to my Google Business Profile during the review process?
Making additional changes while Google is verifying your new address could delay or even reject the update. It’s best to wait for the review process to finish before making any further edits.
9. How do I re-verify my business after changing the address?
Google may require re-verification after major updates like an address change. Follow the prompts in your dashboard to receive a postcard or phone call for verification.
10. How do I update my business address across other directories?
Besides Google, make sure to update your address on other platforms like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and any industry-specific directories to maintain consistency and boost your local SEO.