Your business name is more than just a label—it’s a key part of how customers find you online. On Google My Business (now called Google Business Profile), your name shows up in Search, Maps, and local listings. Having a clear and accurate name can be the difference between someone choosing you or a competitor.
Maybe you rebranded. Or maybe you spotted a typo. Or you want your name to better explain what you do. Changing your business name on Google is possible, but you have to do it right. Otherwise, you risk losing visibility or even getting suspended.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to change your business name on Google My Business, explain why it matters, point out common mistakes, and share tips to keep your profile strong.
Quick How-To
Want the basics? Here’s what you do:
- Sign into your Google Business Profile.
- Select the business you want to update.
- Click Edit Profile and change your business name.
- Save your changes.
- Google might ask you to verify the change.
Why Change Your Business Name on Google?
Here are some common reasons businesses update their name:
- Rebranding: New look, new name.
- Mergers or Acquisitions: Two businesses become one.
- Fixing Typos: Small mistakes happen.
- Service Expansion: Add new services to your name (like “& Heating”).
- SEO: Adding keywords carefully to get found more easily.
Step-by-Step: Change Your Business Name on Google
- Sign In: Head over to Google Business Profile Manager and log in with your business email.
- Pick Your Business: If you manage multiple locations, choose the one you want to edit.
- Edit Profile: Click the “Edit Profile” button in your dashboard.
- Update Name: Type in your new business name. Make sure it fits your brand and follows Google’s rules.
- Save: Hit “Apply.” Sometimes the change shows up right away. Other times, Google reviews it first.
- Verify if Needed: Google might ask you to confirm the change by phone, email, or postcard.
Google’s Rules for Business Names
Google wants names to be honest and clear. Here’s what’s okay and what’s not:
- Allowed: Your real business name.
- Allowed: Descriptors only if they’re part of the official name (like “Starbucks Coffee”).
- Not Allowed: Keyword stuffing like “Best Cheap Pizza NYC.”
- Not Allowed: ALL CAPS unless it’s your brand style.
- Not Allowed: Adding taglines, phone numbers, or website URLs.
Breaking these rules can lead to your listing being suspended or harder to find.
How Long Does It Take for Google to Approve?
Usually, changes show up within 1-2 days. But if Google needs to review or verify, it can take up to a week.
Here’s what can slow things down:
- Unusual or generic names.
- New business accounts.
- Many recent edits on your profile.
What If Google Rejects Your Name Change?
If your update doesn’t go through, try these steps:
- Make sure the name matches your real-world branding.
- Provide proof like business licenses or photos of your storefront.
- Contact Google Business Profile support to appeal.
How Updating Your Name Helps Your SEO
When done right, changing your name can help you rank better locally. Here’s why:
- Relevance: A clear name with keywords can boost visibility.
- Consistency: Matching your website and social profiles helps rankings.
- Freshness: Updates tell Google your info is current.
Example: A Texas dental office updated from “Dr. Smith Clinic” to “Smith Family Dental Care” and saw a 22% boost in local searches within three months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Stuffing keywords unnaturally.
- Changing your name too often.
- Using a name that doesn’t match your website or signs.
- Skipping verification steps.
- Not updating your name on other platforms.
What to Do After Changing Your Name
Changing your name is just the start. To get the most from it:
- Update your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) everywhere.
- Fix your website contact info to match.
- Post an announcement on Google Posts.
- Ask customers to leave reviews mentioning your new name.
Should You Tell Customers About the Change?
Yes. Being open builds trust. Here’s how:
- Send an email newsletter.
- Share posts on social media.
- Add banners or pop-ups on your website.
- Pin a Google Post explaining the update.
Bonus Tip
For more on managing your online reputation, check out guides on local reviews and how star ratings impact trust.
FAQs
Can I change my Google Business name anytime?
Yes. But changing it too often or oddly might cause Google to review or suspend your listing.
Will changing my business name hurt my SEO?
If done right, no. It can actually help if your new name is relevant and consistent.
How many times can I change my Google Business name?
There’s no set limit. Just don’t change it too frequently to avoid delays or suspicion.
Do I need to reverify my business after a name change?
Sometimes. Especially for big changes, Google might ask you to verify again.
How long before my new name shows on Google Maps?
Usually 1-2 days. Sometimes up to 7 days if Google reviews your update.
What if I make a mistake after changing my name?
You can edit it again. Just know that it might trigger another review or verification.
Wrapping Up
Changing your business name on Google is simple but needs care. A clean, honest update keeps your profile visible and trustworthy.
Whether fixing errors, rebranding, or improving SEO, following these steps helps your business stay in front of customers. Keep your info consistent everywhere. Done right, your new name will bring more local attention and customers.
