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Home » Can I change my Google Business name and keep reviews?

Can I change my Google Business name and keep reviews?

May 17, 2025 by TinyGrab Team Leave a Comment

Table of Contents

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  • Can I Change My Google Business Name and Keep Reviews? The Definitive Guide
    • Understanding the Google Business Profile Name Change Process
      • How to Change Your Business Name on Google
      • What Happens After You Submit the Name Change?
    • Addressing Potential Issues: When Reviews Disappear
      • What to Do If You Lose Reviews
    • FAQs About Changing Your Google Business Name and Reviews
      • 1. How Long Does It Take for a Google Business Name Change to Be Approved?
      • 2. Can I Change My Business Name If I’m Moving Locations?
      • 3. What Happens to My Google Business Profile URL After a Name Change?
      • 4. Can I Change My Business Name Back to the Original If I Don’t Like the New One?
      • 5. Does Changing My Business Name Affect My Local SEO Ranking?
      • 6. What If My Competitor Is Using a Similar Name?
      • 7. Will Changing My Business Category Impact My Reviews?
      • 8. Can I Edit My Business Name If My Profile Is Suspended?
      • 9. Is It Better to Create a New Google Business Profile Instead of Changing the Name?
      • 10. What If I’m Changing Ownership of the Business?
      • 11. Can I Add Keywords to My Business Name to Improve SEO?
      • 12. What’s the Best Way to Prepare for a Google Business Name Change to Minimize Review Loss?

Can I Change My Google Business Name and Keep Reviews? The Definitive Guide

Yes, you can change your Google Business Profile (GBP) name and generally keep your reviews. However, the process isn’t always seamless, and several factors determine whether your reviews transfer successfully. Think of it as more of a “likely to keep” rather than a guaranteed “will keep.” Navigating this landscape requires understanding Google’s guidelines and best practices. Let’s dive in and unpack the nuances of changing your business name on Google while preserving your hard-earned reputation.

Understanding the Google Business Profile Name Change Process

Before you even think about clicking that “edit” button, understand why you’re changing your name. Is it a minor adjustment, a complete rebrand, or something in between? Google looks closely at these changes. A slight tweak, like adding “Inc.” or correcting a misspelling, is far less likely to trigger review loss than a complete overhaul.

The key is to ensure the new name accurately reflects your business and adheres to Google’s guidelines. Deceptive or misleading names are a big no-no and can lead to suspension, not just review loss. So, be honest and transparent.

How to Change Your Business Name on Google

  1. Sign in to your Google Business Profile using the account associated with your business.
  2. Navigate to the “Info” section.
  3. Find the “Name” field and click the pencil icon to edit.
  4. Enter your new business name.
  5. Click “Apply“.

Google will then review your name change. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days. During this time, your profile might display “Pending Edit.” Be patient! Poking the bear (submitting multiple requests) won’t speed things up.

What Happens After You Submit the Name Change?

This is where the uncertainty creeps in. Google’s algorithm assesses the change, considering factors such as:

  • Similarity to the old name: A closer match increases the likelihood of review retention.
  • Consistency with other online listings: Your new name should match your website, social media, and other directory listings. Inconsistencies raise red flags.
  • Relevance to your business category: The new name should still align with the products or services you offer.
  • Overall profile health: A profile with a history of violations is more likely to face scrutiny.

If Google deems the change legitimate and representative of the same underlying business, your reviews should, in theory, remain attached to the profile. However, sometimes, things don’t go as planned.

Addressing Potential Issues: When Reviews Disappear

Unfortunately, even if you follow all the rules, there’s no guarantee your reviews will survive the name change. Here’s what you need to know about why reviews may be removed:

  • Algorithm Glitches: Sometimes, the algorithm simply misfires. It’s not perfect, and false positives happen.
  • Significant Name Changes: As mentioned, a radical departure from the original name can trigger review removal. Google might interpret it as a fundamentally different business.
  • Category Changes: If you also changed your business category along with the name, this adds another layer of complexity and can impact review retention.
  • Profile Suspensions (Temporary or Permanent): Even a temporary suspension during the review process can lead to review loss.

What to Do If You Lose Reviews

Don’t panic. Here’s your action plan:

  1. Contact Google Support: This is your first line of defense. Explain the situation clearly and politely. Provide supporting documentation, such as business licenses or articles of incorporation, to prove the legitimacy of the name change.
  2. Monitor Your Profile: Keep a close eye on your profile in the days and weeks following the name change. Reviews might reappear gradually.
  3. Encourage Customers to Re-Post Reviews: If you’ve exhausted all other options, gently encourage your loyal customers to re-post their reviews. Don’t incentivize them with discounts or freebies, as this violates Google’s policies. Simply let them know that their feedback is valuable and helps other potential customers.
  4. Verify NAP Citations: Ensure that your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) information is consistent across all online platforms, including your website, social media profiles, and online directories. Inconsistent NAP information can confuse search engines and impact your local search ranking.

FAQs About Changing Your Google Business Name and Reviews

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions that will help you avoid common mistakes when changing your business name:

1. How Long Does It Take for a Google Business Name Change to Be Approved?

The approval process varies. Minor edits might be approved within a few hours. More significant changes can take several days, sometimes even a week or two. Patience is key.

2. Can I Change My Business Name If I’m Moving Locations?

This is a tricky situation. If the new name is completely unrelated to the old one, consider creating a new listing for the new location and letting the old one fade away. If the new name reflects a new location and represents the same business, follow the steps listed above for changing the name.

3. What Happens to My Google Business Profile URL After a Name Change?

The original URL usually remains the same. The system uses the Google Place ID, which is a unique identifier for your business, regardless of the name. However, after the name change, you can update your short name URL to reflect the new name.

4. Can I Change My Business Name Back to the Original If I Don’t Like the New One?

Yes, you can. Just follow the same process as before. However, frequent name changes can negatively impact your ranking and credibility.

5. Does Changing My Business Name Affect My Local SEO Ranking?

Potentially, yes. A significant name change can disrupt your established ranking signals. It’s essential to update your NAP citations across the web to reflect the new name and maintain consistency.

6. What If My Competitor Is Using a Similar Name?

This can be problematic. Google frowns upon businesses impersonating others. If you have legal rights to the name, you can report the infringing business to Google.

7. Will Changing My Business Category Impact My Reviews?

Yes, changing your business category alongside your name increases the risk of losing reviews. Google wants to ensure reviews are relevant to the services you provide.

8. Can I Edit My Business Name If My Profile Is Suspended?

No, you need to resolve the suspension first. Once your profile is reinstated, you can then attempt to change the name.

9. Is It Better to Create a New Google Business Profile Instead of Changing the Name?

Generally, no. Creating a new profile means starting from scratch with zero reviews and no established ranking. Changing the name is usually the preferred option, as long as you do it carefully.

10. What If I’m Changing Ownership of the Business?

If the name is changing to reflect the new ownership, it may be best to remove the business and have the new owner create a listing. If the name is staying and the business is still at the same location, changing ownership should not impact reviews.

11. Can I Add Keywords to My Business Name to Improve SEO?

No! This is considered keyword stuffing and violates Google’s guidelines. Your business name should accurately reflect your actual business name, not a string of keywords.

12. What’s the Best Way to Prepare for a Google Business Name Change to Minimize Review Loss?

  • Plan Ahead: Don’t make impulsive decisions.
  • Ensure Consistency: Update your website, social media, and other listings before changing your GBP name.
  • Communicate with Customers: Let your customers know about the upcoming name change. This can help manage expectations and encourage them to re-post reviews if necessary.
  • Document Everything: Keep records of your business licenses, articles of incorporation, and other relevant documents to support your name change request.

Changing your Google Business Profile name is a delicate operation. By understanding the process, following best practices, and being prepared for potential issues, you can significantly increase your chances of preserving your valuable reviews and maintaining a strong online presence. Proceed with caution and a healthy dose of preparation, and you’ll navigate this transition successfully.

Filed Under: Personal Finance

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