Your name, address, and phone number are called your NAP. They show up on your Google profile, your website, Facebook, Yelp, and lots of other sites.
Google compares them. When they all match, Google is more sure you're a real, local business. When they don't, it's less sure, and that can cost you spots in local search.
What "match" really means
Match means the same, down to the small stuff. These look alike to you, but not to a computer:
- "Smith Plumbing" vs. "Smith Plumbing LLC" vs. "Smith Plumbing & Drain"
- "Suite 4" vs. "Ste 4" vs. "#4"
- Your cell number on Facebook, your office number on Google
- An old address on Yelp from before you moved
How to fix it
- Pick one master version. Use your Google Business Profile as the source. Write down the exact name, address, and phone, including punctuation.
- Check your own places first. Your website footer, your Facebook page, your Instagram bio, and your email signature.
- Check the big listing sites. Yelp, Bing Places, Apple Business Connect (for Apple Maps), the BBB, Nextdoor, and Angi. Update any that are different.
- Search for old info. Google your old phone number and your old address. Anything that comes up with your business name needs to be fixed.
Moving or changing numbers? Update everything on the same day, starting with Google. Every listing left behind with the old info is another place that disagrees.
The mistake almost everyone makes
Using a different phone number for every ad or listing. If you need to track calls, talk to whoever sets it up about keeping your main number on your Google profile and website.