What Should I Consider When Setting Up or Changing My Google Business Profile?

Short Answer: When setting up or changing your Google business profile, be prepared for the possibility that Google might send you a mail with a postal code requiring re-verification of your profile or they could suspend your account. However, if your business isn’t showing up in rankings or on the map at all, making changes involves little risk since you are already not visible.

Full Explanation

It is important to understand that making adjustments or initiating a new Google business profile comes with certain risks. One key risk is that Google may decide to send a verification postcard again, which includes a postal code you need to enter to confirm authenticity. This means your profile’s verification status could be reset, requiring you to complete this step once more. There is also the possibility that Google might suspend your business profile entirely during or after the update process. Such outcomes can affect your online presence.

On the other hand, if your business profile currently has no ranking and does not show up anywhere on Google Maps, then proceeding with updates or changes carries minimal downside. Since you are not being displayed to customers in these cases, you essentially have nothing to lose by attempting to fix or enhance your profile.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Consider your current profile visibility: Evaluate if your business shows up in search rankings and maps.
Prepare for potential re-verification: Understand that Google may send a postcard requiring you to verify your business address again.
Be aware of suspension risk: Accept that your profile could be suspended after changes.
Assess your risk tolerance: If you are not currently visible, proceed since you have little or nothing to lose.
Navigate updates carefully: Make changes with these possible outcomes in mind.

Real Examples

While no specific case studies are provided, this guidance reflects situations where business owners notice they’re not ranking or appearing on maps at all. In such cases, making updates or re-claiming a profile can result in Google requesting re-verification through postal mail or temporarily suspending the listing to confirm legitimacy.

Common Mistakes

Making changes without understanding that re-verification may be required.
Assuming updates will always improve rankings immediately.
Ignoring the potential for suspension during profile changes.
Not factoring in whether the profile is currently visible before deciding to update.

FAQs

Q: Will my Google business profile always stay verified after changes?
A: No, Google might send a new postcard requiring re-verification when you update your profile.

Q: Can my profile be suspended if I make changes?
A: Yes, suspension is a possible outcome during or after making adjustments.

Q: What if my profile isn’t showing up anywhere yet?
A: You have little to lose by making changes since your profile is not currently visible.

Key Takeaways

Google may require re-verification via mail when you update your business profile.
There is a risk of suspension when making changes, so proceed with caution.
If your profile isn’t appearing in rankings or maps, updating it has minimal risk.
Assess your profile’s current visibility to make an informed decision about changes.