If your business changes its name and meets the following criteria, reviews aren’t removed:
• You make a minor name change.
• You have multiple locations and the business name changes.
Be very careful because if your business changes its name but doesn’t meet the criteria above, it’s considered a new business and reviews are removed.
You can see the Google guidelines help article here: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3098204?hl=en
When making changes to your business name the safest way we have found is the following 5 steps:
1. Change first with your local secretary of sate office.
2. Change on your Website.
3. Change on your Facebook business page.
4. Change on your Google My Business profile.
5. Change on your Yelp Business account.
Today I’m drawing inspiration from Joe Burnich, of bigwestmarketing.com, who tackled a commonly asked question amongst businesses making significant changes: “Will I lose my Google reviews if I change my business details on my Google My Business account?” We will delve into various scenarios, as well as essential steps to ensure you’re handling this crucial process correctly.
Tricking Google: A Losing Game
The first rule of thumb is simple: don’t try to trick Google. It’s a losing game. Let’s say you’re a carpet cleaning company planning to switch to window cleaning and wish to keep all your reviews. If you modify your primary service category in Google My Business from carpet cleaning to window cleaning, chances are you might lose your reviews. This is because Google’s objective is to provide the most accurate information to its users. In this case, your top-rated carpet cleaning service may not translate to your as-yet unproven window cleaning skills. Remember, there are exceptions, but caution is always the best approach.
The Name Change Dilemma
A significant change business owners frequently grapple with is modifying their business name. For instance, if “Jim’s Carpet Cleaning Service” has evolved into a full-service cleaning company over the years and wants to become “Jim’s Cleaning Services,” there’s a specific sequence of steps to follow to make this transition smooth while retaining Google reviews and rankings.
1. Legal Change with the Secretary of State
Begin by changing your business name with the Secretary of State in your respective state. You can either visit their office or complete the process online. This legal change gives Google a verifiable reference point and bolsters the authenticity of your name change.
2. Website Updates
Next, modify your business name across your website – not just the logo or header. This includes all mentions of your old business name, even in the backend like the schema (which your web designer or marketing company can handle). If you’re a client of Big West Marketing, they’ll do this for you.
3. Social Media Edits: Facebook Business Page
Change your business name on your Facebook Business page – another reputable source that Google checks for consistency and legitimacy.
4. Google My Business Update
Only after you’ve made all the above changes should you update your Google My Business account. Log in, navigate to the Edit section, and update your business name.
5. Yelp Business Account Update
Finally, modify your business name in your Yelp Business account. It’s essential to do this after the Google My Business update as Yelp prefers changes in their system post-Google updates.
Key Takeaway
By adhering to this sequence – Secretary of State, website, Facebook, Google My Business, and Yelp – you establish a consistent, legitimate business name across the internet. This method provides the best chance of retaining your Google reviews and rankings throughout the transition.
If you need assistance with this or have further questions, reach out to Joe and his team at Big West Marketing. They offer a free consultation, and existing clients can always call or email for expert help. If you’d like to become a client, dial (406)-493-1881 or visit bigwestmarketing.com and apply for a free consultation. Remember, you’re investing in professional services so they can handle these intricacies for you and ensure your business thrives online, regardless of the changes you make.
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