How to Safely Make Changes to Your Google Business Profile
One of the most confusing—and surprisingly risky—tasks for any business owner is updating your Google Business Profile, especially when it affects how your company shows up on Google Maps. Whether you’re rebranding, moving locations, or adjusting your business info, you might think it’s as easy as clicking “edit.” Unfortunately, it’s not. Google has become extremely sensitive to changes on business listings, and making the wrong move can lead to your profile being suspended, even if you’re doing everything by the book.
So how do you safely make updates without triggering a red flag? Joe Burnett from Big West Marketing breaks down exactly what you need to know to stay out of trouble and keep your profile active.
Why Google Suspends Business Profiles for Edits
Google has been cracking down on suspicious changes to Google Business Profiles. Why? Because too many people have tried to game the system—creating fake businesses, stuffing keywords into names, or swapping out locations to manipulate local rankings.
To protect its platform, Google now flags any major change as potentially suspicious—even if it’s completely legitimate. And in many cases, they won’t even warn you before suspending your listing.
What Counts as a Major Change?
Not all changes are treated equally by Google. Here are the edits most likely to trigger a suspension:
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Changing your business address
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Editing your business name
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Switching your website URL
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Updating your primary business category
If you’re a carpet cleaning business and switch your category to water damage restoration, that’s a red flag. Similarly, rebranding with a new name or moving to a new office location? Google might see that as suspicious—even if it’s 100% legit.
What’s safe to change?
Google is generally okay with updates to your phone number. That’s not seen as a major change.
The Right Way to Make Changes (And Avoid Suspension)
So how do you update your info without risking a suspension? The key is building trust signals first. Before you touch your Google Business Profile, update your business information in other authoritative places online. When Google sees those changes reflected across trusted sources, they’re far more likely to approve the update without issue.
Update These 5 Places First:
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Secretary of State
This is your official government registration. Google sees this as the ultimate source of truth about your business name and address. Update this first. -
Yelp
Believe it or not, Google respects Yelp as an authoritative business directory. Update your Yelp listing with the new name, address, and website. -
Facebook Business Page
Google crawls social profiles. Make sure your Facebook Business Page reflects the same changes before updating your GBP. -
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Even the free listing counts. Google considers BBB a trusted data source, so update your profile there too. -
Nextdoor Business Page
Nextdoor requires verification, which adds credibility. Like BBB, the free version is enough. Just make sure it’s current.
These updates create a “paper trail” that tells Google, this business is real and these changes are legitimate.
If You Still Get Suspended, Here’s What to Do
Sometimes, even after doing everything right, Google might still suspend your profile. If that happens, you’ll need to submit an appeal.
What Google Will Likely Ask For:
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A utility bill in your business name, showing the updated address
The quickest and easiest utility bill to change? Your cell phone bill.
If your cell phone is currently under your personal name to save money, it’s time to make the switch. Update it to reflect your business name and official address. Yes, it may cost you an extra $20–$25 per month, but that one change can mean the difference between a fast reactivation and weeks of stress.
Other acceptable options:
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Electric bill
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Gas bill
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Internet bill
But a cell phone bill is often the easiest and fastest to get.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone, and You’re Not Doing It Wrong
If this feels like a lot of hoops to jump through, you’re not wrong. Even legitimate, rule-following businesses can get caught in Google’s automated filters. The system isn’t perfect, and Google rarely explains why profiles are suspended.
That’s why it’s crucial to be proactive:
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Plan ahead before making changes
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Create a paper trail across authoritative websites
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Keep documentation handy in case of a suspension
Google won’t tell you this process—but now you know.
