10 Common Google Business Profile Problems (and How to Fix Them)

If you’ve ever felt like wrangling your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a full-time job, you’re not alone!

Torie Mathis, Marketing Agency CEO, Digital Marketing Coach, and fixer of oh so many Google Business headaches, takes you inside the ten problems business owners face the most, and gives you straightforward, actionable solutions.

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just getting started, this blog post (and the featured video!) will have your Google Business Profile primed for success.

Verification Issues

Before your business can shine, you have to get past the verification gatekeeper! Many owners struggle when postcards go missing, codes arrive late, or errors pop up.

Here’s the fix: Always check your mail carefully; sometimes those postcards take up to 14 days. If you don’t receive it, request another code through your Google profile. Still stuck? Contact Google Support for direct help. Getting verified is step one for local search dominance.

Duplicate Listings

Surprised by extra Google listings for your business? You’re not alone. Duplicate profiles can confuse customers, hurt rankings, or even get your account suspended.

Torie Mathis says to search Google for your business, claim all duplicate listings, then merge them through Google Business Support. If you spot an unverified duplicate, suggest an edit for removal through Google Maps. Remember: one location, one listing!

Incorrect Business Information

Nothing turns customers away faster than outdated details like a wrong address or a bad phone number. Keep your info fresh by logging into your profile, hitting Edit Profile, and updating anything that’s out of date. Remember to save changes! Google may take a day or two to process updates.

Ownership Conflicts

What if someone else is listed as the owner of your business? Yikes. Request ownership by clicking “Request Access” on the profile, filling out the details, and letting Google connect with the current owner. They’ll notify you of the result. Stay persistent: regaining access is crucial to your success.

Review Management

Reviews can make or break your reputation. Torie Mathis recommends responding professionally to all reviews and flagging any that violate Google’s policies. If reviews go missing, contact Google Support. Pro tip: Never start over with a new listing after moving; otherwise, you may lose all your hard-earned reviews (as Torie Mathis experienced firsthand!).

Google Map Pin & Integration Problems

If Google Maps can’t find you, customers can’t either. Fix your pin by editing your Business Location in your Google Profile and precisely positioning the map marker.

Still having issues? Use the “Report a Problem” feature in Google Maps. Don’t repeat Torie Mathis’s mistake by starting over with a new listing fight to keep (and fix) your profile instead.

Access and Permissions

Want to share access with team members or your marketing agency? Click the three-dot menu in your Google profile, head to Business Profile settings, then to People and Access. Adjust user roles or invite new users as needed. It’s safe, secure, and keeps your business running smoothly.

Improving Visibility and Ranking

Wondering why your business isn’t #1 for local searches? Make sure your profile is complete, accurate, and regularly updated with photos, posts, and products. Encourage customers to leave positive reviews; these are key for boosting visibility!

Service Area

If you’re a service business or don’t have a physical storefront, make sure your service area is clear. Edit your service area and categories using the Edit Profile button. Pick the best primary category and add more if necessary to fully represent your offerings.

Suspended Profiles

The worst feeling? A sudden, unexplained profile suspension. Torie Mathis reminds you: don’t panic. Figure out what’s wrong, fix it, and follow Google’s reinstatement steps. There’s always a path back to visibility!

Remember, this is just one part of your Smart Marketing Strategy!

Google Business Profile optimization is essential, but it’s only a piece of the puzzle. Do you know how your marketing stacks up?

Find out by taking the SMART Marketing quiz. You’ll get customized results on how to get smarter with your marketing, discover where to focus for the best return, and unlock your business’s true potential. It’s like having a personal marketing coach by your side!

And remember, you don’t need crazy tech skills, buckets of cash, or a dedicated staff to market your business; in fact, you don’t even need a lot of time.

What you need is to be smart, and Google Business Profile is smart for your business.

If you're ready to grow your business with smart marketing you can:

1. Sign up for weekly FREE Business Bytes with CEO, Torie Mathis

2. Get a SMART Funnel and begin to automate your marketing

3. Learn Digital Marketing with a Smart Marketing Course

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: TORIE MATHIS

Torie Mathis helps entrepreneurs grow their business with Smart Marketing.  She is a best-selling author, Army veteran, international speaker + trainer, and the CEO + Creative Director at Lake Shark Media. She also teaches entrepreneurs how to get smart with digital marketing at toriemathis.com