Keep your name, address and phone number the same everywhere
Search engines compare what different sources say about your business. When your name, address or phone number differ from one place to the next, it is harder for them to be sure which business is yours. Local search specialists call these details your NAP.
How to check
- Write down the exact version. Use the name as it appears on your sign and invoices, the full street address and one main phone number.
- Compare it with your website. Check the footer, the contact page and the business details a search engine reads.
- Compare it with your Google profile. Look at name, address and phone.
- Search your business name and phone number. Open the directories and listings that come up, and note any that differ.
- Fix each one. Most directories let the owner claim the listing and edit it for free.
Common mismatches
- "Suite" or "Ste" written two ways.
- An old phone number on an old listing.
- A name with "LLC" in one place and without it in another.
- A former address from before a move.
Small differences in punctuation are less of a worry than a different number or street. The goal is that a person reading any listing can tell it is the same business.
Questions
Do I need a new phone number for tracking calls?
A tracking number is not needed for this. Pick one main number for listings. If you use tracking numbers on your site, keep the main number on your Google profile.
How many directories do I need to fix?
Start with Google, then the first listings that show up when you search your own name.