Site Tip · Getting found on Google

Make your profile and website match

Picture a customer who finds your listing with one phone number and your website with another. Which one do they call? Which one is current? Google wonders the same thing, and mixed-up details make your business look less certain.

Why consistency matters

Google tries to confirm that a business is real and details are accurate. One way it does that is by comparing your name, address and phone number across the web. People often shorten this to NAP.

When your website, your Google Business Profile and other listings agree, that builds confidence. When they differ, it creates doubt. There is no guarantee about how this affects rankings, but accurate details help customers and remove guesswork.

What to compare

Put your Google Business Profile in one window and your website in another. Check each detail against the other, character for character.

• Business name: the same spelling, with no extra keywords added
• Address: same format, same suite number
• Phone number: the same number on both
• Hours: including holiday changes
• Website link: points to your real, current site

Common mismatches

Most mismatches are small and easy to miss. A website may say "Suite 4" while the profile says "Ste. 4." A tracking number may show on one and a main line on the other. An old phone number may linger in the footer of your site or on a contact page.

Another frequent problem is a business name that is slightly different on each. Pick one version and use it everywhere. Also check social pages and any other directories you remember signing up for, since old listings are where outdated numbers tend to hide.

How to fix it

Decide which details are correct. Then update the wrong one so both match exactly. Your profile can be edited from your Google account, and your website can be changed by whoever manages it.

Next, make sure your profile links straight to your website, and that the site's contact page lists the same details. Put your address and phone number in text, not just in an image, so both people and search engines can read them.

Recheck after any move, rebrand or new phone line, because those are the moments when old details sneak back in and quietly cause new mismatches. Modestius builds and fixes websites for small businesses if you want help lining everything up.

Questions owners ask

Does the format of my address have to be identical?

Aim for the same wording and abbreviations in both places. Small differences are usually understood, but matching exactly removes any doubt.

Can I use a tracking phone number?

You can, but be careful. Ask your web person how to set it up so your main number is still listed consistently.

How often should I check this?

Whenever something changes, and a couple of times a year anyway.