Change Address in GBP for Home-Based Business

[Matt Chauhan]

In the case of home-based GBP's, can we update the business address? A client used his parent's home address to verify his GBP and hid the address since they are an SAB. But that address doesn't cover their target territory. I know that if we set up a grid report for them, we will have to use their parent's address as the center point in the report to track their rankings. Is it possible to update their address in GBP, reverify it, and then hide the address again? How does it work? Is it even possible to do so?

 

[JoyHawkins]

My suggestion would be to create a new listing using a new phone number, then move the reviews, then delete the old listing.

 

[Matt Chauhan]

My suggestion would be to create a new listing using a new phone number, then move the reviews, then delete the old listing.

Hi Joy,

Is this the standard practice for all GBPs if they move to a new home address?

 

[JoyHawkins]

It's what I'm currently advising based on all the bugs I have seen and Google's inability to understand that SABs can move. We have a video coming out in a few weeks about it on our YouTube channel.

 

[Matt Chauhan]

It's what I'm currently advising based on all the bugs I have seen and Google's inability to understand that SABs can move. We have a video coming out in a few weeks about it on our YouTube channel.

This is very well noted. Now, in our case, the address used by our client in his GBP is in North Carolina. He is currently residing in South Carolina. If we check Google Maps, a large part of the client's target region is covered with his South Carolina address, but surprisingly, all his target zip codes fall within North Carolina (Weird Geography). Shall we go ahead and create a new listing using his South Carolina address and follow the steps you mentioned above? Will Google be confused about it (The address being in SC but target zip codes in NC)?

 

[JoyHawkins]

I'm not sure if that would result in the desired outcome. If you wanted him to rank in North Carolina, you'd want an address in North Carolina.

 

[Tony Wang]

@JoyHawkins just curious, what exactly do you see happening if an SAB moved to a new house and submitted an address change? Are they getting suspended and having to go through reinstatement?

And if they create a new listing for the same business, Google is easily moving reviews over?

 

[JoyHawkins]

No, they continue to rank in the old area due to a technical issue that has been ongoing for years.

I wouldn't say Google "easily" does anything, but yes, we have been successful at getting reviews moved.