Business name, description, contact details and attributes

The short version

• Everything here lives under Edit profile. Make changes, then select Save.
• Name: exactly what’s on your sign. No taglines, cities or keywords.
• Description: up to 750 characters, plain, with no links or offers.
• Phone and website: a number you control and the most useful page on your site.
• Attributes: only the ones that are true. Google’s old chat feature ended July 31, 2024.

How do I edit my business details?

These are the details customers use to decide whether to call you. On a computer, go to your Business Profile and select Edit profile. In the Google Maps app, tap Business, then Edit profile. Make your changes and select Save. Google’s editing page notes that Google reviews changes before they go live.

Business name

Use the name customers see on your sign, your website and your invoices. Google’s guidelines say not to add marketing taglines, phone numbers, website addresses, hours, store codes, or service and location words that aren’t part of your real name. Legal terms such as “LLC” need real-world proof, like signage or invoices.

Description

The description shows in the “From the business” section. Google sets a 750-character limit and says not to include links or HTML. The guidelines also rule out promotions, prices and sales offers.

A good description answers four questions: what you do, who it’s for, where you work, and why someone should pick you. Here’s a sample for a business like ours, not a template to copy: “E-3 Design builds and looks after websites for small businesses. We also handle hosting, Google Business Profile help and local search. We’re based in Somerset, PA, and work with businesses in Pennsylvania, Ohio and beyond.”

Phone numbers

• Primary number: one you control, ideally local to the location.
• Extra numbers: you can add up to 2 more, mobile or landline, but not fax.
• Hiding the number: go to More, then Business Profile settings, then Advanced settings, and turn on Don’t show under “Phone number.”

Website

Enter the full address, including “https://”. For a single location, link to your homepage. For several locations, link each profile to that location’s page.

Address

Use your full, accurate street address. If you don’t serve customers there, remove it and set a service area instead; our service-area guide covers that choice.

Chat

Google’s chat page describes a newer option, available in some regions:

1. Go to your Business Profile.
2. Click Edit profile, then Contact.
3. Next to “Chat,” select Edit.
4. In the “Chat” drop-down, select WhatsApp or Text message.
5. Enter your WhatsApp click-to-chat URL, or a phone number that can receive texts.
6. Click Save.

If you add both, Google shows customers only the text option.

Attributes

Attributes are the small facts that help people choose, like wheelchair access or “veteran-owned.” Google’s attributes page groups them into types such as accessibility, recycling and business identity.

1. Go to your Business Profile.
2. Select Edit profile, then More.
3. Next to the group you want, select Edit.
4. Select Yes or No for each attribute.
5. Select Save.

Which attributes you see depends on your category and country. Some come from customer feedback and can’t be edited. Identity attributes are optional, and you can turn them on or off at any time.

Why do these details matter?

They’re what people act on: the call button, the directions, the website link. They’re also what Google compares with the rest of the web. When someone suggests a change and you don’t respond, Google may publish it if other public information supports it, as our guide to Google updates and suggested edits explains. A website that matches your profile protects you.

What are the common mistakes?

• Keywords in the name. It’s against the guidelines and puts the profile at risk. See our suspension guide.
• A number that isn’t really yours, or costs extra. Google’s guidelines say the number must connect to your business location and be under your direct control. It must not refer callers to someone else’s number or landing page, and premium-rate numbers aren’t allowed.
• A description full of keywords or offers. Write it the way you’d explain your business to a new neighbor.
• Turning on chat nobody answers. An unanswered message is worse than none.
• Attributes that aren’t true. An “accessible entrance” that isn’t lets down the people who rely on it.
• Changing your main number often, for example with call tracking. Keep one number for the long term.

What if an edit didn’t show?

• It’s still under review. Google says attribute edits usually take about 10 minutes, but can take up to 30 days. Other edits are also reviewed first.
• Google changed it back. Look for blue text in the editor, which marks Google’s changes, and correct it.
• You’re asked to verify again. A new name or address after verification can trigger this. See our verification guide.
• You can’t find the chat option. Google says it’s only offered in select regions.

What happened to the old chat feature?

Google’s chat and call history page says that as of July 31, 2024, “the chat and call history features are no longer available.” Old records could be downloaded until August 30, 2024. Customers can still call you from the profile. The WhatsApp and text-message option above is the current way to offer messaging where it’s available.

How much does it cost, and how long does it take?

Editing your profile is free. Most edits are quick to make; Google’s review time is what varies, from minutes to weeks for some attributes.

How does E-3 handle this?

Through our SEO and AI search service, we look after these profile details for clients. We draft descriptions and details in plain words, a person checks them, and the client approves each one before it’s saved.

Related questions

• How do I pick categories and list services?
• How do I set holiday hours?
• How do my profile and website connect?
• Back to the complete Google Business Profile guide

Sources

1. Edit your Business Profile (Google Business Profile Help)
2. Guidelines for representing your business on Google (Google Business Profile Help)
3. Manage your business attributes (Google Business Profile Help)
4. Chat with customers from your Business Profile (Google Business Profile Help)
5. Changes to Google Business Profile chat and call history (Google Business Profile Help)