When a Business Changes NAP (Name, Address or Phone)

There will be times where a client may change their business name, address or phone number. When this happens, it’s important to update this information across all digital properties immediately. The key here is to plan ahead by at least 30 days or you may be very sorry.

Changing the Business Name

Business names can change from time to time for a number of reasons.

Where to Update the Clients Business Name

When they change business names, we need to update these items in this order:

  1. Business Logo: If the name has changed, most likely the logo will need to be updated. This includes the site’s favicon.
  2. Website Copy: This includes any contact pages and location pages, and the footer.
  3. Website Schema: This includes any Schema on the site that references the business name.
  4. Citations: Whether you are using a third party like Whitespark, Yext, Moz Local or you are updating citations manually, make sure to update all citations. If this is being done manually, make sure to update Google My Business, Facebook and Yelp first.

Changing the Business Address

Ask yourself, when is the official date they are moving to the new address? If signs and everything are up at the new address, we can update the address information. Otherwise, we should wait until they officially move. It’s preferable to update addresses once the client has staff at the new location. Keep in mind when changing an address on Google My Business you may need to reverify the listing which could take a couple of weeks.

Where to Update the Clients Business Address

When they move, we need to update these items in this order:

  1. Website Copy: This includes any contact pages and location pages, and the footer.
  2. Website Schema: This includes any Schema on the site that references the business address.
  3. Citations: Whether you are using a third party like Whitespark, Yext, Moz Local or you are updating citations manually, make sure to update all citations. If this is being done manually, make sure to update Google My Business, Facebook and Yelp first.
  4. Email Newsletter Footer: If the client has an email list it’s required by CAN-SPAM Act to include the businesses “valid physical postal address”.

Changing the Business Phone Number

The business phone number is how many local businesses get most of their leads / customers. Make sure to plan ahead here.

Where to Update the Clients Business Phone Number

When they change the business phone number, we need to update these items in this order:

  1. Website Copy: This includes any contact pages and location pages, and the footer.
  2. Call Tracking: If the client has changed phone number and call tracking is being used, make sure to update this ASAP!
  3. Website Schema: This includes any Schema on the site that references the business phone number.
  4. Citations: Whether you are using a third party like Whitespark, Yext, Moz Local or you are updating citations manually, make sure to update all citations. If this is being done manually, make sure to update Google My Business, Facebook and Yelp first.