Many small business owners are tempted to treat their Google Business Profile name like a billboard. They see their competitors doing it: “Sam’s Plumbing Services | 24/7 Emergency Repair | Best Prices.” It looks like an easy way to get an SEO boost, right? Wrong.
The Problem with “Keyword Stuffing”
Google is extremely clear on its guidelines: your business name on your GBP must exactly match your real-world, legal business name and signage. Adding extra keywords, city names, or catchy taglines—even if they describe your service—is considered a violation. It’s an easy way to get a temporary advantage, but it’s also a quick ticket to getting your profile flagged and suspended.
Why Google Cares About Consistency
Google wants to ensure that when a customer finds you online, they recognize you instantly when they arrive at your location. If your GBP says “The World’s Best Organic Cafe & Juice Bar,” but your sign simply says “The Daily Grind,” it creates a disconnect and erodes trust. Consistency (known as NAP consistency) is a core ranking signal. Stick to your legal, registered name.
Actionable Tip: Audit Your Name
Check your Google Business Profile name right now. If it has any extra words (like “Best Prices,” your full service list, or a secondary city name) that are not on your official signage, remove them immediately. A clean, accurate name is a signal of trustworthiness to both Google and your customers.
Great SEO Takes Time.
(Time You Might Not Have!)
Running a local business is a full-time job. While these tips are designed to be quick wins, building a complete local dominance strategy takes consistent effort. If you’d rather spend your time serving customers than tweaking keywords, we’re here to help.
No high-pressure sales tactics. Just a friendly chat about your goals.