How should I handle a company name change at G+

[kbates]

Hello,

I am wondering how you would suggest handling a company name change as it relates to a Google Plus page that is already setup and getting listed. Our company went through a name change this year and we want to update that info on our G+ page. Of importance to us, is that we have several excellent reviews that we don't want to lose.

So, is the best way to handle this for us to go in an simply adjust the info on our G+ page or will we have to kill our current page and start over - losing our reviews?

I would especially love to hear if you have experience with this scenario or a similar one.

Thanks in advance.

[MiriamEllis]

My pleasure, Kirk. Thanks for bringing your good question to Q&A!

[kbates]

Hi Miriam,

Thanks for the insight. What you say totally makes sense. I have already begun changing citations and links over to the new address. I really appreciate your willingness to jump in and help out.

Take care.

[MiriamEllis]

Hi Kirk,

Quick word of warning here: changing your business name could cause you to lose your reviews. If there are 20 reviews for Joe's Autobody, Google may not know that these reviews would be applicable for Joe's Muffler and Oil Change. Here is an example of lost reviews following name change as reported in the Google and Your Business Forum:

https://productforums.google.com/forum/?fromgroups=#!topic/google-plus-discuss/he9yex_ceog

This has always been the case, pre-Google+, so you have to be prepared to possibly lose some or all of your reviews following the change of business name.

As Googlelegaladvice has mentioned, it will be very important that you change your name in every citation you can find on the web, so that as these become updated, Google will find multiple instances to back up the fact that a new business name is, indeed, associated with the address that previously featured the old business name.

[kbates]

Thank you! Any idea how long it usually takes to see the change in place?

[goodlegaladvice]

just update the page I have done it quite a few times in google places also try to update most of the main citations you have on the web