Google Business Profile Bug Prevents New Listings – How It Impacts You and What to Do
Struggling to add your business to Google? You’re not alone! A recent Google Business Profile (GBP) bug is preventing businesses from creating new listings, leaving many owners frustrated. Even worse, some existing profiles are losing their phone numbers, potentially affecting customer interactions.
This Google Business Profile bug prevents new listings, which means that businesses trying to establish their presence on Google are facing a roadblock. The glitch is preventing users from completing the listing process, which could severely hinder local visibility for businesses relying on the platform to attract new customers.
If your business relies on Google for local visibility, this issue could impact your reach, credibility, and customer trust. Here’s everything you need to know about the problem, its impact, and what you can do while waiting for a fix.
What’s Happening with Google Business Profiles?
Over the past few days, multiple business owners and digital marketers have reported being unable to add new businesses to Google Business Profiles. The issue seems to be linked to phone number verification, as users find themselves stuck when trying to move past the contact details page.
Key Issues Reported:
The “Next” button is unresponsive after entering a phone number and website.
Phone numbers disappearing from some existing Google Business Profiles.
Businesses are unable to verify new listings due to the glitch.
A Google Product Expert has confirmed that the issue has been escalated to Google, but there is no official fix yet.
Why Does This Matter for Businesses
If your business isn’t listed or lacks accurate contact details, you risk losing customer inquiries, foot traffic, and potential sales.
🔹 Impact on New Businesses: You can’t list your business on Google, meaning customers won’t find you in local searches or on Google Maps.
🔹 Impact on Existing Businesses: If your phone number disappears, customers may struggle to contact you, leading to missed business opportunities.
🔹 SEO & Visibility Loss: Google Business Profiles contribute to local SEO, and errors like this can affect rankings and search visibility.
What You Can Do Right Now
While we wait for Google to resolve the issue, here are some proactive steps to minimize its impact on your business:
1. Double-Check Your Existing Profile
- Log in to Google Business Profile Manager and verify if your phone number is still visible.
- Try re-adding the phone number if it’s missing.
- Monitor changes daily to ensure no further updates are lost.
2. Postpone New Listings (If Possible)
- If you’re setting up a new business, hold off on listing it on Google until the issue is resolved.
- Instead, focus on optimizing your website and social media presence in the meantime.
3. Use Alternative Local SEO Strategies
- Leverage other directories like Bing Places, Yelp, Justdial, and Apple Maps.
- Optimize your website for local searches by adding clear contact details and schema markup.
- Engage with your audience on social media to maintain visibility.
4. Stay Updated
- Follow Google Business Profile forums for official updates.
- Keep an eye on Google’s official channels or product expert announcements.
When Will This Be Fixed?
As of March 25, 2025, there’s no confirmed timeline for a fix. However, considering the widespread impact, Google is likely working on a resolution.
Pro Tip: If you’re running a local business, make sure you have alternative contact options available, like a chatbot, email, or WhatsApp, so customers can still reach you.
Final Thoughts
This Google Business Profile bug prevents new listings is frustrating, but temporary. Businesses must stay proactive, monitor their profiles, and explore alternative ways to stay visible online.
Action Plan:
- Check your GBP details regularly.
- Delay new business registrations if facing issues.
- Use alternative platforms to connect with customers.
- Stay informed and prepared for when Google rolls out a fix.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I check if my phone number is missing from my Google Business Profile?
Log into your Google Business Profile dashboard and review your business details. If your phone number is missing, try re-entering it. If the issue persists, wait for Google’s fix.
2. Can I still create a Google Business Profile without a phone number?
Currently, no. The system requires a phone number for verification, and the bug prevents users from proceeding past this step. It’s best to wait for a resolution.
3. Will this issue affect my search rankings?
If your business profile remains unchanged, your SEO rankings should remain stable. However, if your phone number is removed, it may affect customer engagement and local search performance.
4. How can I stay updated on this issue?
- Follow Google Business Profile Help Center for official announcements.
- Keep an eye on SEO and digital marketing communities discussing this issue.