Google Adds New Restrictions On Multilingual Business Names

Google has updated its Google Business Profile guidelines to prohibit businesses from repeating the same name in different languages or writing systems.

Listed under the business name section, the new rules says that businesses should not use the same name multiple times in different scripts or languages. This restriction applies even when both versions appear on the business’s physical storefront.

For example, a business should not list its name as:

• ABC Cafe / ABCカフェ
• Royal Restaurant / مطعم رويال

Alternatively, a business should stick to a single version of the name on their GMB profile.

This change will most benefit companies that operate in multilingual markets. Companies who use other scripts along with English may need to review how their names are displayed.

Businesses managing multiple Google listings should check their profile names against the revised guidelines. If you use duplicates names across different scripts, this could put a listing at risk of violating Google’s policies & facing restrictions.

One thing you can do to avoid this is to keep one clear version of the business name on the profile, rather than adding translations or transliterations alongside it. To stay updated, get in touch with Vybepop Media.