Skip to content
English
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

How to Keep Your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) Consistent Across Online Directories

Maintaining accurate and consistent practice information across the web is essential for helping patients find you easily and supporting your website’s overall search performance. Search engines rely on consistent Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) details to verify your business, and mismatched information can negatively impact visibility and trust.

This guide walks you through what NAP consistency is, why it matters, and how to review and update your details on major platforms including Google, Facebook, and Bing.

Why NAP Consistency Matters

Consistent NAP information helps:

  • Ensure patients find the right location and contact details

  • Improve your local search rankings

  • Support your practice’s credibility across online platforms

  • Reduce confusion that could lead to missed appointments or orders

  • Strengthen your e-commerce presence by confirming you are a verified and legitimate business

Even small differences (like using “St.” vs “Street” or having outdated business hours) can cause search engines to treat listings as separate entities, so it’s helpful to review your information regularly.

What Your NAP Should Include

For all platforms, aim to keep the following information exactly the same:

  • Practice Name

  • Primary Address

  • Primary Phone Number (preferably a local number, not a call-tracking line)

  • Website URL

  • Business Hours

When updating your listings, copy and paste your details to avoid formatting differences.

How to Review and Update Your Listings

Below are step-by-step instructions for updating your NAP information on the most common directories.

1. Google Business Profile (Google Search + Google Maps)

How to Check and Edit Your Information

  1. Go to https://business.google.com and sign in with the Google account connected to your practice.

  2. If you manage multiple locations, select your location.

  3. From the dashboard, scroll to the “Edit profile” section.

  4. Update the following fields:

    • Business Name

    • Business Category

    • Address

    • Service Area (if applicable)

    • Phone Number

    • Website URL

    • Business Hours

  5. Review any additional fields, such as services or descriptions, to ensure consistency.

  6. Click Save to publish your updates.

Tip: Edits may take a few minutes to a few days to appear publicly.

 

2. Facebook Business Page

How to Update Your Practice Details

  1. Log in to Facebook and go to your Business Page.

  2. In the left-hand menu, click “Settings”.

  3. Select “Page Info”.

  4. Review and update the following fields:

    • Name

    • Username (optional, but should match your brand)

    • Address

    • Phone Number

    • Website

    • Hours

  5. Save your changes.

Tip: Make sure your Facebook map pin reflects your correct location. You can reposition it under the Address section if needed.

 

3. Bing Places for Business

Bing Places pulls data from other sources, but it’s still important to ensure your information is correct.

How to Add or Edit Your Listing

  1. Visit https://www.bingplaces.com and sign in (you can use a Microsoft, Google, or Facebook account).

  2. Search for your business to see if a listing already exists.

  3. If it appears, select “Claim Business”. If not, choose “Add a new business”.

  4. Update the following fields:

    • Business Name

    • Address

    • Phone Number

    • Website

    • Hours

  5. Complete the verification process (email, phone, or postcard).

  6. Save your updates.

Tip: Bing often syncs with your Google Business Profile, so keeping Google up-to-date usually benefits Bing as well.

 

4. Other Places to Check

While Google, Facebook, and Bing are the major directories, it’s also helpful to review:

  • Apple Maps

  • Yelp

  • Health-related directories (if you’ve used them)

  • Any platforms your practice uses for scheduling or online ordering

Keeping these secondary listings consistent further supports your credibility and search visibility.

Best Practices for Maintaining NAP Consistency

  • Keep a master copy of your practice details so you can copy-and-paste into each platform.

  • Review your listings at least twice per year, especially if you move or update your phone number.

  • Avoid using multiple phone numbers or inconsistent abbreviations.

  • Ensure your website footer also displays your NAP consistently.