Troubleshooting Google Business Profile Integration with Custom Domain on Netlify
If you’re experiencing issues connecting your custom domain to your Google Business Profile (GBP), you’re not alone. Many website owners encounter perplexing problems where their site functions flawlessly but encounters hurdles during GBP verification or updates. In this article, we’ll explore common challenges, verification steps, and potential solutions to help you resolve such issues effectively.
Understanding the Challenge
Imagine your website is live and accessible without issues, fully operational, and correctly configured on Netlify. You can even verify it in Google Search Console, confirming that all pages are indexed. However, when attempting to connect your custom domain to Google Business Profile, you receive the message: “Change wasn’t applied.” This situation can be confusing and frustrating, especially after confirming that DNS records, SSL certificates, redirects, and other configurations are properly set.
Common Causes and Checks
1. DNS Configuration and Propagation
Ensure that your DNS records—typically CNAME or A records—are correctly configured for your custom domain and propagated across the internet. Use DNS check tools (like DNSChecker or WhatsMyDNS) to verify:
- The correct IP addresses or CNAME targets.
- No conflicting or duplicate records.
2. SSL Certification and HTTPS
An active SSL certificate is vital for secure connections. Your site should serve content over HTTPS without issues. Verify SSL status in Netlify and confirm that your domain correctly redirects to HTTPS.
3. Domain Accessibility
Your domain should be fully reachable and load seamlessly in browsers. Conduct thorough testing across devices and networks to rule out accessibility issues.
4. Redirects and URL Settings
Ensure that all redirects are properly configured, especially if you’ve set up redirects for www/non-www versions. Misconfigured redirects can interfere with Google’s verification process.
5. Google Search Console and Indexing
Having your site listed as indexed in Google Search Console is promising, but it doesn’t guarantee GBP recognition. Verify that your site’s verification methods (HTML file, DNS record, or Google Analytics) are correctly implemented.
Why the Discrepancy?
Despite the above checks, the persistent message from Google suggests there might be domain-specific issues:
- Propagation Delay: DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to fully propagate, although sometimes it’s quicker.
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Verification Method Discrepancies: If you’ve used DNS verification for Google Business Profile, ensure that the exact DNS TXT record matches the instructions.