Google Business Profile Bug: Service Area Businesses Showing in the Ocean

We may be seeing a new Google Business Profile (GBP) display bug affecting service-area businesses (SABs).

For service-area businesses, Google Maps appears to recognize and display the correct service area. However, when viewing the Business Profile itself, the map may show something very different: a location pin sitting in the middle of the ocean.

Google Maps Shows the Correct Service Area, but GBP Shows the Wrong Location

In the example we came across, everything looks normal when viewing the business's service area on Google Maps. The highlighted service area covers the expected cities and communities where the business operates.

But on the Business Profile, the map associated with the same business shows a pin surrounded by nothing but water.

For an SAB that doesn't display its physical address, this can understandably look alarming.

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Why Is My Google Business Profile Showing a Pin in the Ocean?

At this point, it appears this could be a Google Business Profile mapping or display bug rather than an actual problem with the business's location.

If Google Maps is still displaying the correct service area and the business is otherwise appearing where expected, the ocean pin doesn't necessarily mean Google suddenly thinks the business is located offshore.

Should You Change Your GBP Service Area or Address?

We would not recommend making unnecessary changes to the address or service areas solely to try to correct the pin.

Changes to core Google Business Profile information can sometimes trigger reverification or other issues.

What Should Service-Area Businesses Do If Their GBP Map Pin Is Wrong?

If you're seeing this on your profile, check your GBP information and confirm that:

• Your service areas are still correct.

• Your address remains hidden if you're an eligible service-area business.

• Your profile is still appearing in searches within your normal market.

• Google Maps displays the appropriate service area.

If everything else looks normal, the misplaced ocean pin may simply be a display issue worth monitoring.

We'll continue watching to see whether this is an isolated glitch or a broader Google Business Profile bug affecting service-area businesses.