How to Prevent Google Maps From Changing Your Destination: A Guide to Linking Your Business Correctly

Have you ever pasted a Google Maps link into your browser—only to see it rerouted or replaced by a completely different destination? Recently, “Express Med Spa Frankfort” was unexpectedly redirecting to “~YOUR COMPETITOR~ Med Spa Frankfort.” Let’s unpack how and why this happens and show you exactly how to create bulletproof Google Maps links.

Why Google Sometimes Changes Your Destination
Using Place IDs to Lock in Your Listing
Troubleshooting Blank Destinations
Comparison Chart: Linking Methods
Which Method Is Most Optimized?
Key Takeaways & Next Steps

1. Why Google Sometimes Changes Your Destination

When you paste a link like:

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Express+Med+Spa+Frankfort,+11+S+White+St+Suite+104,+Frankfort,+IL+60423

you might expect to see directions to that exact address. However, a few factors can cause Google Maps to “snap” or redirect to a different place:

Ambiguous or Weakly Verified Listing
- If your business isn’t strongly associated with a unique, verified Google Business Profile (GBP), Google may guess a more “popular” or “stronger” match.
- Example: “Express Med Spa Frankfort” might be overshadowed by “Luxura Med Spa” if the latter has better local SEO or more reviews.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) Overrides
- Google relies on NLP to interpret your URL parameters. When the requested destination is unclear, it may choose a recognized entity over what you typed.
Competing or Similar Business Names
- If multiple businesses share similar names or addresses, Google may pick the higher-ranked one.

By default, Google tries to route you to what it thinks is correct—not necessarily what you typed.

2. Using Place IDs to Lock in Your Listing

Place IDs are Google’s internal reference codes for each business. They’re the gold standard to prevent redirection errors.

Example: Express Med Spa Frankfort

Place ID: ChIJ82nPydQVDogR87Bl_y-RQ54
Direct Link to View Location rubyCopyhttps://www.google.com/maps/place/?q=place_id:ChIJ82nPydQVDogR87Bl_y-RQ54 This link opens the exact listing without confusion.
Directions Link (Recommended) rubyCopyhttps://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1 &origin=My+Location &destination=Express+Med+Spa+Frankfort &destination_place_id=ChIJ82nPydQVDogR87Bl_y-RQ54 Tip: Include both destination= (a user-friendly name) and destination_place_id= (the internal identifier). This ensures Google Maps displays the right label and location.

Benefits of Using Place IDs

Pinpoint Accuracy: Eliminates guesswork or “snapping” to better-known competitors.
Future-Proof: Even if you change your suite number or slightly rename your business, the Place ID remains constant.
Strengthens Your GBP: Google sees consistent engagement with your verified listing.

3. Troubleshooting Blank Destinations

If you’ve tried something like:

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1
&origin=My+Location
&destination_place_id=ChIJ82nPydQVDogR87Bl_y-RQ54

…and ended up with a blank destination field, that’s because Google requires both a destination text parameter and a destination_place_id. Without a readable name, Google may not populate the destination visually.

Correct Format

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1
&origin=Mokena,+IL+60448
&destination=Express+Med+Spa+Frankfort
&destination_place_id=ChIJ82nPydQVDogR87Bl_y-RQ54

Replace Mokena,+IL+60448 with any starting location or My+Location (especially useful on mobile).

4. Comparison Chart: Linking Methods

Below is a reference chart comparing different ways to link a business on Google Maps—how each URL is formed, plus their pros and cons.

Method	URL Formation	Benefits	Weaknesses
1. Name + Address Only (Basic)	`https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Business+Name,+Street+Address`	– Quick and easy – Works for well-known or verified businesses	– Might redirect if multiple matches – Relies on Google’s NLP – Not “locked” to a single entity
2. Place ID (View Link) (Exact)	`https://www.google.com/maps/place/?q=place_id:<PLACE_ID>` Example: `...maps/place/?q=place_id:ChIJ...`	– 100% accurate – Directly opens the business listing – Resilient to name/address changes	– Requires Place ID lookup – Does not directly open directions panel
3. Directions + Place ID (Full)	`https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=My+Location&destination=Business+Name&destination_place_id=<PLACE_ID>`	– Best for directions – Precisely matches your verified listing – Prevents competitor confusion – Helps local SEO signals	– More parameters to manage – Must include both `destination=` and `destination_place_id=`
4. Mixed (Name + Address) (Legacy)	`https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Current+Location/Business+Name,+Street+Address`	– Familiar format – Works if business is clearly recognized	– Potential for misdirection – Address changes break links – Not recommended for brand-new businesses

<h2 id=”most-optimized”>5. Which Method Is Most Optimized?</h2>

If you want accuracy and reliability, plus local SEO benefits, the Directions + Place ID approach (Method #3) is the clear winner. It:

Eliminates Misdirection: Locks onto your verified GBP, so no “snap” to a competitor.
Provides Consistent Branding: Users see your exact business name in the interface.
Boosts Local SEO: Google sees your listing is actively referenced and engaged with.

Example Link

htmlCopy<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&origin=My+Location&destination=Express+Med+Spa+Frankfort&destination_place_id=ChIJ82nPydQVDogR87Bl_y-RQ54"
   target="_blank" rel="noopener">
   Get Directions to Express Med Spa Frankfort
</a>

Use this in emails, SMS campaigns, social media, or your website’s “Get Directions” buttons.

<h2 id=”key-takeaways”>6. Key Takeaways & Next Steps</h2>

Stop Unwanted “Snapping” to Competitors
- Always use a Place ID to pinpoint your exact business.
Include destination and destination_place_id
- Ensures Google Maps displays your business name and location correctly.
Strengthen Your Google Business Profile
- Keep your NAP (Name–Address–Phone) consistent everywhere, and gather reviews to elevate ranking signals.
Track Your Links
- Use Google Analytics UTM parameters to see how often people click your map links.
Update All Links Online
- Anywhere you list your business — from email footers to social media bios — should use Place-ID-based links.

Ready to Optimize Your Own Map Links?

In a competitive local search environment, every detail counts. By leveraging Place IDs and best-practice Google Maps linking, you ensure customers land on your doorstep rather than a competitor’s.

If you need help with local SEO, WordPress optimization, or verifying your Google Business Profile, reach out to The Search Sherpa for expert guidance.

Written by The Search Sherpa, helping businesses get found online with optimized search solutions and effective WordPress strategies.