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      How to troubleshoot the error message: "The social media profile URL is invalid"

      Google enforces specific guidelines for updating information on your Google Business Profile. When submitting updates through the dba platform, any content that doesn’t meet these requirements will trigger an error message. This article explains how to troubleshoot and resolve the INVALID_SOCIAL_MEDIA_PROFILE_URL error to ensure your updates are accepted smoothly.

      Common Causes & Solutions

        1. Unsupported platform
        Google only accepts social links from a limited number of platforms.

        → Solution 1:
        Only use URLs from approved platforms:

        • Facebook (facebook.com)

        • Instagram (instagram.com)

        • LinkedIn (linkedin.com)

        • Pinterest (pinterest.com)

        • TikTok (tiktok.com)

        • Twitter/X (twitter.com or x.com)

        • YouTube (youtube.com)

        2. Incorrect or missing URL formatting
        The link must begin with https:// and include a valid path.

        → Solution 2:
        Ensure the URL is complete and properly formatted:
        ✅ https://www.instagram.com/yourprofile
        🚫 instagram.com/yourprofile
        🚫 http://instagram.com/yourprofile

        3. Redirected or shortened URLs
        Google does not allow URLs that redirect or use link shorteners.

        → Solution 3:
        Use the direct, final destination URL. Avoid using:

        • Bitly links

        • Redirects (e.g., linktr.ee/yourbrand)

        • Links that forward to a different domain

        4. Private, broken, or non-existent pages
        Google attempts to validate the URL’s destination — if the page is unavailable or restricted, the error may trigger.

        → Solution 4:
        Double-check that the social page:

        • Exists

        • Is public

        • Doesn’t return a 404 or require login to view

        5. Wrong domain format
        Some platforms have alternate domains that are not accepted (e.g., fb.me, m.facebook.com).

        → Solution 5:
        Always use the full desktop version of the domain, not mobile or vanity URLs.
        ✅ https://www.facebook.com/yourpage
        🚫 https://m.facebook.com/yourpage
        🚫 https://fb.me/yourpage

        6. Check for trailing slashes or capital letters
        Although rare, some platforms may be case-sensitive, and trailing slashes can sometimes impact validation.

        → Solution 6:
        Standardize formatting:
        ✅ https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourname
        🚫 https://www.linkedin.com/in/YourName/

        🛠 Extra Solutions & Notes

        If you’ve addressed all the issues above and the error persists:

        7. Re-validate or resubmit
        Sometimes a previously invalid URL will pass validation later, especially after the social platform makes changes.

        → Solution 7:
        Try re-submitting the same corrected URL after a few hours or the next day.

        Still Seeing the Error?

        If you’ve reviewed and corrected all potential causes listed above but are still receiving the INVALID_SOCIAL_MEDIA_PROFILE_URL error, try the following:

        1. Test the update directly in Google
          Log in to your Google Business Profile and manually add the social media link. If Google rejects it there as well, the issue is likely with the URL itself or Google, not the platform.

        2. Reach out to our support team
          If the link still doesn't work directly through Google, send us a message at help@dbaplatform.com. Include the business name, address, and the URL you’re trying to submit. We’ll take a closer look and help troubleshoot the issue with you.

        How Long Will the Fix Take?

        If the issue is due to a simple formatting error, submitting the corrected URL will typically resolve the problem, and the update should go live within a day. However, if the URL is already correct and the error persists due to Google not recognizing or accepting it, resolution may take longer. In those cases, please reach out to our support team at help@dbaplatform.com so we can assist with further troubleshooting.

        How to Update Your Business's Google Information Through dba

        If you're unsure how to update your GBP details through the dba platform—or just need a quick refresher—we’ve got you covered. Our step-by-step guide walks you through how to make edits to your profiles efficiently and accurately.

        👉 Click here to view the guide on updating GBPs through dba

        Looking for the Error Code?

        If you're working with support or need to reference this issue more technically, the error code associated with this message is: INVALID_SOCIAL_MEDIA_PROFILE_URL. Sharing this code can help speed up troubleshooting and ensure we’re all speaking the same language when resolving the issue.