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      How to troubleshoot the error message: "URL for a provider cannot be added or edited"

      When submitting updates to a Google Business Profile via the dbaPlatform, certain attributes—such as appointment links, menu links, or service provider URLs—must adhere to strict domain and formatting guidelines set by Google. If a URL submitted for one of these attributes does not meet these criteria, you may encounter the ATTRIBUTE_PROVIDER_URL_NOT_ALLOWED error. This article outlines the most common causes and how to resolve the issue.

      Common Causes & Solutions

      1. Unsupported Domain

      Google restricts provider URLs to a predefined list of trusted platforms for specific attributes (e.g., reservations, menus, or telehealth). URLs from unsupported domains will be rejected.

      → Solution 1:
      Use only domains Google allows for each specific attribute. Examples include:

      • Appointments: calendly.com, squareup.com, zocdoc.com

      • Menus: singleplatform.com, allmenus.com

      • Telehealth: doxy.me, md.com

      Check Google’s documentation or your platform’s guide for the most current list of supported providers.

      2. Wrong Attribute for the URL

      Some URLs may be valid, but only under specific fields. Submitting a menu link under an appointment field, for example, may result in an error.

      → Solution 2:
      Double-check the attribute field you're assigning the URL to. Make sure the domain matches the type of service being provided:

      • A menu URL should not be entered in a booking field.

      • A video consultation link should only be used under healthcare attributes.

      3. Redirected or Shortened URLs

      Google does not accept shortened URLs or those that redirect through third-party domains (e.g., bit.ly, linktr.ee, or marketing tracking links).

      → Solution 3:
      Always submit the full, final destination URL: ✅ https://www.zocdoc.com/practice/your-clinic
      🚫 https://bit.ly/yourbookinglink
      🚫 https://linktr.ee/yourbrand

      4. URL Includes Tracking Parameters

      Some provider URLs may include additional UTM parameters or affiliate tags that cause Google to reject the link.

      → Solution 4:
      Remove unnecessary parameters and test the “clean” version of the URL.
      ✅ https://www.zocdoc.com/practice/your-clinic
      🚫 https://www.zocdoc.com/practice/your-clinic?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=fall2023

      5. Link Is Broken or Requires Login

      Google attempts to verify the page destination. If the link requires a login, is private, or returns an error page, the update will be blocked.

      → Solution 5:
      Make sure the provider page:

      • Is publicly accessible

      • Loads without login

      • Doesn’t result in a 404 or error message

      🛠 Best Practices

      To avoid the ATTRIBUTE_PROVIDER_URL_NOT_ALLOWED error:

      • Stick to Google-approved domains for each attribute type

      • Avoid shortened, redirected, or parameter-heavy URLs

      • Test your URLs in an incognito window to confirm public access

      • When in doubt, refer to official documentation or platform-approved provider lists

      Still Seeing the Error?

      If you’ve verified everything above and the error persists:

      • Test the URL directly on Google:
        Try adding the URL manually in your Google Business Profile dashboard. If Google rejects it there, the issue lies with the domain or URL formatting.

      • Reach out to support:
        Email help@dbaplatform.com with the business name, address, and the URL you're trying to submit. We’ll investigate and help identify whether the issue is with the provider or with Google.

      How Long Will the Fix Take?

      If the error is caused by an unsupported or misformatted link, a quick update using a valid domain should resolve the problem within 5 to 20 minutes. If the domain is not supported by Google and no alternative is available, you may need to remove the attribute entirely or consult Google Support for further review.

      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: ATTRIBUTE_PROVIDER_URL_NOT_ALLOWED. Sharing this code can help speed up troubleshooting and ensure we’re all speaking the same language when resolving the issue.