Google Implies Phone Number Formats Don't Matter

Jul 11, 2018 - 7:27 am 4 by

Google Phone Numbers

You've all seen it, how different web sites and email signatures format their phone numbers. Some do 212-555-5555, some do (212) 555-5555, some do 212.555.5555, some do 212 555 5555, some do 212_555_5555 and the most annoying do 2125555555 and other variations.

Someone asked Google's John Mueller if it matters and can Google pick it up? John basically said Google can figure it out. He said to require sites that they must use a single format would be "futile" and thus doesn't make sense. So I suspect Google can figure out many types of phone number formats based on your preferred style.

John responded on Twitter saying "I imagine it's futile for any directory to require phone numbers with specific separators."

Forum discussion at Twitter.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Search Video Recaps

 
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: December 4, 2025

Dec 4, 2025 - 10:00 am
Google Updates

Google Search Ranking Volatility Heats Up December 3rd & 4th

Dec 4, 2025 - 7:51 am
Google Ads

Google Ads WhatsApp Support Notifications

Dec 4, 2025 - 7:41 am
Google

Google Discover Gains AI Mode Features

Dec 4, 2025 - 7:31 am
Google Search Engine Optimization

Google Search Console Performance Reports & Page Indexing Delayed Again

Dec 4, 2025 - 7:21 am
Bing Search

Bing Tests New Search Bar With Advanced Tools Menu

Dec 4, 2025 - 7:11 am
 
Previous Story: SEOs & Webmasters Visit John Mueller At Google Zurich