{"id":70776,"date":"2023-02-22T09:45:12","date_gmt":"2023-02-22T15:45:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/blog\/?p=70776"},"modified":"2026-01-08T03:34:33","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T03:34:33","slug":"merge-google-business-listings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vendasta.com\/blog\/merge-google-business-listings\/","title":{"rendered":"A step-by-step guide to merge Google Business Profile listings"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Introduction” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

As an agency marketer, you sometimes inherit messes that were made before you ever worked with a business. If that mess comes in the form of duplicate Google Business Profile<\/a> listings, you\u2019ve come to the right place.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll cover exactly how to merge Google Business Profile listings<\/a>. We\u2019ll also go over how to delete them, and when having multiple listings might actually be the right move.<\/p>\n

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[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”What causes duplicate Google Business Profile listings?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

What causes duplicate Google Business Profile listings?<\/h2>\n

Given the fact that so much online activity today begins with a Google search, Google Business Profile (previously known as Google My Business) is among the most important listings for businesses. It\u2019s likely to get more traffic, and therefore have a larger impact on prospective customers, than just about any other business listing<\/a>.<\/p>\n

So, how might a business end up with two (or more) Google Business Profiles? It can happen for a number of reasons, ranging from honest mistakes and glitches to more nefarious causes. Often, SMBs may not even be aware that they have multiple profiles floating around.<\/p>\n

Common reasons for duplicate Google Business Profile listings<\/h3>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at some of the most common reasons why you might run into duplicate Google Business Profile listings for your SMB clients.<\/p>\n

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  1. Human Error:<\/strong> One of the most common causes of duplicate Google business profile listings is good old-fashioned human error. Business owners or employees may accidentally create multiple listings for the same business, either by mistake or through a lack of understanding of how Google Business Profile works.<\/li>\n
  2. Technical Glitches:<\/strong> Technical glitches can, in some cases, cause duplicate profiles to appear on Google. For example, if a business moves to a new location and updates its address on Google Business Profile, a duplicate listing may be created if the old address is still in the system. One profile would appear with the old address and a second with the new address.<\/li>\n
  3. Malicious Intent:<\/strong> Malicious individuals can create duplicate listings for a business to damage its reputation. While this isn\u2019t particularly common, it can<\/em> happen. This occurs by creating a Google Business Profile with inaccurate information, or by creating multiple listings for a single business.<\/li>\n
  4. Mergers and Acquisitions:<\/strong> When two businesses merge or one acquires another, multiple listings can appear for the newly merged entity. This can happen if the previous listings for each business are not properly merged into one, or if the listing for the business that was acquired is not deleted.<\/li>\n
  5. Third-Party Listings:<\/strong> Third-party websites, such as directories and aggregators, can also potentially create duplicate Google Business Profile listings. For example, a business might use a third-party tool to create a new listing, not realizing they already have one.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Why SMBs should merge Google Business Profile listings” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    Why SMBs should merge Google Business Profile listings<\/h2>\n

    Alright, so we know that duplicates can happen, but does it matter so much that SMBs need to merge Google Business Profile listings?<\/p>\n

    Those duplicates can lead to a cascade of negative implications for the business, undoing the hard work and resources that go into building an excellent online presence. Consider the benefits that come from effective Google Business Profile management<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Better visibility<\/h3>\n

    Merging Google business listings into a single profile can improve a business’s visibility across Google\u2019s products. This is because Google prefers to display a single, complete, and accurate listing for each business, rather than multiple, conflicting listings. Greater visibility enables businesses to sell more with Google Business Profile<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Improved customer experience<\/h3>\n

    A duplicate Google business profile can create confusion and mistrust among potential customers, since they may not know which listing is most accurate. By merging duplicates into a single, comprehensive profile, businesses can increase their credibility and make it easier for customers to find the information they need.<\/p>\n

    Enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO)<\/h3>\n

    Duplicate listings can derail a business\u2019s SEO performance, especially in local search. For local businesses, these search results are by far the most important in terms of generating conversions. By removing duplicates, businesses can optimize for local SEO<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Merging duplicates into a single profile can improve GBP optimization<\/a> and increase a business’s likelihood of appearing in organic search results and in Google\u2019s local 3-pack\u2014the list of 3 businesses that appears at the top of some search results.<\/p>\n

    More reviews<\/h3>\n

    Duplicate listings might each have some reviews on them, splitting up the total pool of reviews. This means that no matter which listing a prospective customer is viewing, they\u2019re missing out on some reviews which may have been enough to nudge them to purchase. When businesses merge two Google business listings, the reviews are also merged, maximizing their impact on customers.<\/p>\n

    Avoids reputational damage<\/h3>\n

    Duplicate Google Business Profiles can harm a business’s reputation, by showcasing inaccurate or outdated information. Google users viewing an inaccurate listing may get the impression that a business is unengaged or inactive. By merging duplicates, businesses can ensure that their online presence accurately reflects their brand, products, and services, avoiding potential reputational damage.<\/p>\n

    Compliance with Google’s guidelines<\/h3>\n

    In some cases, duplicate listings may be seen by Google as a violation of their user guidelines. Since these violations can have some pretty unsavory consequences for SEO, it\u2019s important to avoid them.<\/p>\n

    Spillover effect<\/h3>\n

    Aggregators that crawl the web and push listings to other websites might create more duplicate listings around the web based on the extra Google Business Profile listing. Since these can be difficult to merge or get removed, it\u2019s best to nip the problem in the bud and merge Google Business listings that are duplicates.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”How to merge two Google Business listings” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    How to merge two Google Business Profile listings<\/h2>\n

    Luckily, it\u2019s pretty easy to merge Google business profile listings when necessary. Here\u2019s how it\u2019s done.<\/p>\n

    Step 1:<\/strong> Identify duplicate Google Business Profile accounts and check if they are verified using Google’s verification checker tool<\/a>. Google will not allow you to merge two verified Google Business Profiles. If both are verified, unverify the profile that you plan to merge into the other, main profile.<\/p>\n

    Step 2:<\/strong> Check the address on both listings. To merge two Google Business listings, the addresses need to appear exact<\/em>. Look for things like using \u201cSt\u201d instead of \u201cStreet\u201d, punctuation differences, and any other little discrepancies.<\/p>\n

    If the addresses do not match, click \u201csuggest an edit\u201d, which appears right under the business contact information on the Google Business Profile<\/a> you want to update.<\/p>\n

    \"Google<\/p>\n

    If the addresses are already identical, you can move to the next step.<\/p>\n

    Step 3:<\/strong> Once the addresses are identical you can start the process of merging the listings. To do so, just contact Google Business Profile\u2019s help team through their contact form<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    That\u2019s it! Google will merge the two listings so the reviews and other information you had on the unverified listing will all appear on the verified listing.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”When it\u2019s best to delete Google Business Profile listings” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    When it\u2019s best to delete Google Business Profile listings<\/h2>\n

    Sometimes, it may not be the best move to merge two Google Business Profile listings. There are some instances where there\u2019s nothing of value on one of the listings, and the best move is simply to delete it<\/a>. Let\u2019s take a look at some of those situations.<\/p>\n

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    1. Nothing valuable on the listing: <\/strong>It makes sense to merge Google business profile listings if they both contain information you don\u2019t want to lose, such as positive reviews, user-generated images and videos, or customer questions that have been answered by the business<\/a>. However, if one of the duplicates is just taking up internet real estate without anything of value on it, there\u2019s no reason to keep it.<\/li>\n
    2. Malicious listings:<\/strong> If a business is the target of a malicious third-party attack and has fake duplicate Google Business Profile listings, those should be deleted. They might contain negative fake reviews and other content designed to damage the target\u2019s online reputation. Plus, fake listings violate Google\u2019s guidelines, so Google will want those taken down ASAP.<\/li>\n
    3. Changed business activities:<\/strong> If a business has a duplicate listing, but the older listing was made while it was performing different business activities, it may make sense to delete the older listing. This is because none of the information on it will be relevant to the new version of the business. The same is sometimes true in the case of business acquisitions. A business may acquire another one for its assets and resources but discontinue its business operations. In that case, it may be best to delete the listing of the acquired business.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      If any of these apply to you, the process to delete a Google Business Profile listing is a little different from merging it with another listing.<\/p>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”How to delete duplicate Google Business Profile listings” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

      How to delete duplicate Google Business Profile listings<\/h2>\n

      To delete a listing, follow these steps:<\/p>\n

      Step 1:<\/strong> Ensure the location for the Google Business Profile<\/a> you plan to delete is not verified. If you accidentally delete the verified location, you\u2019ll have to go through the verification process again.<\/p>\n

      Step 2:<\/strong> Sign into the Business Profile Manager<\/a>.<\/p>\n

      Step 3:<\/strong> Select the Google Business Profile you\u2019d like to delete.<\/p>\n

      Step 4:<\/strong> Click Actions, then remove businesses, then remove.<\/p>\n

      If the Google Business Profile was not created by you<\/a>, it won\u2019t appear in your Business Profile Manager. In this case, there are two things you can do.<\/p>\n

      Firstly, you can request ownership of the profile<\/a> and then delete it.<\/p>\n

      Alternatively, you can click \u201cSuggest an edit\u201d on the profile, then click the \u201cclose or remove\u201d option that comes up. From there, you can send information to Google requesting it gets deleted.<\/p>\n

      Using a listing builder<\/a> to manage a wide range of business listings, including Google, is another way to easily remove unwanted duplicates.<\/p>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”When do duplicate Google Business Profiles make sense?” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

      When do duplicate Google Business Profiles make sense?<\/h2>\n

      Few situations in which having multiple Google Business Profiles can prove above board and beneficial for businesses. These aren\u2019t exactly duplicates, because they do have distinct information on them, but they are multiple listings for a single business.<\/p>\n

      Here\u2019s a quick overview: if you meet one of these criteria, you may be able to safely create an additional Google Business Profile:<\/p>\n