Story Based Question
Imagine you’ve been running a thriving coffee shop in your neighborhood for a few years. Recently, you’ve noticed a drop in the number of new customers coming in, and your business isn’t showing up in local searches as prominently as before. After some investigation, you realize there are two Google My Business (GMB) listings for your shop—one with your correct address and another with an old address. You’ve heard duplicate listings can confuse Google and hurt your local SEO, but you’re not sure how to fix this. How do you manage these duplicate GMB listings to get your coffee shop back on track?
Exact Answer
To manage duplicate Google My Business listings, claim and merge the duplicates, ensure your correct listing is active, and update all information to be consistent across the web.
Explanation
Having duplicate GMB listings can hurt your business’s local SEO by confusing search engines and customers. Google might struggle to determine which listing is correct, causing your business to rank lower or not show up in local searches. Here’s how you can manage and fix this issue:
1. Claim Both Listings
If you find two listings for your coffee shop, start by claiming both of them. This ensures you have control over the information displayed.
2. Merge Listings
Once both listings are claimed, merge the duplicate into the correct one. Google allows you to merge listings when there are minor discrepancies (like old addresses) between them.
3. Mark the Duplicate as Closed
If you can’t merge the listings, mark the duplicate listing as “permanently closed.” This tells Google that it should prioritize the active listing in search results.
4. Update NAP Consistency
Ensure that your business’s Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) are consistent across all platforms—Google My Business, your website, and other local directories. Inconsistent information can confuse Google and customers.
5. Remove Duplicate Listings from Other Platforms
Check other citation sources (like Yelp or Yellow Pages) to see if duplicate listings exist there as well. Update or remove them as needed.
6. Request Google’s Help if Necessary
If you’re struggling to manage the duplicates, you can ask Google for assistance by using the “Report a Problem” option in GMB.
7. Monitor Your Listing Regularly
Keep an eye on your GMB listings to ensure there are no future duplicates. Google sometimes creates new listings when businesses update their information, so periodic checks are essential.
Example
Let’s say your coffee shop, Brewed Awakening, has two GMB listings:
- The Old Listing: The listing still shows the old address from a move you made six months ago.
- The Correct Listing: The correct address and phone number, along with updated business hours, are listed here.
Here’s how you manage the duplicates:
- Claim Both Listings
You claim both listings through your GMB account to take control of the details. - Merge the Listings
You merge the old listing into the correct one, ensuring all details (like address and business hours) match up perfectly. - Mark the Old Listing as Closed
For clarity, you mark the old listing as “permanently closed.” This signals to Google and your customers that the business no longer operates from that location. - Update Other Citation Sources
You check Yelp, Yellow Pages, and local directories, making sure your business information is consistent across all sites. - Request Google’s Help
In case the duplicate still persists, you report the issue to Google through their support system for further assistance.
As a result, your correct listing is now the only one appearing in search results. Your coffee shop’s visibility improves, and customers find the right location without confusion.
Managing duplicate GMB listings is crucial for local SEO. Claim both listings, merge them, and ensure consistent business information across all platforms. This helps improve your rankings and ensures customers can find you easily.