How to Deal with Duplicate Google My Business Listings

Duplicate listings on Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) can occur for various reasons and cause several issues for your brand, including:

• Confusing potential customers leads to lost traffic and revenue.

• Splitting Google reviews across multiple listings instead of consolidating them into one authoritative profile.

• Negatively impacting your brand's search engine performance.

Given that 57% of all reviews are on Google and 63.6% of consumers check Google reviews before visiting a business, addressing duplicate listings is crucial. If you identify a duplicate location in your Google Business Profile, Cloodot will alert you with an error message. To resolve the issue, remove the duplicate listing from your Google account. Afterward, you can reconnect your Google Business Profile with your Cloodot account to ensure seamless integration.

Recommended guide: How to remove fake reviews from your Google business profile

How to Identify Duplicate Google Listings

Google offers two methods for removing or reporting duplicate listings, but you can avoid the issue entirely by using the Google Verify My Business feature.

To determine if your listing is verified, search for it on Google Maps. You'll see one of two possibilities:

If the listing has an “-” or “Claim this business” option, it is not verified.

If the listing lacks these labels, it is verified, and you either already have access or need to claim ownership. Follow the provided instructions to claim ownership of a verified listing.

Once your business is verified, you can effectively manage and resolve any duplicate Google listings.

How to Fix Duplicate Google Listing Errors

To resolve a duplicate location error in your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) account, follow these steps:

Preparation Steps

Before removing a duplicate location, ensure you:

• Do not remove locations that you have verified. If you do, you will need to verify the location again.

• Update any crucial information from the location you intend to remove, as deleted information cannot be recovered.

Removing Duplicate Locations

1. Log in to your GMB account:

   • Visit business.google.com and log in to your account.

2. Navigate to Duplicate Locations:

   • Go to 'Account Summary' and click on 'Duplicate Locations'.

3. Select Locations to Remove:

   • Choose the duplicate locations you want to remove.

   • Click on the three-dot icon and select 'Remove'.

Note:

• To remove a single account, click on the specific account in the 'Duplicate Locations' page and then click 'Delete this listing'.

• Alternatively, go to the 'Manage Locations' tab on the left, find the location marked as 'Duplicate' under the 'Status' column, select it, click the 'Action' drop-down menu at the top, and choose 'Remove location'.

Reporting Duplicate Locations on Google Maps

Duplicate Google listings can negatively impact your local SEO ranking and performance in the Google Maps Pack. To ensure consumer traffic is directed to an accurate and authentic listing, follow these steps to report a duplicate listing to Google:

1. Open Google Maps: Find the location you want to report.

2. Suggest an Edit: Click on "Suggest an edit."

3. Close or Remove: Select "Close or remove."

4. Mark as Duplicate: Choose "Duplicate of another place." Select the correct location if prompted.

5. Submit: Click "Submit" to confirm the report.

   
   

Handling Duplicate Listings & Online Brand Presence

1. Regular Audits: Schedule regular audits of your Google Business Profile to check for any new duplicate listings that may have appeared. This proactive approach can help you identify and address duplicate listings promptly, minimizing their impact on your brand.

2. Educate Staff: Ensure that your staff members are aware of the importance of maintaining a single, accurate Google Business Profile listing. Train them on how to recognize and report duplicate listings to prevent them from inadvertently creating duplicates.

3. Utilize Google's Resources: Google provides various resources and tools to help businesses manage their listings effectively. Take advantage of these resources, such as the Google My Business Help Center and community forums, to learn best practices and troubleshoot any issues you encounter.

4. Consistent NAP Information: Ensure that your business's name, address, and phone number (NAP) information is consistent across all online platforms, including your website, social media profiles, and directory listings. Consistency helps build trust with both consumers and search engines.

5. Monitor Reviews: Keep an eye on customer reviews across your Google Business Profile and other review platforms. Respond promptly to any reviews mentioning duplicate listings, and reassure customers that the issue is being addressed.

6. Seek Professional Assistance: If you're struggling to manage duplicate listings or other issues with your Google Business Profile, consider seeking assistance from digital marketing professionals or agencies specializing in local SEO and online reputation management.

   
   

Dealing with duplicate Google My Business listings is essential for maintaining a strong online presence and ensuring potential customers can easily find accurate information about your business. By following the steps outlined above, including identifying, fixing, and preventing duplicate listings, you can enhance your brand's visibility and reputation.

Cloodot offers a comprehensive solution for managing your Google My Business listings efficiently and effectively. With features such as real-time alerts for duplicate listings and seamless integration with your Google Business Profile, Cloodot simplifies the process of monitoring and resolving duplicate listings. Additionally, Cloodot provides valuable insights and tools to optimize your Google My Business presence, helping you attract more customers and improve your local SEO performance. Choose Cloodot to streamline your Google My Business management and ensure your business stands out in search results.

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