A duplicate Google Business Profile can cause confusion for customers and create problems for businesses managing their local presence.
If you discover two or more Google listings representing the same business, don’t immediately delete or report everything. First determine why the duplicates exist and which profile should remain active.
What Causes Duplicate Google Business Profiles?
Duplicate listings can appear for several reasons.
Former employees
An employee may have created or managed a profile years ago, and the business may no longer have access to it.
Business relocation
A company may move to another address while an old listing remains active.
Accidental creation
Someone may create another profile without realizing that one already exists.
Business name changes
A change in branding can sometimes lead to another listing being created unnecessarily.
Multiple management accounts
Different employees or agencies may create or claim profiles without realizing another profile already exists.
How Do Duplicate Listings Affect Local SEO?
Duplicate listings can create several challenges.
Conflicting information
Customers may see different phone numbers, websites, addresses, or opening hours.
Split customer activity
Reviews and interactions may appear across different profiles.
Management problems
The business may have difficulty determining which listing should be managed.
Reduced clarity
Multiple profiles can make it harder for customers and search engines to understand the business’s correct information.
How to Check Whether a Listing Is Really a Duplicate
Search Google Maps for your:
Business name
Business address
Phone number
Website
Brand name + city
Then compare the profiles.
Look for identical or highly similar:
Business names
Addresses
Phone numbers
Websites
Categories
Photos
Services
Two businesses with similar names are not necessarily duplicates, so investigate carefully before submitting a report.
Duplicate vs. Legitimate Multiple Locations
A business with several physical locations may legitimately have multiple Google Business Profiles.
For example, a restaurant chain with five genuine locations may have five separate profiles.
Those are not duplicates simply because they share the same brand name.
The key question is whether each profile represents a legitimate eligible location or business.
What Should You Do With a Duplicate?
First identify the profile that should remain active.
Then review Google’s available options for handling duplicate listings.
Depending on the circumstances, the appropriate action may involve:
Reporting the duplicate
Requesting a merge where appropriate
Updating incorrect information
Claiming the correct profile
Contacting Google support
Need Help With a Duplicate GBP?
If you’re unsure which listing should remain active or how to handle an old duplicate profile, professional assistance can help you understand the available options.
Get help with Google Business Profile removal
Conclusion
Duplicate Google Business Profiles should not be ignored. They can create inaccurate information and customer confusion.
Before requesting removal, identify the cause of the duplicate and gather accurate evidence. Then use Google’s official processes to request the appropriate action.
