Creating multiple Google Business Profiles (GBPs) with the same phone number and address in different cities can be challenging due to Google's stringent guidelines. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the requirements, conditions, and best practices for managing multiple GBPs.
Key Guidelines and Requirements
Unique Phone Numbers
Google uses phone numbers as a primary identifier for business listings. Using the same phone number for multiple GBPs can lead to suspensions or merging of profiles. Each listing must have a unique phone number to comply with Google’s policies.
Address and Location Specifics
For businesses sharing the same address:
- Ensure each has a unique suite number or distinct section of the address.
- Google's algorithm may flag profiles with identical addresses, especially if they offer similar services.
Service Area Businesses (SABs)
If your business operates in multiple cities without physical locations:
- Set up service area business profiles for each city.
- Ensure each profile covers different service areas without overlapping.
- Each profile should maintain unique phone numbers and potentially different URLs.
Scenarios Where Sharing an Address is Acceptable
Independent Business Entities
Multiple businesses operating from the same address can have separate listings if they:
- Are distinct entities.
- Have separate names, phone numbers, and websites.
For example, an accountant and a lawyer in the same building can have individual GBPs.
Home-Based and Mobile Businesses
Home-based businesses and mobile service providers can have multiple listings if:
- They have different staff servicing different areas.
- Service areas do not overlap.
Using home addresses or co-working spaces as business addresses can be problematic unless staffed during business hours.
Franchises and Individual Practitioners
Franchises can have multiple listings as each location operates independently with different owners and licenses. Similarly, individual practitioners like doctors or lawyers can have their listings if they operate independently within a larger practice, adhering to Google’s guidelines on unique contact information and addresses.
Steps to Set Up Multiple GBP Listings
- Obtain Unique Phone Numbers: Use services like Google Voice, Twilio, or local VOIP providers to get separate phone numbers for each business location.
- Verify Address Details: If sharing an address, ensure each business has a different suite number or distinct section of the address.
- Create Service Area Listings: For businesses without physical locations in all service areas, set up service area business listings specifying unique service areas for each profile.
- Ensure Consistency Across Listings: Regularly audit your listings to ensure consistency in business names, addresses, phone numbers, and categories across all platforms.
Follow Google’s Verification Process:
- Ensure all your business information is accurate and ready for Google’s verification process, which may include video verification to confirm the legitimacy of the business location and operations.
Examples
Example 1: Accounting Firm and Law Office
- An accounting firm and a law office operate from the same building but have different suite numbers and phone numbers. Each business can create a separate GBP with unique contact details and business categories.
Example 2: Mobile Cleaning Services
- A cleaning service operates in multiple cities without a physical office in each city. The business sets up service area business profiles, each covering a specific city with unique phone numbers and service details.
Example 3: Franchise Restaurant
- A franchise restaurant chain with multiple locations in different cities creates separate GBPs for each location. Each listing has a unique address, phone number, and contact information, ensuring compliance with Google’s guidelines.
Conclusion
Creating multiple Google Business Profiles with the same phone number and address across different cities requires careful adherence to Google’s guidelines. Ensuring unique phone numbers, distinct addresses, and consistent information across profiles will help maintain compliance and optimize your local SEO efforts. For more detailed guidelines, refer to Google’s official support pages and industry best practices.
