In 60 Seconds
- •Duplicates usually happen when an automated tool creates a listing, or a former employee made one and lost the password.
- •The Danger: Google filters duplicates. It might hide your 'Good' profile and show the 'Bad' empty one.
- •Do not just 'Delete' the duplicate! If you mark it permanently closed, it stays on the map with a red label. Ugly.
- •The Solution: 'Merge'. You must claim ownership of the bad profile, then ask Google Support to merge it into the good one.
- •Result: Reviews combine. Photos combine. Ranking power consolidates.
Ranking in the Local Pack is hard enough. It is impossible if you are fighting yourself.
Duplicate profiles act like anchors. They split your review equity (5 reviews on Profile A, 10 on Profile B) and confuse the algorithm. Google sees "data inconsistency" and pushes both profiles down.
You need to clean this up. But you must do it carefully to avoid erasing your reputation.
Identifying the Type of Duplicate
Type 1: The "Ghost" Duplicate (Unclaimed)
Search for your business name on Maps. Do you see a second listing that says "Claim this business"?
- Cause: Google often auto-generates these based on directory data or user suggestions.
- Difficulty: Easy.
Type 2: The "Rogue" Duplicate (Claimed)
Someone (an ex-partner, an old agency) owns the other profile.
- Difficulty: Hard. You must request access.
The Safe Merger Protocol
You want to combine Profile B (Duplicate) into Profile A (Main).
Step 1: Gain Control
You cannot merge a profile you don't own.
- If Unclaimed: Click "Claim this business" -> Verify it (Postcard/Phone). Now you own both.
- If Claimed: Use the Google Business Profile Help to "Request Access." If the owner ignores you for 3 days, Google may let you claim it.
Step 2: Ensure Data Matches
Before merging, edit Profile B so the Address and Phone Number match Profile A exactly. This helps Google realize they are the same entity.
Step 3: Request the Merge
There is no "Merge" button. You must talk to Support.
- Get the Place ID of both profiles. (Use the Place ID Finder).
- Contact Google Business Profile Support.
- Script: "I have two profiles for the same location. Please merge [Duplicate Place ID] into [Main Place ID]. Please preserve all reviews."
Step 4: Verification
Wait 48-72 hours.
- Profile B should disappear from maps.
- Reviews from B should appear on A.
When NOT to Merge
Sometimes, deletion is better.
- Scenario: Profile B has 1-star reviews and spam photos.
- Action: Do not merge! You don't want that garbage. instead, mark Profile B as "Permanently Closed" or report it as "Does not exist here" via the "Suggest an Edit" feature.
Verification Checklist
- Access Secured: Do you own both logins?
- Place IDs Recorded: Do not mix these up, or you might merge the good into the bad.
- Confirmation Email: Did Support confirm the merge? Save that ticket number.
Common Mistakes
[!WARNING] Merging Different Locations You cannot merge a profile at 123 Main St with a profile at 456 Broad St. Distance matters. Mergers only work for the same location (or if a business moved).
- Losing Reviews: If you delete a profile instead of merging, the reviews are gone forever.
- Ignoring Duplicates: "It doesn't bother me." It bothers your customers who drive to the old address. Fix it.
FAQ
Q: Can I merge two different businesses I own? A: No. Bob's Plumbing and Bob's HVAC are separate entities. Merging them violates guidelines.
Q: What if the duplicate has the wrong address? A: Mark it as "Moved" to your current address first. Then merge.
Sources and References
- Google Maps Help: Remove or report duplicate places - Official Guide
- Whitespark: Guide to Merging Listings - Expert tactical advice.
Changelog
- 2024-04-08: Initial publication.
Read Next in This Hub:
- GBP Suspensions - Prevent future issues.
- NAP Consistency - Keep data clean.
Related System:
- Local Visibility Systems - Database hygiene.