How Multiple Profiles for the Same Business Can Backfire
Warning: Multiple Profiles Can Lead to Suspension
Creating multiple Google Business Profiles for the same location violates Google's policies and can result in immediate suspension. Learn why this strategy backfires.
Introduction
One of the most potent methods of making your local visibility better is to create a Google Business Profile (GBP). It enables customers to locate your business on Google Search and Maps, read reviews, view your business opening hours, and contact you directly.
Nevertheless, some business owners tend to use the wrong strategy of creating several profiles of a single business in the hope of becoming more visible or receiving more leads. While this might seem like a clever strategy, it can lead to Google Business Profile suspension, which can wipe out your visibility overnight and hurt your local SEO.
What Counts as "Multiple Profiles"
According to the rules of Google, the same physical establishment of business is allowed to have only one verified Google Business Profile.
Multiple profiles take place when:
- You add the same business name but with varying addresses, which are not actual addresses.
- To keep the various keywords or services, you put up numerous listings at the same address.
- The multiple profiles are made without prior intent by various employees or agencies.
If you're violating Google Business Profile guidelines, you're risking more than just a duplicate listing — you could face penalties or removal.
Why Businesses Attempt Multiple Profiles
To a lot of businesses, it will be believed that the establishment of several GBPs will:
Occupy several positions in local search.
Appeal to various service areas in a better manner.
Ranking improvement should be tested with different keywords or categories.
Use a volume of search results to capture more customer clicks.
Unfortunately, this is one of the most common local SEO mistakes that backfires, especially since Google has strong duplicate detection systems.
How It Can Backfire
1. Duplicate Listing Policy of Google
Google vigilantly searches and finds replicates. If they detect a duplicate Google Business Profile, they may merge, hide, or delete it automatically — often without notice.
2. Profile suspension risk
Multiple listings for the same business can trigger a Google Business Profile suspension, instantly removing your listing from Search and Maps until resolved.
3. Harmful Reputation to Local SEO
- Separating reviews into several profiles will water down your social proof.
- Duplicate and mixed signals to the Google algorithm will be harmful to rankings.
- Violating Google Business Profile guidelines damages long-term trust with the platform.
4. Customer Perplexity & Mistrust
When customers get inconsistent information (different phone numbers or hours of operation, or the address), they can simply lose their trust in the brand and go to the competitors.
Signs You Might Already Have Duplicate Profiles
Out of the blue, local rankings decrease.
A notification email from Google titled: "Duplicate Listing Detected".
A variety of Maps with a few details different on businesses.
Best Practices to Avoid Problems
Have a single profile for each physical location.
Set up service areas rather than setting up additional listings in the nearby cities.
Regularly audit your business presence to catch duplicate Google Business Profile issues early.
Secure and claim your GBP to eliminate the possible creation of unauthorized accounts by other people.
What to Do If You Already Have Multiple Profiles
Go to Google or Maps and type your business name to see instances of doubles.
Determine the most precise and optimized profile.
Use the Google support system to merge or delete extras.
If suspended, file a Google Business Profile reinstatement request after resolving violations.
Conclusion
In the case of local SEO, there is no substitute for quality over quantity. Creating multiple profiles for the same business is not a shortcut to better rankings; it's a fast track to Google Business Profile suspension and long-term visibility loss.
Instead, follow Google Business Profile guidelines, keep your information accurate, and maintain one strong, optimized profile. This strategy creates confidence between even the search engines and customers, resulting in more probable, lasting local search results.