How do I merge two Google locations?

Don’t DIY: The Only Way to Merge Duplicate Google Business Listings

So, you’ve noticed a problem: you have two Google Business Profiles (formerly Google My Business) for the same location. Maybe one was created accidentally, or perhaps it’s the result of a past marketing strategy gone awry. Whatever the reason, having duplicate listings is detrimental to your business. It confuses customers, dilutes your online presence, and can even hurt your search engine rankings.

The natural impulse might be to try and fix this yourself. Resist it. Attempting a DIY merge of your Google Business listings is a recipe for frustration and potential further complications. Google’s system is complex, and unauthorized attempts to merge profiles can lead to account suspension or the permanent loss of valuable business data.

The only reliable method for merging duplicate Google Business Profiles is to contact Google My Business support directly. They are the only entity with the tools and authority to safely and effectively consolidate your listings.

Here’s how to proceed:

1. Gather Information: Before contacting support, collect all the necessary information about both listings. This includes the Google Business Profile names, addresses, phone numbers, and any relevant Google Business Profile IDs if you have them. Screenshots can also be helpful.

2. Contact Google My Business Support: Finding the right support channel can take a little digging. Google doesn’t always make it readily apparent, but searching “Google Business Profile support” should yield the correct contact options. You may need to navigate through help articles and potentially wait in a virtual queue. Be patient; this is a crucial step.

3. Submit a Merge Request (if available): Depending on the support channel you use (phone, email, or online form), you’ll likely be prompted to submit a request detailing the profiles that need to be merged. Be clear, concise, and provide all the information gathered in step 1.

4. Await Instructions: Google will review your request. They may require additional information or documentation. Respond promptly and thoroughly to their inquiries. The process may take some time, so be prepared for a wait.

5. Monitor Your Listings: Once Google has completed the merge, carefully check to ensure that all the information from both profiles has been correctly consolidated into a single, accurate listing.

Why not attempt a DIY merge?

• Risk of Account Suspension: Unauthorized attempts to manipulate your Google Business Profiles can lead to penalties, including account suspension.
• Data Loss: Incorrect merging procedures can result in the loss of valuable customer reviews, photos, and other essential business data.
• Wasted Time and Effort: Trying to solve this problem independently will likely consume significant time and energy, only to lead to a dead end.

In short, avoid the headache and potential damage. Contacting Google My Business support is the only safe and effective way to merge duplicate listings. While it may require patience, it’s the only guaranteed method to protect your business’s online reputation and ensure a smooth, accurate online presence.