How to Handle Duplicate or Co-Located Google Business Profiles
What “Duplicate” Means
Google allows one profile per business per location, so a second profile for your business in the same location is called a duplicate.
If you truly have two separate businesses at the same address, each one must qualify for its own profile.
When Separate Profiles at One Address Are Allowed
Separate profiles are okay if each business:
- Serves customers in person during stated hours
- Has real-world signage at the location
- Has its own phone number that reaches that business directly
- Uses an accurate street address for the actual staffed location
For departments or brands inside one location:
- They must operate as distinct entities with different names and categories.
What Does Not Fix a Duplicate (and Can Violate Policy)
- Listing a warehouse, storage unit, mailbox, P.O. box, or unstaffed “virtual office” (not eligible)
- Adding a fake suite or unit number (you can include an existing suite, but made-up ones don’t prove separation)
- Creating extra profiles for the same business just because you offer multiple services
How to Fix a Duplicate Flag
- Confirm Your Situation
- Same business, same location twice → You need one profile
- Two separate businesses at one location → Each must meet eligibility rules above
- If It’s the Same Business Twice
- In Business Profile Manager, filter for “Duplicate” to remove extras
- If both appear on Google Maps, contact Google Business Profile Support to request a merge
- If It’s Two Separate Businesses
Make sure each profile shows:- Distinct business name (matches real-world signage)
- Distinct primary category
- Its own direct phone number
- Accurate address with real suite/unit number if it exists
- Photos of exterior signage and entrance
What About Separate Websites and Emails?
- They’re helpful but not required
- The must-haves:
- Eligibility
- In-person service
- Real signage
- Unique contact details
Quick Decision Guide
- One brand with multiple services → One profile (or department profiles if eligible)
- Two independent brands at one site → Two profiles if each is staffed, signed, and has its own phone/category
- Virtual office, mailbox, storage, unstaffed space → Not eligible
Ready to level up your Google Business Profile? Check out the DotCom Knowledge Base for more answers and pro tips.