Video Tutorial: How to Find & Remove Duplicate Google Business Listings

Occasionally, I’ll find duplicate Google Business Listings for my SEO clients. These listings might have been mistakenly created by the client. Or Google had already created a listing and instead of claiming the existing listing, the client created a new one.

Why Duplicate Google Business Listings are Bad for SEO

Duplicate Google Business Listings can be confusing and frustrating to potential clients and Google. The duplicate listing will NOT appear in search results. Google might view the business info as unreliable and poorly maintained. This unreliable information could lead to a drop in local SEO rankings.

So what should you do if you notice that there are duplicate listings?

How to Find Your Business (and Any Duplicates) on Google

The first thing to do is figure out which listing Google has already created. To find this, go into Google Maps and search for the business name or phone number. You should see one of two options: “No results found” or a list of addresses with the correct address highlighted in blue. If you don’t have any listings in blue, then you’ll need to create a new business listing on Google My Business by clicking “Add.”

If you do find duplicate Google Business Listings, it’s important to claim any existing listings so that you can update the verified listing. If none of the listings are verified, keep the listing with the most updated info or the listing with the most reviews.

To claim an existing listing that you’ve found in Search, click “Claim this page”, then follow the instructions to confirm ownership.

How to Remove a Duplicate Google Business Listings

Once you’ve determined the Google Business Listing you want to keep and maintain, you can now select the duplicate listings to be removed from your Google Business account. Then select Action at the top right. Now select “Remove Business” at the very bottom of the list of options.

As long as you are listed as the owner, you will be able to successfully remove the duplicate listing. If you are NOT the owner, you need to find out who’s listed as the owner and have them transfer ownership to you or delete the listing from their account.

Even if you hire outside help, you should always be the owner of all of your properties including Google Analytics, Search Console, & Business Listing.

Need Help Cleaning Up Your GBL?

Duplicate listings can be confusing to potential customers, Google, and your own business. It’s important that you determine which duplicate listing is the most up-to-date before claiming it as yours or deleting any duplicates.

If you need help figuring out how to remove a duplicate Google Business Listing for yourself or someone else, don’t hesitate to reach out!