Welcome back to our SEO Myth-Busting series! Today, we’re diving into a myth that’s as persistent as a tick on a hound dog in July: “If one Google Business Profile is Good, 7 Must be Better!” Many business owners believe that creating multiple Google Business Profiles (GBPs, aka Map Listings) for a single business will boost their online presence. But is this really true?
The Myth Unveiled
Here’s the scoop: Google’s policy clearly states that you can only have one listing per business location. Yes, you read that right—one location, one listing. Creating multiple GBPs for a single business is a violation of Google’s guidelines and can lead to serious consequences. These include the suspension of all your listings or even being flagged as a spammer, potentially barring you from ever creating GBPs again. Yikes!
“But My Competitor Has Tons of Listings and He’s Doing Great!”
Ah, the old “keeping up with the Joneses” argument. It’s something we hear more often than we’d like. While some businesses seem to get away with having multiple listings, the reality is that they’re, at best, flying under the radar for a while. Google handles many millions of listings, so some do slip through the cracks—until they don’t. Often, these are older listings that haven’t been touched in years and are therefore unnoticed.
The issue arises when these listings are disturbed. Maybe you or someone on the internet (through the “community edit” feature) make a change. That tends to bring attention to the Business Profile and any/all associated profiles. Once you’re deemed naughty, you’re in for a world of hurt when Google starts to dole out punishment like God Himself with a lightning bolt in each hand and a thunderstorm for backup!.
Why Following the Rules is Better
Sticking to Google’s guidelines is like using a reliable plumber—you’re ensuring everything works smoothly without unexpected leaks or bursts. Operating within the rules may not give you an immediate spike in visibility, but it builds a solid, sustainable foundation for your business.
We’ve seen many clients who tried to take shortcuts only to end up knee-deep in penalties and regret. Resolving these issues can take months, if a resolution is even possible.
Myth Busted!
In the world of SEO, shortcuts are often long cuts in disguise. We’ve seen, repeatedly, that sticking with a single, legitimate, and well-optimized GBP is far more powerful and sustainable than spamming multiple listings into Google’s ecosystem. This path may seem longer, but it’s much smoother and more predictable.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need help with your SEO strategy. We’re here to help you navigate the digital landscape and grow your business sustainably.
