Common Mistakes to Avoid When Merging Google Business Listings

Why Merging Google Business Listings Matters

When you consolidate your listings, you reduce confusion for customers, strengthen local SEO, and simplify profile management. But incorrect merges can lead to loss of reviews, mixed-up business details, and frustrated customers. Let’s review what to avoid when merging your Google Business listings.

1. Failing to Confirm Ownership of Both Listings

Before merging, it’s essential to claim and verify ownership of all duplicate listings. Attempting to merge listings that aren’t under your control can result in incomplete or unsuccessful merges, leaving multiple listings live. Claim both listings by navigating to each listing on Google Maps and following the verification steps.

2. Merging Listings for Different Locations

A common mistake is attempting to merge listings for separate business locations. Google only allows merging of listings that represent the same business at the same physical location. If your business has multiple locations, each should have its own distinct Google Business profile to avoid confusion for customers and search engines.

3. Ignoring Inconsistent Business Information

Before merging, ensure that all business details—such as name, address, and phone number (NAP)—are identical across listings. Inconsistent NAP information can create confusion and lead Google to reject the merge request. Take the time to update any outdated information, including business hours, categories, and website links, before initiating a merge.

4. Not Taking Screenshots of Each Listing

Merging listings is a permanent action, and mistakes can be hard to undo. To protect yourself, take screenshots of each listing’s information before starting the merge. This can be useful for record-keeping and for contacting Google Support if any information is lost or incorrectly merged during the process.

5. Overlooking the Impact on Reviews

One of the benefits of merging listings is that reviews from duplicate listings are typically combined. However, it’s important to note that this process can take up to seven days after merging for all reviews to show up on the primary profile. If reviews are a priority, plan your timing accordingly and monitor the primary listing after merging to ensure reviews have transferred.

6. Failing to Check for Additional Departments or Brands

If your business has distinct departments or operates multiple brands from the same location, don’t assume all listings should be merged. Google may consider these separate entities, and merging them could lead to confusion. Ensure that each listing represents the primary business entity rather than a department or brand with a distinct name, service, or phone number.

7. Not Understanding That Merging is Permanent

One of the biggest mistakes is assuming you can “undo” a merge if you change your mind. Once listings are merged, it cannot be reversed. Before proceeding, double-check that the merge makes sense for your business. Only merge listings you are sure represent the same business entity in the same location.

What to Do if You’ve Made a Mistake While Merging

If you encounter an issue, reach out to Google Support with details about your business and the listings involved. Keep any screenshots or documentation handy to help the support team understand the original state of your listings. While it may not always be possible to revert a merge, Google Support can provide assistance in correcting inaccuracies.

Conclusion

Merging Google Business listings can help you maintain a clean, consistent online presence and improve your local SEO. However, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls, like failing to verify ownership, overlooking inconsistent information, and assuming merges can be undone. By following these guidelines and carefully planning each step, you’ll ensure a successful merge that supports your local SEO goals and delivers accurate information to potential customers.

For expert help managing your Google Business Profile or optimizing your online presence, contact Skore Digital. Our team can guide you through merges and other local SEO strategies to enhance your business visibility.