Expanding Your Empire: A Master Guide to Adding Multiple Locations on Google Business Profile

So, you’re ready to conquer the world – or at least, expand your business empire. Adding another location on Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly Google My Business, is a savvy move for reaching new customers and solidifying your local presence. But how exactly do you do it? The short answer: You can add another location via your Google Business Profile dashboard by navigating to the “Add location” option, then meticulously filling out the profile information for the new location. However, it’s not always quite that simple, is it? Let’s dive deep and unlock the secrets to seamlessly adding and managing multiple locations.

The Nitty-Gritty: Adding That Second (or Third, or Tenth!) Location

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to add another location to your existing GBP account, along with crucial insights that often get overlooked:

1. Log In to Your Google Business Profile Account: Start by heading to Google Business Profile and signing in using the same Google account that manages your existing business profile. This is absolutely crucial; using a different account will create a separate, disconnected listing.

2. Navigate to “Add Location”: Once logged in, look for the “Add location” option. This can usually be found in the menu on the left-hand side of the dashboard. If you don’t see it immediately, click the three horizontal lines (the “hamburger menu”) in the top left corner to expand the menu.

3. Choose Your Location Type: You’ll be prompted to choose the type of location you’re adding. You’ll likely choose “Add a single location”, unless you’re adding a large number of locations at once.

4. Enter Business Name and Category: Accurately enter your business name and select the primary category that best describes your business. This needs to be consistent with your other listings and your website. Inconsistency here can hurt your overall search ranking.

5. Input Address and Service Area: Now, for the crucial details. Carefully input the complete and accurate physical address of the new location. If you also serve customers outside of this address, you can define a service area by listing cities, ZIP codes, or regions. Be precise.

6. Choose to Show or Hide Your Address: You have the option to hide your address from public view if you only serve customers within the service area (for example, if you’re a delivery-only service). However, if you have a storefront or welcome customers at the address, you must display it.

7. Add Contact Information: Provide a local phone number for the new location. Using a local number helps build trust with potential customers in that area. Double-check the number for accuracy!

8. Specify Your Website: Include the website URL for your business. Ideally, link to a specific page on your website that’s tailored to the new location. This reinforces the location’s relevance to search engines.

9. Verify Your Business: This is perhaps the most important step. Google needs to verify that you are the rightful owner of the new location. You’ll typically have several options for verification, including postcard verification, phone verification, or email verification. Postcard verification is still the most common method. Follow the instructions carefully and enter the verification code exactly as it appears.

10. Complete Your Profile: Once verified, it’s time to flesh out your profile with all the relevant details. Add business hours, a compelling business description, high-quality photos and videos, and any relevant attributes (e.g., Wi-Fi, wheelchair accessible). The more complete and engaging your profile is, the better it will perform.

11. Monitor and Manage: Don’t just set it and forget it! Regularly monitor your reviews, respond to inquiries, and update your profile with fresh content. Think of your GBP profile as an active marketing channel.

12. Utilize Location Groups (if applicable): If you have a large number of locations, consider using location groups to organize and manage them more efficiently. This is a powerful feature for large chains and franchises.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to address common challenges and provide further clarification:

1. Can I use the same phone number for multiple locations?

No, it’s highly recommended to use a unique phone number for each location. Google prefers distinct contact information to accurately identify and rank each location. Using the same number can lead to confusion and negatively impact your visibility.

2. What if I don’t have a physical storefront at the new location?

If you operate a service-area business (SAB), you can hide your address and define your service area. However, you still need to provide a physical address during the verification process, even if it’s a home address.

3. How long does the verification process take?

Postcard verification can take several days or even weeks, depending on your location. Phone and email verification are usually much faster. Be patient and ensure you follow the instructions carefully.

4. What if my new location is in a different country?

You’ll need to create a separate Google Business Profile account using a Google account associated with that country. Ensure you comply with the specific guidelines and requirements for that region.

5. How do I handle duplicate listings if they appear?

Duplicate listings can negatively impact your search ranking. Claim and verify both listings, then request that one be removed as a duplicate. Google provides a process for merging or removing duplicate listings.

6. Can I add a location that is temporarily closed?

While you can add a location that is temporarily closed, it’s best to clearly indicate its status in the profile and provide an estimated reopening date. This prevents confusion and manages customer expectations.

7. What are Google’s guidelines for business names?

Your business name on GBP should accurately reflect your real-world business name. Avoid adding unnecessary keywords or promotional phrases. Adhere to Google’s naming guidelines to avoid suspension or penalties.

8. How often should I update my Google Business Profile?

Aim to update your profile regularly, at least once a week. Add new photos, post updates, respond to reviews, and keep your business hours accurate. This signals to Google that your profile is active and relevant.

9. What are the best practices for photos on Google Business Profile?

Use high-quality, professional-looking photos that showcase your business, products, and services. Include photos of your storefront, interior, team, and customers. Photos play a significant role in attracting customers.

10. How can I track the performance of my multiple locations?

Google Business Profile provides insights and analytics that allow you to track key metrics such as views, clicks, calls, and direction requests for each location. Use this data to optimize your profiles and improve your performance.

11. Can I manage multiple locations from a single dashboard?

Yes, your GBP dashboard allows you to manage all your verified locations from a single interface. You can switch between locations and make updates to each profile individually or in bulk (for certain aspects).

12. What if I’m having trouble verifying my new location?

If you’re facing difficulties verifying your location, contact Google Business Profile support. They can provide assistance and guidance to resolve the issue. Be prepared to provide documentation to prove your ownership of the business.