Amit Khanna
Anvi Staff answered 5 months ago
Yes, two businesses can share the same address on Google My Business (GMB), which is a common scenario in shared office spaces or malls. However, certain conditions must be met to ensure that each business maintains its unique identity and the listings adhere to Google’s guidelines.
Key Considerations:
Separate Listings: Each business must have its own unique listing. This means distinct business names, phone numbers, and categories. Even if the address is the same, other details should clearly differentiate one business from another.
Suite Numbers: If possible, using suite numbers or office numbers can help Google and customers distinguish between businesses. For example, “Suite 101” for one business and “Suite 102” for another at the same address.
Verification: Each business will need to verify its listing separately. Google will send a verification postcard to the shared address, and each business must verify its listing through its unique verification code.
Distinct Online Presence: Having separate websites and unique domains for each business can further validate their distinctiveness. This is particularly important if businesses offer similar services.
Shared Office Spaces:
In shared office spaces, multiple businesses often operate from a single physical location but maintain separate identities. Here are some specific tips:
Use Individual Phone Numbers: Each business should have its own phone number, even if they share the same address. This helps Google and customers differentiate between the businesses.
Google My Business Categories: Ensure that the primary category selected for each business accurately reflects the specific services offered. This helps in preventing category overlap, which could confuse both Google and potential customers.
Malls and Large Complexes:
For businesses in malls or large complexes:
Storefront Names: Clearly display the name of the business on the storefront, which matches the name used in the GMB listing. This helps with verification and authenticity.
Maps and Directories: Ensure that the business is listed in the mall’s directory or website, as this can provide additional validation to Google that multiple distinct businesses operate at the same address.
Google’s Guidelines:
Google’s guidelines support this practice as long as the businesses are indeed distinct and serve different purposes. Here’s a relevant excerpt from Google’s guidelines:
“Departments within other businesses, universities, or institutions”: Departments within larger entities can have their own listings if they serve different customer groups and operate as distinct businesses.
By following these practices, businesses in shared spaces can effectively manage their Google My Business listings and ensure they appear correctly in search results.
Subhash Staff answered 1 month ago
Yes, two Google Business listings can share the same business address under certain conditions, but there are specific rules and guidelines that need to be followed to avoid issues like suspension or rejection of one or both listings.
Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Legitimate and Distinct Businesses
Both businesses must be legitimately distinct and operate separately. For example, you might have two different businesses (e.g., a restaurant and a bakery) sharing the same physical location but with separate business operations, names, and services.
Each business should have its own unique identity, including a different name, phone number, and business category.
2. Shared Office Spaces or Co-Working Spaces
In shared office spaces or co-working spaces, multiple businesses may operate from the same address. However, each business must meet Google’s criteria:
Each business should have a unique suite number or office location within the shared space if possible.
Businesses should have separate phone numbers and websites to clearly differentiate them.
3. Service-Based Businesses
If multiple service-based businesses operate from the same location, they can have individual listings as long as they meet the criteria for being distinct businesses.
For example, a digital marketing agency and a web design studio might share the same physical office but must be operated and marketed as separate entities.
4. Franchise or Multiple Locations of the Same Brand
If a company has different departments or branches (such as a car dealership with separate listings for sales and service), these can have separate listings as long as they have unique contact details, categories, and customer interactions.
For franchises with multiple locations of the same brand, each location can have its own listing, provided it operates independently and customers can visit the location.
5. Potential Issues to Avoid
Duplicate Listings: If Google detects listings that are too similar (same name, same business type), it may flag them as duplicates and suspend one or both listings.
Keyword Stuffing: Avoid stuffing the business name with keywords or location information to differentiate them artificially.
Virtual Offices: Google generally doesn’t accept virtual office addresses unless a business has staff at the location during business hours.
Best Practices for Multiple Listings at the Same Address:
Clearly Differentiate Business Names: Make sure the business names are distinct and reflect the different entities.
Separate Contact Information: Use different phone numbers and websites for each business.
Unique Descriptions and Categories: Select appropriate categories for each business to ensure they reflect their unique offerings.
Suite Numbers or Office Numbers: If possible, use separate suite or office numbers to help Google differentiate between the two listings.
By ensuring each listing represents a distinct business entity, with unique details and customer interactions, you can successfully maintain multiple Google Business listings at the same address.