What if the two locations of my business are under different names and I only have access to one Google My Business profile?

Short Answer: You need to inform Google that both profiles belong to you by contacting Google Business Profile support. Upload all necessary documents featuring your Doing Business As (DBA) names to verify ownership of both locations. However, be cautious if both profiles appear under the same website or Google account, as this might require additional considerations.

Full Explanation

When your business operates in two different locations under separate names, but you only control one Google My Business profile, it’s important to clarify to Google that you are the rightful owner of both. This process helps maintain accurate representation of your business online and prevents confusion for customers searching for your services.

To do this, reaching out to Google Business Profile support is essential. You will need to submit a message explaining your situation thoroughly. Additionally, providing documentation that proves your ownership of both business names, such as DBA (Doing Business As) papers, is necessary to confirm your claim. This ensures Google can accurately connect both profiles to your ownership.

Keep in mind that if both business profiles link to the same website or are connected through the same Google account, this situation can complicate verification. You should proceed carefully to avoid accidental suspension or confusion in profile verification.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Identify the issue: Recognize that your two locations have different business names but you only have access to one Google My Business profile.
Contact Google Business Profile support: Send a detailed message explaining your ownership of both locations and the issue of differing business names.
Prepare and upload documentation: Gather all relevant documents, especially those listing your DBAs, to prove ownership of each business name and location.
Submit your case: Attach your documents and explanation when communicating with Google support.
Review response carefully: Be mindful of any indications from Google if both profiles are linked to the same website or account, and act accordingly.

Real Examples

Consider a situation where a business owner runs two stores with different brand names. The owner has control over one Google My Business profile but wants to ensure Google knows both stores belong to them. By reaching out to Google and submitting DBA documents, the owner can verify both profiles and maintain control.

Another example is when both locations share a website. In this case, the business owner needs to be extra careful when informing Google to prevent possible errors in profile association or suspension.

Common Mistakes

Failing to notify Google support and leaving the profiles unlinked can cause confusion and loss of control.
Not providing adequate documentation such as DBA papers might result in claims being denied.
Ignoring the fact that both profiles share the same website or account and not proceeding cautiously might cause complications during verification.

FAQs

Q: What documents should I upload to prove both profiles belong to me?
A: Upload all documents that include your Doing Business As (DBA) names to demonstrate ownership of each business location.

Q: Can I link both business names to one Google My Business profile?
A: You should notify Google about the ownership of both profiles but be careful if they seem to be connected to the same website or account, as different rules may apply.

Q: What happens if I don’t inform Google?
A: Not clarifying ownership may lead to confusion between the profiles, potentially affecting business visibility or access.

Key Takeaways

Always communicate with Google Business Profile support when managing multiple business locations with different names.
Provide clear and sufficient documentation, especially DBAs, to prove ownership of each profile.
Proceed with caution if both profiles are linked to the same website or Google account to avoid complications.