Is the Process of Setting Up a Service GMB the Same as Setting Up an Original GMB?

Short Answer: Yes, the basic process of opening a Google My Business (GMB) listing is the same whether it’s your original location or an additional service location. You start by going to Google Business Profile and clicking “Manage now.” However, when setting up multiple locations, it’s important to use a different email address for each new GMB to avoid potential suspension issues.

Full Explanation

To open a Google My Business listing, you first navigate to the Google Business Profile website and click on the “Manage now” button. This initiates the setup for your business profile. The process remains consistent whether you are registering your very first GMB location or adding a new service location.

However, if you plan to manage two or more locations, a key distinction comes into play regarding email usage. Google recommends using a unique email address for each additional location. This is because using the same email for multiple GMBs can pose risks. For example, if one of your locations is suspended due to spam or other issues, all other GMB listings connected to that same email might also face suspension.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Visit the Google Business Profile page.
2. Click on the “Manage now” button to start setting up your GMB.
3. If this is your first location, proceed using your current email address.
4. For the second location or any additional locations, create a new email address specifically dedicated to that listing.
5. Use that new email address when setting up the additional GMB location.
6. Complete the setup process following Google’s prompts for each listing.

Real Examples

If you own a business with multiple service locations, say two or three, and use the same email for all these GMB listings, you risk having all your listings suspended if one gets flagged for spam. Instead, by opening a new email account for each location and managing them separately, you protect your other listings from being affected by actions taken on one.

Common Mistakes

• Using the same email address to manage multiple GMB locations, which increases the risk of multiple listings being suspended simultaneously.
• Not creating a new email for additional locations, potentially causing management and recovery difficulties in case of suspension.
• Assuming that all locations can be managed under one email without repercussions.

FAQs

Can I use my existing email to set up multiple GMB listings?

While technically possible, it is not recommended. Using the same email for multiple listings increases the risk that if one listing is suspended, all others under the same email will be suspended too.

Why should I use a different email for each GMB location?

Google’s system associates the performance and compliance of listings with the email accounts used. Separate emails reduce the risk of multiple suspensions and help isolate issues if one location has a problem.

Is the setup process for new service locations different from the original?

The steps to open a new location remain the same; the main difference is in the email account used for management.

Key Takeaways

• The process to open a Google My Business listing is consistent whether for your first or additional locations.
• Always create and use a separate email address for each new GMB location to avoid risks of multiple suspensions.
• Managing multiple locations responsibly protects your business’s online presence from collateral damage due to one listing’s issues.