Google Business Profile Local SEO Guidelines

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Recommendations to avoid demotion or suspension of your Google Business Profile.

Check Google’s latest official updates here: “Guidelines for Representing your Business on Google”

For Businesses with a Physical Address

  • The business must have some form of official documentation, for example, a business license
  • Each location must have a unique local phone number that connects directly to that location, answered by employees
  • Do not use the same business information for multiple profiles:
  • The name cannot include keywords or location unless documented by other sources as the official name
  • An employee must staff the location
  • Additional locations must be staffed by employees
  • It must be located at an eligible address: Do not use the addresses of friends, family, employees, or P.O. Boxes, virtual offices, or co-working spaces
  • If more than one listing, the service area specified for the location must be different from your first listing and not overlap
  • The boundaries of the service areas
    shouldn’t extend farther than about 2 hours of driving time from where the location is based
  • It should have its unique phone number
  • The location’s address shouldn’t be displayed in the listing.
  • The listing should link to a dedicated page on your website
  • The primary category must match between listings

For Service Area Businesses (physical address hidden)

  • The business must be have a business license or have some form of official documentation.
  • An employee must staff the location
  • Use a unique phone number answered directly by employees at each location
  • You should have separate staff operating for each location
  • It must be located at an eligible address: Do not use the addresses of friends, family, employees, or P.O. Boxes, virtual offices, or co-working spaces
  • If more than one listing, the service area specified for the location must be different from your first listing and not overlap
  • The boundaries of the service areas
    shouldn’t extend farther than about 2 hours of driving time from where the location is based
  • It should have its unique phone number
  • The location’s address shouldn’t be displayed in the listing
  • The listing should link to a dedicated page on your website
  • The primary category must match between listings