Solving the Google My Business Dilemma: Why Only One Location is Shown

Have you encountered the frustrating situation where you have multiple verified Google My Business locations, but only one of them is prominently displayed? This is a common issue that many business owners face. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem. In this article, we will explore various solutions and best practices to help ensure that all your verified locations are visible and competitive in the search results.

Check Location Verification

The first step in troubleshooting is to ensure that your locations are fully verified. While it might appear that all locations are verified, there might be underlying issues. You can verify this by logging into your Google My Business account and checking the verification status for each location. Any unresolved issues can be addressed here.

Consistency of Information

Consistency across your business listings is crucial. Ensure that the business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are identical across all platforms, including your website, social media profiles, and Google My Business. Inconsistencies can lead to visibility issues, as search engines may show listings with more consistent information.

Google Maps and Search Visibility

Check if the other locations are visible on Google Maps and in Google Search individually. If they are visible but not together with the first location, it could be related to how Google groups businesses. Make sure that each location has its own unique identifier and is not being grouped together as a single business entity.

Business Categories and Relevance

Ensure that the categories assigned to each location are appropriate and relevant. Too similar or irrelevant categories can affect visibility. For example, if you have a restaurant and a café, make sure each has distinct categories that reflect their unique offerings.

Distance and Competition

Google may prioritize showing the closest location to the user based on their search query. If the other locations are farther away, they may not appear. Consider the context of the searches and distances to determine if this is a factor.

Multiple Listings and Confusion

If you have multiple listings for the same business, this can lead to confusion and affect visibility. Each location should be a unique listing. If you have duplicated listings, consolidate them to avoid any conflicting signals.

Google Support for Specific Insights

If you have exhausted all the steps above and the issue persists, consider contacting Google My Business support. They can provide specific insights related to your listings and help you identify any unique challenges.

Local SEO Optimization

To further improve the visibility of your listings, optimize each location for local SEO. This includes adding relevant photos, posts, and responding to reviews which can enhance your site's authority and visibility.

Update and Patience

Lastly, sometimes it can take time for Google to update listings. Ensure that all information is accurate, then give it some time to see if the changes take effect. Regularly update your listings to reflect any new developments or changes.

By following these steps, you should be able to identify and potentially resolve the issue with your Google My Business locations, ensuring that all your verified locations are prominently displayed for your customers.