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Serving Multiple Cities? Here's Why You Shouldn't Create Multiple Google Business Profiles

Working with service business owners every day, I hear one question over and over again: "I get plenty of business in my main service area where I'm physically located, but hardly any from the other towns I serve - even though I'm willing to travel 5, 10, or even 20 miles away!"

Their first instinct? Create another Google Business Profile for each city they serve. Some even consider adding different phone numbers to make these profiles seem more legitimate.

I totally get the impulse! But today, I'm going to explain why that approach could actually hurt your business, and show you what to do instead to attract customers from all your service areas without breaking Google's rules.

Why Multiple Google Business Profiles Can Get You In Trouble

Let me be super clear: Google only allows one Business Profile per physical business location. Creating profiles for cities where you don't have an actual physical office violates Google's guidelines.

What happens if you ignore this rule? Best case, Google will eventually catch and remove your duplicate listings. Worst case, they might suspend ALL your profiles - even your legitimate one! That would mean disappearing completely from Google Maps and local search results. Yikes!

The Right Way: One Profile + Service Areas

So what should you do instead? Here's the proper approach:

1. Maintain ONE Google Business Profile based at your actual physical location.

2. Add multiple service areas to this single profile:

   • Log into your Google Business Profile

   • Go to "Info" → "Service areas"

   • Add all the cities, towns, and ZIP codes you serve (you can add up to 20!)

   • Remove your address if you don't want clients coming to your location

This tells Google exactly where you work without breaking any rules.

The Secret Weapon: City-Specific Service Pages

Here's where the real magic happens. Instead of creating fake Google listings, create dedicated pages on your website for each area you serve. This is 100% within Google's guidelines and super effective!

For example, if you're a plumber based in Springfield who also serves Shelbyville, create a page specifically about your "Plumbing Services in Shelbyville."

Here's what to include on these pages:

1. Localized Headlines and Content

Don't just change the city name and call it a day! Write unique content for each page that mentions:

• The specific city/town name

• Neighborhoods within that area

• Common problems people in that area face

• How your services help that specific community

For example: "Our Springfield plumbers understand the unique challenges of older Springfield homes, especially in the Historic District where copper pipes from the 1940s are common."

2. Area-Specific Details

Show that you really know the area by mentioning:

• Local landmarks

• Recent events

• Weather conditions that affect your service

• Building codes specific to that municipality

For example: "Unlike newer Shelbyville developments, homes in downtown Riverdale often have outdated electrical panels that require specialized upgrading to meet current safety codes."

3. Local Reviews and Case Studies

• Include testimonials specifically from customers in that city

• Add before/after photos of work you've done in that area

• Mention specific projects with street names (without house numbers)

For example: "After completing our bathroom remodel on Maple Street, the homeowners were thrilled with how we maximized their small space while preserving the home's historic character."

4. Custom Contact Information

• Create a specific contact form for each location page

• Use tracking phone numbers to measure performance

• Include maps showing your service coverage in that area

5. Local Business Partnerships

• Mention other local businesses you've worked with

• Include community organizations you support in that area

• Reference any local awards or recognition

The Results You Can Expect

When done right, these area-specific pages can rank very well in local searches. Instead of trying to trick Google with fake listings (which doesn't work anyway), you're giving them exactly what they want: helpful, location-specific information for searchers.

Plus, customers who find these pages will be impressed by your knowledge of their specific area, making them more likely to choose you over competitors.

Quick Start Guide

Ready to start improving your multi-area visibility? Here's a quick action plan:

1. Audit your Google presence: Make sure you only have one legitimate Google Business Profile.

2. Update your service areas: Add all cities and towns you serve to your existing profile.

3. Plan your location pages: Make a list of all areas you serve and prioritize them based on potential business value.

4. Create quality content: Develop unique, helpful content for each location page (don't copy-paste and change the city name!).

5. Track performance: Monitor how each page ranks and brings in leads, then refine your approach.

Remember, building proper local SEO takes time, but doing it the right way means sustainable results that won't disappear overnight when Google catches you breaking the rules!

Have questions about your specific business situation? Drop them in the comments below or reach out directly. I'm always happy to help fellow local business owners succeed online!

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