Are Extra Google Business Listings Hurting Your Rankings?

Today, we’re diving into a question that could be costing you serious rankings and revenue: Are extra Google listings hurting your visibility? You might think that more listings mean more opportunities to show up in search results.

But in reality, those additional profiles could be doing more harm than good.

Stick with me as I break down how Google’s ranking filter works, how to tell if this issue is affecting you, and what to do to fix it.

Podcast - Are Extra Google Listings Hurting Your Rankings?| Ep. 109

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Google Business Listings: More Isn’t Always Better for SEO

Having multiple Google Business Profile (GBP) listings might seem like a smart strategy to increase visibility in local search results.

Many clinic owners assume that separate listings for their practice and each practitioner will provide more opportunities to rank. However, this approach can backfire, negatively impacting rankings and reducing your online visibility.

Below, we’ll explore how Google’s ranking filter works, how multiple listings can hurt your rankings, and what you can do to fix the issue to improve your search visibility.

Image from Google Business Profile

The Common Misconception About Multiple Google Listings

Many clinic owners believe that more Google listings mean more chances to appear in search results.

This belief leads to three common scenarios:

A practice has a main listing, and each doctor or practitioner has their own listing.
A business creates multiple listings for the same location.
A multi-location clinic has separate listings for each of its branches.

While the third scenario is necessary and recommended, the first two often create problems. Instead of boosting visibility, multiple listings at the same address can lead to Google filtering out some of them—causing ranking issues rather than improvements.

How Google’s Ranking Filter Works

Google’s algorithm is designed to provide the best search experience possible. To do this, it tries to prevent multiple listings from dominating local search results for the same business or location.

Here’s how this filtering process works:

If Google detects two or more listings from the same business at the same address, it often filters out one to prevent duplication.
The filtered listing will still exist but won’t rank well in local search results.
Instead of helping your practice, these extra listings can dilute your overall authority and negatively impact your rankings.

Think of extra Google listings like anchors. Instead of lifting your practice higher in search results, they weigh it down, making it harder for your primary listing to reach the top of search rankings.

How to Identify Duplicate Google Listings

If you suspect your clinic might be suffering from this issue, here are some warning signs to look for:

Your rankings have plateaued despite having strong reviews and optimized content.
Your main practice listing is not appearing in the top three spots of Google’s local pack.
You have multiple Google listings, including separate practitioner profiles.
Patients express confusion about which listing to use.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to take action.

How to Fix Multiple Google Listings and Improve Rankings

If you find that duplicate listings are affecting your rankings, follow these steps:

1. Audit Your Google Listings

Search for your clinic name and see if multiple listings appear.
Use Google’s Business Profile Manager to check if you have more than one profile.

2. Decide Which Listing to Keep

The practice listing should always be your primary focus.
If practitioner listings exist, they should be optimized separately (especially if practitioners move locations or work at multiple clinics).

3. Merge or Remove Extra Listings

If multiple listings exist for the same business, request to merge them through Google Business Profile support.
If practitioner listings are causing ranking conflicts, consider removing or modifying them.

4. Optimize Your Remaining Listing

Ensure your Google Business Profile is fully optimized with accurate business details, categories, and service areas.
Regularly update your profile with posts, offers, and patient reviews.
Use strong SEO strategies on your website to support your GBP ranking.

What About Multi-Location Clinics?

If you operate in more than one city or have satellite offices, each location should have its own dedicated Google Business Profile.

To avoid duplicate listing issues, ensure that:

Each location has unique contact information and addresses.
Your website features location-specific service pages.
You avoid duplicate content across listings.

Following these steps ensures Google understands that your locations are separate businesses rather than duplicate listings.

Final Takeaways

More Google listings don’t necessarily mean more visibility. In fact, they could be hurting your rankings. By auditing your profiles, consolidating unnecessary listings, and optimizing your main practice listing, you can improve your search visibility and attract more local patients.

Take a few minutes today to check your Google Business Profile. If you find duplicate listings, address them immediately—you may see a rankings boost in no time.