Merging multiple site locations into 1 GBP

[5 Star Reviews]

Hi brain trust,

I have a client who had four different locations for his truck business.

Due to a slowdown in the economy, he's had to close some of the other sites and merge them all into the one location.

Is it possible to merge the other locations that are all centrally owned by him?

They are not franchises.

With the Strategy be to change the address on the other profiles to the Central headquarters address where the existing business will be run from.

And then apply to have Google merge them.

Any help or support would be greatly appreciated.

Karl

 

[5 Star Reviews]

Can this be done by someone like me @JoyHawkins or does it need a higher level Google Expert?

 

[keyserholiday]

Google won’t merge GBPs using different addresses. You can try and update the addresses and then ask Google to merge them.

 

[Stefan Somborac]

To add to @keyserholiday :
As far as rules/guidelines go, the short answer is no. Google would like the closed locations marked "Permanently closed". And they won't transfer the reviews from a closed profile at one address to a live profile at another.

"If your business closes temporarily or permanently, the reviews remain attached to the business."

From How to move your reviews across Business Profiles

If you try updating the addresses and then asking Google to merge, keep in mind:

1. This is an attempt to circumvent the rules
2. Google knows that you changed the address

So, it might work but don't be surprised if it doesn't.

 

[keyserholiday]

To add to @keyserholiday :
As far as rules/guidelines go, the short answer is no. Google would like the closed locations marked "Permanently closed". And they won't transfer the reviews from a closed profile at one address to a live profile at another.


From How to move your reviews across Business Profiles

If you try updating the addresses and then asking Google to merge, keep in mind:

1. This is an attempt to circumvent the rules
2. Google knows that you changed the address

So, it might work but don't be surprised if it doesn't.

With how incompetent “support” is I doubt they will check or no the rule.

 

[Stefan Somborac]

Agree

 

[keyserholiday]

Agree

Brad Wutheral says this allowed.

 

[Stefan Somborac]

"Allowed" or "works"?

I trust Brad. Super knowledgable!