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    5. Can I request removal of a duplicate competitor Google Business listing?

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    Can I request removal of a duplicate competitor Google Business listing?

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    • GO2Tech
      GO2Tech last edited by

      I have a local competitor that is boggling me with his local pack rankings. For certain keyword phrases, he is ranking in multiple local 3 pack spots. The thing is, he only has one business location.

      So basically he has two different Google maps listings for the same business location ranking in the local pack. The NAP information is different for both listings except for the physical address. I can't understand for the life of me how this is actually helping him instead of hurting him....

      My client has way more citations. A decent blog with solid content. An SEO optimized mobile website (compeititor website is not mobile ready). Etc.....

      Don't get me wrong, my client is doing really well and is ranking top 3 in his area for nearly 30 industry related keyword phrases. I guess that is part of the reason I'm so boggled. Can anyone provide any insight? Can I bring this up to Google and have them remove the duplicate listing somehow? I'm literally sitting #4 in the local pack for some valuable keywords, and the only reason I'm not #3 or higher is because the same physical business location is taking up two of the spots. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

      1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
      • MiriamEllis
        MiriamEllis Subject Expert last edited by

        Super! So glad it helped. Spammers beware!

        1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
        • GO2Tech
          GO2Tech @MiriamEllis last edited by

          Thank you Miriam! Fortunately I was able to speak with a representative from Google about the situation, and the made the same exact recommendation that you did.

          Really appreciate the help and link!

          1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
          • MiriamEllis
            MiriamEllis Subject Expert last edited by

            Hi Richard,

            Sounds like good old spam to me, from your description. Definitely report it. This should help:

            http://imprezziomarketing.com/seo-blog/google-maps/new-way-to-report-issues-on-google-my-business/

            GO2Tech 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 1
            • GO2Tech
              GO2Tech @GlobeRunner last edited by

              Yeah, kinda figured I was going to be on the short end of the stick on this one. I'm really hoping someone with some successful experiences removing duplicate competitor listings can assist me. I mean it's kinda crazy. The competitor website is seriously lacking, but somehow seems to cling in the local pack somehow.

              1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
              • GlobeRunner
                GlobeRunner last edited by

                I know it's frustrating, we have come across lots of listings like this in the past. About the only thing you can do is flag the listing and explain that it's a duplicate listing. You might have several people using different Google accounts flag the listing, as well.

                GO2Tech 1 Reply Last reply Reply Quote 0
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