Can 2 Businesses Have The Same Address On Google? | Clear Truths Revealed

Understanding Google’s Address Policies for Businesses

Google My Business (GMB) is designed to help companies establish a digital presence tied to physical locations. However, the question “Can 2 Businesses Have The Same Address On Google?” often arises because many businesses operate from shared spaces. Google’s guidelines are clear but nuanced when it comes to multiple listings at the same address.

Google allows multiple businesses to list the same address if they represent distinct entities operating independently within that location. This usually applies to multi-tenant office buildings, shopping malls, co-working spaces, or commercial complexes. Each business must have unique identifiers such as suite numbers, floor details, or unit numbers to differentiate their physical spot within the shared address.

The key is that Google aims to prevent duplicate or misleading listings but recognizes real-world scenarios where multiple companies legitimately share an address. Therefore, while two businesses can technically have the same street address on Google, they must provide enough distinguishing details for users and Google’s algorithm to tell them apart.

When Sharing an Address Is Allowed

Several scenarios justify why two or more businesses might share a single address on Google:

• Office Suites: In office buildings where different companies occupy separate suites or floors, each business can claim the same street number but with distinct suite numbers.
• Shopping Centers and Malls: Retailers within malls often share a primary street address but have different unit numbers or store names.
• Co-working Spaces: Entrepreneurs and startups using co-working facilities may list the main building address but should specify their unique workspace or room number.
• Multi-practice Medical Offices: Doctors or therapists sharing a clinic space often appear under the same building address but with individual practitioner listings.

In these cases, Google expects each listing to have accurate and verifiable contact information, including phone numbers and website URLs when possible. This helps maintain trustworthiness and prevents confusion among customers searching for a specific business.

The Importance of Suite Numbers and Identifiers

Suite numbers act as crucial differentiators for businesses sharing an address. Without them, Google may flag listings as duplicates or suppress them altogether. For example:

123 Main Street Suite 101 versus 123 Main Street Suite 102

Even though the street number is identical, these suite distinctions allow both businesses to coexist on Google Maps without conflict.

If your business operates in a shared space without suite numbers, it’s advisable to include other location details like floor number or signage information in your GMB profile description. This adds clarity for customers and Google’s verification process.

The Risks of Duplicate Listings at the Same Address

While it’s permissible under certain conditions, having multiple listings at one address comes with challenges:

• Listing Suspension: Google actively monitors duplicate content. If two listings appear too similar without clear differentiation, one may be suspended.
• User Confusion: Customers might get frustrated if they can’t distinguish between businesses at the same spot.
• Navigational Errors: Incorrect or missing unit details can cause misdirection in maps and navigation apps.
• SEO Impact: Duplicate listings dilute search rankings and reduce visibility for both entities.

Therefore, precision in listing details is vital. Business owners should regularly audit their GMB profiles to ensure accuracy and avoid penalties from Google.

How to Avoid Listing Conflicts on Shared Addresses

To prevent issues when listing multiple businesses at one location:

• Add Specific Location Details: Use suite numbers, floor levels, or any unique identifiers available.
• Create Unique Phone Numbers: Separate contact lines help distinguish one business from another.
• Diversify Online Presence: Maintain distinct websites and social media profiles linked from each GMB listing.
• Avoid Keyword Stuffing: Don’t try to manipulate addresses by adding irrelevant keywords; this risks suspension.
• Verify Each Listing Individually: Complete Google’s verification process properly for every business entity.

These steps ensure that both customers and search engines recognize each business as a legitimate and separate entity within a shared location.

The Role of Virtual Offices and PO Boxes in Address Sharing

Virtual offices complicate this topic further because many companies use the same virtual office provider’s street address for their GMB listings. While this is common practice in some industries like consulting or remote services, it introduces risks.

Google discourages using PO Boxes or purely virtual addresses without physical storefronts because they don’t provide verifiable customer access points. However, if multiple businesses legitimately operate inside a virtual office building with actual reception areas where clients visit, they may be allowed separate listings under that shared address—again distinguished by suite numbers or unique identifiers.

Table below summarizes common scenarios of shared addresses on Google My Business:

Scenario	Address Sharing Allowed?	Key Requirements
Multi-tenant Office Building	Yes	Unique suite/floor numbers; verified contact info
Mall/Retail Complex Stores	Yes	Differentiated unit/store numbers; distinct phone lines
Virtual Office with Reception Area	Sometimes	Tangible client access point; unique identifiers per business
P.O. Box Only Addresses	No (Generally)	No physical storefront; not eligible per guidelines
Coworking Spaces Without Specific Units	No (Usually)	Lack of unique location details; high risk of suspension
Duplication Without Differentiation (Same Business)	No (Not Allowed)	Avoid duplicate listings; violates policies

The Verification Process: How It Affects Multiple Businesses at One Address

Verification is critical for any GMB listing’s success. When two businesses attempt to register at the same address, Google’s verification methods ensure legitimacy through:

• Postcard Verification: A postcard with a code is mailed to the listed address — only accessible by legitimate occupants.
• Email/Phone Verification: Sometimes used if linked with official websites or trusted domains.
• User Reports & Reviews: Community feedback also influences how trustworthy a listing appears over time.
• Pandemic Adjustments: Temporary changes allowed more leniency but still require accurate information post-pandemic.
• Crowdsourced Data & AI Algorithms:This technology helps detect duplicates or suspicious listings based on patterns beyond just addresses.

If two businesses share an exact unmodified address without clear distinguishing details during verification, one may fail verification due to perceived duplication. This reinforces why providing suite numbers or other specifics isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

The Impact on Local SEO Rankings When Sharing an Address on Google My Business Listings

Having multiple businesses at one location influences local SEO differently depending on how well each listing is optimized:

If properly differentiated (unique phone numbers, descriptions, categories), each business can rank independently without cannibalizing traffic.

If not handled carefully (duplicate names/descriptions), rankings may suffer due to keyword dilution and confusion signals sent to search engines.

An optimized GMB profile includes consistent NAP data (Name, Address, Phone), quality photos showcasing distinct branding elements inside shared spaces, and regular engagement through posts/reviews—all helping boost visibility despite sharing an address with others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 2 Businesses Have The Same Address On Google?

Yes, two businesses can share the same Google address if they operate independently within a shared location like an office building or shopping mall. Each must have unique identifiers such as suite or unit numbers to differentiate their listings clearly.

Why Does Google Allow Two Businesses To Have The Same Address?

Google recognizes that many businesses operate in multi-tenant buildings or co-working spaces. It allows multiple listings at the same street address as long as each business is distinct and provides enough details to avoid confusion among customers.

How Do Suite Numbers Affect Two Businesses Sharing One Address On Google?

Suite numbers and other identifiers are essential for distinguishing businesses sharing the same address. Without these details, Google may flag listings as duplicates or misleading, so accurate suite or unit information helps maintain valid and trustworthy business profiles.

Are There Restrictions For Two Businesses Using The Same Address On Google?

Yes, Google requires that each business at the same address represents a unique entity with verifiable contact information. Listings must not be misleading and should include distinct details like phone numbers or website URLs to comply with Google’s guidelines.

What Types of Businesses Commonly Share The Same Address On Google?

Businesses in office suites, shopping malls, co-working spaces, and multi-practice medical offices often share a single street address on Google. Each business listing must include specific location details within the shared address to ensure clarity for users.