Local SEO Using Multiple GBP Locations [A Dark Arts Strategy]
At Rainmaker Remodel, we are huge advocates of a multi-GBP strategy.
It can be totally transformative for local service business growth.
Here's why:
80% of clicks go to the top 3 map results for local service intent searches.
One lonely Google Business Profile (GBP) in the corner of town will often have a radius restraint, preventing it from ranking further from its primary location.
Ranking a GBP for your primary term service and keywords is typically 4-5x faster than typical organic rankings.
But getting it right is an art.
A couple of wrong moves can be the difference between pulling in a flood of leads or cannibalizing yourself into invisibility.
Luckily, for you, we've got the playbook.
Key Notes
GBPs placed too close together cannibalize rankings and weaken review power.
20–30 miles between GBPs is the sweet spot in most cities.
In dense metros, profiles can be slightly closer without overlap issues.
Adding city names in GBP titles improves visibility for local searches.
Why Does Multi-Location Matter?
Google decides who gets the call based on proximity, relevance, and reviews. If your GBP is planted on the north side of the city, you’ll rank well there, but good luck pulling leads from the south side.
When you set up multiple GBPs strategically, you widen your radius and cover the city properly.
Instead of fighting for scraps in one ZIP code, you’re showing up across the entire region.
The Trap: Cannibalization
Here’s where most contractors screw it up. They throw GBPs up all over the place, often within a few miles of each other, thinking “more is better.”
It’s not.
When GBPs are placed too close together:
Your reviews get spread thin → each profile looks weaker.
Google suppresses both listings → they cannibalize each other’s rankings.
You lose coverage in the middle zones → too far apart and there’s a dead gap; too close and they drag each other down.
The fix is spacing and strategy.
The Sweet Spot: Distance That Works
As a rule of thumb:
20–30 miles apart in most cities works well.
In major metros, you can place them a bit closer, the population density helps.
Always map out your coverage — north/south/east/west — so you’re not leaving a hole in the middle.
Done right, you’ll own more of the map without sabotaging your own rankings.
Proof in Action
We’ve run this play with one of our major clients. Let’s call them Client X. By carefully placing locations about 30 miles apart, we gave them strong, non-overlapping coverage across Los Angeles.
The result was more calls, more leads, and no dead zones.
Setting Up for Success
Location names matter. Add the city or region into the GBP name when it makes sense. “Locksmiths Los Angeles” will almost always pull harder than just “Locksmiths.”
Align your directories. Before you even apply for a new GBP, get matching profiles on Yelp, BBB, Angi, etc. Consistency across the web gives you more authority when you apply.
Play the long game. Reviews build slowly, but as each profile gains traction, your ranking across the city strengthens.
Use DBAs to Protect Your Profiles
It’s a smart move to include a city or service keyword in your GBP name, because that can instantly boost your chances of showing up when customers search locally.
“Roof Repairs Raleigh” doesn’t just sound specific, it also lines up perfectly with what people type into Google, making you far more likely to appear in the map pack.
But this can be risky if you don’t back it up. Google suspends profiles all the time for “keyword stuffing,” unless you can prove it’s a legitimate business name.
That’s where DBAs (Doing Business As registrations) come in. Filing a DBA for each location name (e.g., Dumpster Rentals Los Angeles) gives you legal protection and makes it far easier to get verified.
It’s cheap, fast, and one of the best insurance policies you can buy for multi-location SEO.
Video Verification for Getting GBPs Live
Video verification is another route to get your GBP live.
Google wants proof you’re a real business, which means showing branded items like signage, stationery, or merch on video at the address you’ve claimed.
The workaround? Some businesses “set up shop” in a co-working or shared office in the part of the city they want to rank in. Add a sign on the door, flash a branded polo or two, and suddenly you’ve got the verification Google’s looking for.
DBA Fees by State (U.S.)
Overview
Most U.S. states charge $5 to $100+ to file a DBA.
Some require newspaper publication, which can add $40–$100+.
Key States
The Bigger Picture
This is step one in a bigger playbook:
Multi-location GBP strategy (what you just read)
Verification methods (coming next)
Building supporting directory listings
Review strategies across multiple profiles
Each part connects to the other. Get this foundation right, and you’ll start seeing real map coverage, not just in one neighborhood, but across the whole region you serve.
Struggling To Show Up Beyond Your Zip Code?
Smart GBP placement can turn maps into your biggest lead machine.
Conclusion
Getting multiple GBPs right isn’t about flooding the map, it’s all about strategy.
Space them too close and you choke your own rankings. Space them smart, and you’ll cover the whole city without losing traction. Add in strong names, matching directories, and reviews that stack where they matter, and suddenly you’re not just visible, you’re the obvious choice.
Most contractors miss this because they treat GBPs like a checkbox, not a lever for growth. If you’re serious about pulling more leads from maps, book a free consultation with Rainmaker Remodel and let’s map out your next move.
