BY BUSINESS TYPE
A business inside another business
Can a business inside another business have its own Google profile?
Yes, in some cases: Google's guidelines say departments within businesses, universities, hospitals and government institutions may have their own Business Profiles, and brands at one location that operate independently may each have a separate profile.
The rule: what Google says
Google says it may suspend or disable Business Profiles that don't follow its guidelines. Its guidelines say departments within businesses, universities, hospitals and government institutions may have their own Business Profiles. Publicly-facing departments that operate as distinct entities should have their own page. If a business contains another business that the organization doesn't own and operate, it should only use categories that represent its own business. The guidelines say there should be only one profile per business. A location that combines two or more brands should not combine the brand names into a single profile, but when brands at one location operate independently, a separate profile for each brand is allowed.
Sources: support.google.com/business/answer/4569145 · support.google.com/business/answer/3038177
How to tell if it applies to your profile
Google says departments that qualify typically have a separate customer entrance and should each have distinct categories. The exact name of each department must differ from the main business's name and from other departments' names. A department's most representative category must also differ from that of the main business and of other departments. A business should not use categories that belong to a business physically contained within it, or to an entity that contains it. Google also says a business must not create more than one page for each of its locations, whether in a single account or in multiple accounts.
What to fix before you appeal
Google tells owners to make sure the profile follows all its guidelines before submitting an appeal. If a business name includes unnecessary information, the profile could be suspended. The name should reflect the real-world name used consistently on the storefront, website and stationery, and as known to customers. A business that shows its address on Google should keep permanent fixed signage of its business name at that address. Google warns owners not to create a new Business Profile for the same business when appealing. It also notes that an appeal can only be submitted once.
Sources: support.google.com/business/answer/4569145 · support.google.com/business/answer/3038177
Published 20 October 2026 · All guides