How Does Google Consider a Business Name as Duplicate?

[alihus]

Hi,

A problem about local business listings of one of my clients is confusing to me!

The correct business name is: "Thomas Frank, DDS"

This is how his business name appears in different local business listing sites:

Dr Thomas W Frank, DDS

Dr. Thomas Frank DDS

Frank Thomas DDS Cosmetic Implant Laser Dentistry

Frank Thomas W DDS

,...

Do you think Google assumes these business names duplicate and wrong and they need to be updated by me? Which ones exactly? Or they are OK and it won't result to increase in his ranks?

I should mention that everything else in his listings are OK but the business name.

Thank you in advance for your kind helps,

[Lumina]

In business listings and directories, it's best to have a consistent NAP (name, address, phone). Meaning, the name listed on Google+ should be the same as Facebook, as Linkedin, as BestOfTheWeb, as Yellowpages, etc. However, this will have no direct effect on SEO or rankings whatsoever. Search engines (including Google) are typically smart enough to figure out that these are all the same company, even if there are slight discrepancies.

[MiriamEllis]

Hey There!

The word here wouldn't be 'duplicates' but, rather, 'discrepancies'. While Google may be able to recognize some of these as similar enough, why take a chance? NAP consistency has been considered a Top 10 ranking factor for many years going, so yes, I'd definitely suggest getting the business name consistent across the ecosystem. It will be a load off your mind!

[alihus]

Got it.

Thank you very much