🔍 Overview
Data Aggregator is a Search Atlas tool that pushes your business information to major data networks, helping ensure your local listings stay accurate and consistent across the web. To use Data Aggregator, a connected Google Business Profile (GBP) is mandatory. If you do not have a GBP connected, you will see an error and will not be able to proceed with Data Aggregator. However, you can still manage local citations manually using Citation Builder as an alternative workflow.
⚠️ Why GBP Is Required for Data Aggregator
Data Aggregator pulls your verified business information directly from your connected Google Business Profile. This ensures the data distributed to third-party directories and data networks is accurate and matches your authoritative business listing. Without a connected GBP, Data Aggregator has no verified source of business information to work from and cannot function.
If you attempt to use Data Aggregator without a connected GBP, you will receive an error message indicating that a Google Business Profile connection is required before you can proceed. No data will be submitted until this requirement is met.
📋 What You Need to Use Data Aggregator
- An active Search Atlas account with Local features enabled.
- A verified Google Business Profile connected to your Search Atlas workspace.
- Your GBP must be linked before accessing Data Aggregator — partial or pending connections will not unlock the tool.
🏗️ Using Citation Builder as a Manual Alternative
If you do not currently have a GBP connected, Citation Builder is available as a manual alternative. Citation Builder allows you to create, manage, and track local citations across directories without requiring a GBP connection. It gives you direct control over individual citation submissions while your GBP setup is in progress or if GBP access is unavailable.
To access Citation Builder, follow these steps:
- In the left sidebar, click Local.
- Under the Local section, click Local Citations.
- From the Local Citations page, you can manually add and manage citations for your business across supported directories.
🔄 Citation Builder vs. Data Aggregator: Key Differences
- Data Aggregator — Automated bulk distribution to major data networks. Requires a connected GBP. Faster and broader reach with less manual effort.
- Citation Builder — Manual citation management across directories. No GBP required. Gives you direct control over individual listings but requires more hands-on effort.
Citation Builder is a practical short-term solution, but for full automation and broader data network coverage, connecting a GBP and using Data Aggregator is strongly recommended.
🚧 Limitations When GBP Access Is Unavailable
Using Citation Builder without a connected GBP comes with some limitations you should be aware of:
- Citations must be submitted and managed individually rather than distributed automatically in bulk.
- Data Aggregator's automated network syndication is not available, which may slow the spread of accurate business data across the web.
- Ongoing synchronisation between your business information and distributed listings will not occur automatically without GBP.
- Some advanced Local features within Search Atlas that depend on GBP data may also be restricted or unavailable.
✅ How to Connect Your Google Business Profile
When you are ready to unlock Data Aggregator and full Local functionality, connect your GBP by following these steps:
- In the left sidebar, click Local → GBP Projects.
- Click Overview.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to connect your Google Business Profile to your workspace.
- Once your GBP is successfully connected, return to Data Aggregator to begin automated data distribution.
Make sure the Google account you use has ownership or management access to the GBP you want to connect. Viewer-only access will not be sufficient to complete the connection.
💬 Need Help?
If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type human teammate to be connected with a member of our team.