Removing a business from Google is a process that involves deleting or hiding the business’s listing from Google Maps and search results. This can be necessary if the business has closed permanently, relocated to a new address, or if the business owner no longer wants their business to appear on Google.
However, it’s important to note that removing a business from Google may have consequences for its online presence and visibility, so it’s important to consider the potential impact before taking this step.
In our guide, we’ll share the best practices for removing your business from Google the right way.
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Is it possible to delete a Business From Google?
Yes, it is possible to remove a business from Google, but the process depends on the reason for removal. If the business has closed permanently or moved to a new location, the owner can request to have the listing removed from Google Maps and search results.
In order to remove a business from Google, you must first be the primary owner of its Google My Business (GMB) listing. Primary owners are provided with tools with which to temporarily suspend or permanently remove a business listing.
When Should You Remove Your Business From Google
A business owner should consider removing a business listing from Google under the following circumstances:
- The business has closed permanently and will not be reopening at a new location.
- The business has moved to a new location and no longer operates at the previous address.
- The business has changed its name and branding to the extent that the old listing no longer accurately represents the business.
- The business owner no longer wants their business to appear on Google.
In these situations, removing the business listing from Google can help prevent confusion among potential customers who may be searching for the business online.
Why Should You Remove a Business From Google
You should consider removing a business listing from Google if the business has closed permanently or moved to a new location and will not be operating at the previous address. In these cases, leaving the listing on Google can be confusing for potential customers who may be searching for the business.
Additionally, if the business has undergone significant changes, such as a change in name or branding, and the previous listing no longer accurately represents the business, it may be smarter (and less confusing) to remove the old listing and create a new one.
Finally, some business owners may choose to remove their listing from Google if they no longer want their business to appear in search results or on Google Maps. This effectively hides the business from search results and placement on Google Maps. However, this can have long-ranging effects on the visibility of your business in the Google search environment.
How to Remove Your Google Business Profile From Google (Step by Step)
Let’s take a look at a step-by-step guide to removing your business from Google:
1. Login to Your Google Business Profile.
If you’ve already claimed your business on Google My Business and Google Maps, sign in with the email address you used to create the profile.
2. Navigate to Edit Profile -> Business Information.
In the GMB dashboard for your business, click on the “Edit profile” icon.
3. At the Top of the Tab, Click on the “Hours” Tab.
The “hours” tab is located just below the header labeled “Business information.”
4. In the Hours Tab, Select “Permanently Closed.”
If you’re ready to remove your listing, selecting “permanently closed” is the choice to make.
5. Click “Save.”
Save your changes to the business profile before navigating away from the GMB profile.
What Happens to Your Google Business Listing After It’s Marked as “Permanently Closed”?
When a business listing is marked as “permanently closed” on Google, the following changes will occur:
- The business listing will no longer appear in search results or on Google Maps for searches related to the business’s name or address.
- The listing will be removed from the business owner’s Google My Business dashboard, and they will no longer be able to edit or manage the listing.
- Customers who attempt to visit the business’s listing on Google will see a message indicating that the business is permanently closed.
- Reviews and photos associated with the listing will remain visible on Google unless they violate Google’s content policies.
If the business has relocated to a new address, the owner should update the listing with the new address rather than marking it as permanently closed.
How Long Does It Take for Google to Remove the Business Listing Completely?
The process of removing a business listing from Google can vary in length, depending on the specific circumstances.
In our experience, if the business has been marked as “permanently closed” on Google, the listing will typically be removed from search results and Google Maps within a few days. However, it may take longer for Google to remove the listing from other Google properties, such as Google Earth.
If the business listing is being removed for other reasons, such as a change of ownership or rebranding, it may take longer for Google to process the request. In some cases, it may take several weeks or even months for the listing to be removed from all Google properties. This timeframe may include verification of the new business information by mail or other means.
Do You Really Need to Delete My Business Listing?
There are situations where deleting a Google Business Listing may be necessary, such as if the business has permanently closed or if the information associated with the listing is incorrect or outdated. In these cases, deleting the listing can help to avoid confusion for potential customers searching for information about your business.
However, it’s important to carefully consider the potential impact of deleting a Google Business Listing before taking this step. Removing a listing may interfere with the business’s online presence and visibility, as well as its reputation, particularly if the business has positive reviews associated with the listing.
If the business is still operating, but has changed its name or location, it may be more appropriate to update the listing with the new information rather than deleting it. In some cases, it may also be possible to merge duplicate listings or claim ownership of a listing that is not currently managed by the business.
Why Should You Mark Your Business as Permanently Closed Rather Than Deleting It?
Marking a business as “permanently closed” on Google My Business is often a better option than deleting the listing altogether. Here are some reasons why:
- Maintains online reputation: If the business had positive reviews associated with its Google listing, marking it as “permanently closed” preserves these reviews and maintains the business’s online reputation.
- Avoids confusion: If a potential customer searches for the business after it has closed, they will be able to see that it is no longer operational and will not be confused by outdated information.
- Provides information: Marking a business as “permanently closed” provides information to customers who may be looking for similar businesses in the area, as they can see that this business is no longer an option.
- Option to reopen: If the business decides to reopen in the future, the Google listing can be reactivated and the positive reviews and online reputation can be preserved.
In our experience, marking a business as “permanently closed” on Google My Business is almost always a better option than deleting the listing, as it preserves the business’s online reputation, avoids confusion, provides information to those searching for similar businesses, and allows for the possibility of reopening in the future.
Will Deleting My Google Business Account Delete My Reviews?
Deleting a Google My Business listing will remove ALL information related to it, including images, business information, and reviews. Since reviews are an integral part of your online reputation, removing them – and all the replies or comments those reviews generated – is not often a smart choice. Instead, marking your business as “permanently closed” instead of deleting the business preserves the information you’ve worked so hard to collect.
Can Google Suspend your Google Business Profile?
Yes, Google can suspend a Google My Business profile for violating their policies. Common reasons for suspension include using a fake business name, adding fake reviews, using a virtual office or fake address, or violating other terms of service. Google may also suspend a profile if they suspect fraudulent activity, such as multiple listings for the same business or using a business name that is not the same as the one registered with the government.
If a profile is suspended, it will not appear in Google search results or on Google Maps. In some cases, Google may allow the business to appeal the suspension and provide evidence to support the legitimacy of their listing. However, it’s important for businesses to follow Google’s guidelines and policies in order to avoid suspension and maintain their online presence.
Can You Contact Google If There Is An Issue?
Yes, you can contact Google support if there is an issue with your business listing on Google My Business. Google provides several support options for business owners, including phone, chat, and email support. To access these support options, you can go to the Google My Business Help Center and select the “Contact Us” button at the top right corner of the page. From there, you can choose the type of issue you are experiencing and select your preferred support method.
It’s important to note that response times may vary and some support options may only be available to businesses that have verified their Google My Business listing. Additionally, some issues may require further investigation or documentation from the business owner before they can be resolved.
Should I Include My Real Address in My Business Listing?
You should always include your real business address in a Google My Business listing. First, it is a violation of Google’s content policy to provide a fake address. Second, your address helps you get placed on Google Maps – where potential customers are far more likely to find you and visit your location.
Final Thoughts
The steps to removing a business listing from Google My Business aren’t particularly complicated, but business owners should carefully weigh the pros and cons of doing so.
If you’ve moved, no longer own the business, or have undergone complex rebranding or restructuring, removing your business from Google is often the best way forward. Still, there are options to preserve some of your online presence, including marking the business as permanently closed instead of deleting the listing altogether. In our experience, this is the ideal solution to a complex issue.
Remove A Business From Google FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions the Google My Business management team at NetReputation has fielded:
Will Google List My Business as Permanently Closed?
Yes, Google allows business owners to go into the Google My Business dashboard and edit the profile information to indicate that the business is permanently closed.
Does Deleting Google Account Delete the Business?
If you delete a Google account, it will also delete any Google My Business listings associated with that account.
Deleting a Google My Business listing is a separate process and can be done without deleting the Google account. However, it’s important to note that deleting a Google My Business listing will remove it from Google search results and Google Maps, and any associated reviews or photos will also be deleted.
How Does Google Know if a Business Is Permanently Closed?
Google relies on several signals to determine if a business is permanently closed. One of the main ways Google identifies a permanently closed business is through user reports. If a user reports a business as closed on Google Maps or Google Search, Google’s algorithms will review the report and, if the report is accurate, mark the business as “Permanently Closed” on the business’s Google My Business listing.
In addition to user reports, Google also looks at other factors, such as the business’s website, social media profiles, and other online directories to confirm if the business is still operating. If Google is unable to verify if a business is permanently closed, it may continue to display the business listing in search results and on Google Maps. However, if a business owner marks their business permanently closed on Google My Business, it will immediately update the listing to reflect the new status.
Contact NetReputation Today
Business listings on Google My Business and Apple Business Connect are a valuable way to connect with new customers.
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by Net Reputation