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How To Remove A Business From Google Maps: Your Definitive Guide

So, you want to remove a business from Google Maps? The process depends entirely on whether you own the business listing or are simply trying to report an inaccurate or closed establishment. If you own the listing, you can mark it as permanently closed. If you don’t own the listing, you’ll need to report it to Google and provide supporting documentation. Below, we’ll dive deep into both scenarios, equipping you with a step-by-step guide and addressing frequently asked questions.

Removing Your Own Business Listing from Google Maps

This scenario is straightforward if you have control of the Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) associated with the listing.

Step 1: Access Your Google Business Profile

Log into your Google account that you used to claim and manage your business listing.
Navigate to Google Business Profile Manager either by searching for “Google Business Profile” or directly going to business.google.com.
Select the business location you want to remove. If you manage multiple locations, ensure you’ve chosen the correct one.

Step 2: Mark Your Business as Permanently Closed

There are a couple of ways to do this, depending on the current interface:

Option A (Newer Interface):
- On the left-hand menu, click “Business Information” and then “Close or remove from Google.”
- You’ll be presented with three options: “Mark as temporarily closed,” “Mark as permanently closed,” and “Remove business.”
- Select “Mark as permanently closed.” Google will then prompt you to confirm your decision. Be absolutely sure you want to do this, as it can impact future re-listings.
Option B (Older Interface):
- On the left-hand menu, click “Info.”
- Scroll down to the section labeled “Close this business on Google.” You might need to click on a pencil icon to edit.
- Select “Mark as permanently closed.” Confirm your choice.

Step 3: Understanding the Implications of Marking as Permanently Closed

Your listing will remain visible on Google Maps, but it will be clearly marked as “Permanently Closed.” This is important because users will still see the listing and know the business is no longer operating.
Customers won’t be able to leave new reviews or ask new questions.
You can reactivate the listing later if your business reopens.
If you want to completely remove the listing from Google Maps, the option is available in the same “Close or remove from Google” section. Choose “Remove business”

Step 4: Removing the Business Listing Entirely (Permanent Removal)

If you wish to completely obliterate the business listing from Google Maps, choose the “Remove business” option.

Choose the reason for removal. The options might include: “Business is permanently closed,” “Duplicate listing,” “Private or residential location,” or “Other.”
Confirm your selection. Google may ask for further details depending on your reason.
Be Aware: Removing the business listing is a permanent action. You’ll lose all reviews, photos, and information associated with the listing. If you ever want to re-list the business, you’ll have to start from scratch.

Removing a Business Listing You Don’t Own

This process involves reporting the listing to Google and providing evidence to support your claim. This usually applies if the business is genuinely closed, incorrectly listed, or violating Google’s policies.

Step 1: Locate the Business Listing on Google Maps

Search for the business name on Google Maps.
Click on the business listing to open its details.

Step 2: Suggest an Edit

Scroll down the listing until you see “Suggest an edit.” It’s usually located in the bottom-left corner of the business information panel.
Click on “Suggest an edit.”

Step 3: Mark as “Permanently Closed or Never Existed”

Choose the option that best describes the situation. If the business is closed, select “Permanently closed or never existed.”
You might be given options like “Closed,” “Moved,” “Doesn’t exist,” or “Other.” Select the most appropriate reason.
Provide any additional information that supports your claim. For instance, mention the date the business closed, if known, or why you believe it never existed.

Step 4: Provide Evidence (Crucial for Success)

This is the most critical step. Simply marking a business as closed doesn’t guarantee removal. You need to provide supporting documentation to convince Google.
Acceptable evidence might include:
- A photo of a “Closed” sign on the business premises.
- A link to the business’s website stating that it’s closed.
- A copy of a public notice (e.g., from a newspaper) announcing the closure.
- Evidence that the business is no longer registered with relevant authorities.
Submit your edit.

Step 5: Follow Up (If Necessary)

Google typically reviews suggested edits within a few days to a few weeks.
If your edit isn’t approved, consider providing more detailed evidence or contacting Google support directly. You can do this through the Google Business Profile Help Center.
Be polite and persistent. Explain the situation clearly and provide all the supporting documentation you have.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take for Google to remove a business listing?

The timeline varies. If you own the listing and mark it as permanently closed, the change is usually reflected almost immediately. If you’re suggesting an edit for a business you don’t own, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Providing strong evidence significantly speeds up the process.

2. Can I remove a business listing if it’s providing false information?

Yes, but the process is the same as removing a closed business you don’t own. Suggest an edit, clearly outlining the false information. Provide evidence supporting your claim that the information is incorrect. This could include screenshots, official documents, or links to credible sources.

3. What if a business listing is violating Google’s policies?

If a business listing is violating Google’s policies (e.g., promoting illegal activities, containing hate speech, or using deceptive practices), you should report it directly to Google. Use the “Suggest an edit” feature, and then choose the option that best describes the policy violation. You can also report violations through the Google Business Profile Help Center. Be sure to provide detailed explanations and any supporting evidence.

4. What happens to customer reviews when a business is marked as permanently closed?

When a business is marked as “Permanently Closed,” existing customer reviews remain visible on the listing. New reviews cannot be submitted. If the listing is completely removed, the reviews are permanently deleted along with the listing.

5. Can I reopen a business listing that was previously marked as permanently closed?

Yes, you can reopen a business listing. Log into your Google Business Profile, find the closed listing, and there should be an option to “Reopen this business on Google.” You’ll need to verify the business again, following the standard Google verification process (usually by postcard, phone, or email).

6. What if I accidentally marked my business as permanently closed?

Don’t panic! Log into your Google Business Profile immediately and find the listing. There should be a clear option to “Reopen this business on Google.” The sooner you do this, the less disruption it will cause.

7. How do I remove a duplicate business listing?

If there are duplicate listings for your business, you should claim and verify all of them. Once verified, use the “Suggest an edit” feature on the duplicate listings to mark them as “Permanently closed” and indicate that they are duplicates of the main listing. You can also contact Google support to request the removal of the duplicates.

8. What if someone maliciously marks my active business as permanently closed?

This can happen. Regularly monitor your Google Business Profile to ensure that your information is accurate. If you notice that your business has been incorrectly marked as closed, immediately log in and reopen it. You should also report the malicious activity to Google support and provide evidence that your business is still operating (e.g., utility bills, business licenses).

9. Why is it important to keep my business information up to date on Google Maps?

Accurate business information on Google Maps is crucial for attracting customers. Outdated or incorrect information can lead to lost business, negative reviews, and a poor online reputation. Regularly update your business hours, address, phone number, website, and other relevant details.

10. Can I remove a business listing if it’s operating illegally?

If you believe a business is operating illegally, you should report it to the appropriate authorities (e.g., local police, regulatory agencies). While you can also report the listing to Google, they typically require confirmation from official sources before taking action. Provide Google with evidence of the illegal activity, such as news articles or official reports.

11. What’s the difference between “temporarily closed” and “permanently closed?”

“Temporarily closed” indicates that the business is temporarily unavailable but plans to reopen in the future. The listing remains active and visible, but customers are informed of the temporary closure. “Permanently closed” means the business has ceased operations and will not reopen at that location. The listing will be marked as permanently closed and may eventually be removed from Google Maps.

12. What is the impact of removing a business listing on my website’s SEO?

Removing a business listing can negatively impact your website’s SEO, especially if your business relies on local search. Google Maps listings are an important factor in local search rankings. Removing the listing removes a valuable signal to Google that your business is relevant to local search queries. Consider the implications carefully before permanently removing a listing. If you’re simply closing a location, marking it as permanently closed is often a better option than complete removal.