Having a business listed on Google is essential for visibility, but there may come a time when you need to remove your business listing. Whether you are closing permanently, relocating, or rebranding, removing outdated or incorrect business information ensures customers get accurate details.
Fortunately, Google provides multiple ways to remove or update a business listing. While the process might seem complex at first, following the right steps makes it straightforward. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about how to remove a business listing from Google effectively.
Methods to Remove a Business from Google
There are two main ways to remove a business from Google:
- Requesting removal of a business listing (if you don’t own it) – This applies to listings that you don’t manage but need to report for closure or removal.
- Removing your own business listing – If you manage the listing, you can either mark it as permanently closed or request deletion.
Understanding which method applies to your situation is crucial before proceeding.
Requesting to Remove a Business Listing (If You Don’t Own It)
If you come across a business listing that is outdated, incorrect, or no longer exists, you can request its removal. This is helpful if the business has closed down but still appears on Google Search & Maps. Follow these steps to submit a removal request:
Steps to Request Removal via Google Maps:
- Open Google Maps and sign in with your Google account.
- Search for the business you want to remove.
- Click on the business name to open its profile.
- Click Suggest an edit on the left-hand side.
- Select Close or Remove.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and provide the reason for removal.
- Google will review your request and may contact you via email for verification.
- If approved, the business will be removed from Google Maps.
Google may take several days to process the request, depending on verification requirements.
Removing Your Own Business Listing
If you manage your Google Business Profile, you can remove the listing or mark it as permanently closed. Even after removal, Google might retain some business details for record-keeping.
Steps to Mark Your Business as Permanently Closed:
- Log in to Google Business Profile.
- Navigate to Edit Profile → Business Information.
- Click on the Hours tab.
- Select Permanently Closed.
- Click Save.
Once saved, your listing will be marked as permanently closed, but it might still appear on Google for some time before being completely removed.
How Do I Permanently Delete a Google Business Listing?
Permanently deleting a Google Business Profile means removing all associated data, including photos, reviews, and manager access. However, Google does not completely erase business listings but rather removes ownership and public visibility.
Steps to Delete a Google Business Listing:
- Log in to Google Business Profile Manager.
- Click on the business listing you want to delete.
- Navigate to More Options → Business Profile Settings.
- Click Remove Business Profile → Remove Profile Content and Managers.
- Confirm your decision by clicking Continue and then Remove.
Once deleted, your business information may take a few weeks to disappear entirely from Google Search and Maps.
How Long Does It Take to Remove a Google Business Listing?
The time required for a business listing to be removed varies based on several factors:
- Marking a business as permanently closed – Can take a few days to update in search results.
- Requesting removal of a business you don’t own – This can take several weeks, depending on Google’s verification process.
- Deleting a Google Business Profile – May take a few weeks to disappear from Google completely.
If your listing still appears after a reasonable period, consider submitting another request or contacting Google Support for assistance.
How Do I Remove a Listing from Google Search Results?
Even after deleting a business listing, some information might still appear in Google Search. To speed up removal:
- Use Google’s Remove Outdated Content Tool to request deletion.
- Update your business information on other websites and directories (Yelp, Facebook, Bing, etc.), as Google pulls data from multiple sources.
- Contact Google Support if incorrect information persists.
How Do I Remove a Business Ad from Google?
If you have active Google Ads running for your business, you’ll need to stop or delete them separately. Here’s how:
Steps to Remove a Business Ad from Google:
- Log in to your Google Ads account.
- Navigate to Campaigns.
- Find the ad associated with your business.
- Click Pause or Remove.
- Confirm your selection.
Pausing a campaign will stop ads from running but keep the data intact while deleting an ad permanently removes it.
Additional Considerations
1. Google’s Review Process
Google manually reviews removal requests, which may delay the process. Ensure all necessary information is provided to avoid delays.
2. Information Persistence in Online Directories
Even after removing a Google Business Profile, business information may still appear on third-party sites. Consider reaching out to these platforms to request updates.
3. Alternatives to Deleting a Business Listing
If you’re rebranding or moving locations, updating your business information instead of deleting it can help maintain customer trust and SEO rankings.
Conclusion
Removing a business from Google requires careful steps, whether you are marking it as closed, requesting removal, or deleting your profile. While Google ensures businesses can manage their online presence effectively, patience is necessary during the review and verification process.
If you need help managing your business’s online presence, Click Typhoon offers expert Local SEO in Delta BC and digital marketing services. Contact us today to optimize your business visibility or remove outdated listings efficiently!
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