Matthias Lang
Google Expert
Last update: 🗓️ 25/09/2024
How to remove a Google Business Profile from Google Maps & Search: Ultimate Guide 2024
If you're looking to delete your Google Business Profile from Google Search and Google Maps, this guide provides a comprehensive approach to ensure its removal. The process can be complex, but with the right steps, it can be effectively managed. This guide combines insights and methodologies for both DIY and professional service options to remove your Google Business Profile.
Important:
As of 2024, Google Business Profiles can only be deleted through online removal services and Google Experts (see below) and can no longer be deleted by the users themselves. Once you have registered with Google My Business, you cannot remove the listing without external assistance.
Table of contents
Step-by-step: How to delete a Google Business Profile
Step 1: Remove managers and owners
- Open Google and type "my business" into the search box or open your business in the Google Business Profile Manager.
- Your business profile should now appear. If not, ensure you are logged into your Google account.
- On the top right corner click on the three dots.
- Click on "People and access".
- In this menu remove all managers and people.
Step 2: Mark your business as closed and remove it
- Navigate to "Remove Business Profile" and then "Remove profile content and managers".
- Select "Mark your business as permanently closed", select "Continue" and confirm.
⚠️ Caution:
This does not remove your entire profile. Customers will see a red "Permanently closed" marker on your listing. The listing and reviews will remain visible.
Why can't I delete a Google Business Profile by myself?
With the method described you will lose access to the GMB profile; however, the listing will still remain visible in Google Search and Google Maps. Google, and especially its navigation service Google Maps, relies on the data and businesses listed on the platform. There is no option to delete the profile yourself; it can only be marked as "Permanently closed". Marking a business as "Permanently closed" may not be the right approach in every case, as customers might get confused.
Removing a business from Google Maps
You may have asked yourself if the business listing on Google Search and on Google Maps is the same, and yes, you are true. Google Maps is backed with tons of data of businesses all around the world to help people to navigate through the streets. There may be some reasons why you want to remove your business from Google Maps, e.g. your profile does contain wrong information, you have reviews you want to get removed or you just don't need the profile. If you want to remove a business from Google Maps, just follow the steps to remove a business profile in general and suggest an edit to the profile afterwards.
How to suggest an edit on Google Maps:
- Search for your business in Google Maps.
- Scroll down and click on "Suggest an edit".
- Select "Close or remove".
- Select "Doesn't exist here".
- Wait for about 24 hours.
⚠️ Caution:
This does not remove your entire profile. Customers will see a red "Permanently closed" marker on your listing. The listing and reviews will remain visible.
Alternative: Remove your Google Business Profile with a technical solution
As mentioned above, Google does not provide any option to permanently remove a Google Business Profile. Whilst consulting a lawyer might be an option to consider, there is also a more effective solution based on a software tool from Europe (no problems with data security too!) to remove Google Business Profiles in a quick and legal way.
Benefits of a software solution:
- Speed: Rapid removal, typically within a few hours up to a maximum of 1–2 days.
- Comprehensive: Removes both the profile and associated reviews.
- Expertise: Navigates Google's complex procedures efficiently.
- SEO-friendly: No negative impact on your SEO or page ranking.
- Warranty: In the event that the profile reappears, which can occasionally occur, agencies typically guarantee its deletion again.
How to remove a profile with RapidRemove:
- Visit www.rapid–remove.com.
- Submit your business name for a free deletion check.
- Follow the instructions provided by the service for profile removal, choose the pricing model and start the deletion.
- You will then receive an email from Google asking to transfer the rights of the profile, which has to be confirmed.
- The deletion takes about 24 hours and is payable after results (no upfront costs).
Common issues with the verification of your Google Business Profile
Google My Business profiles need to be verified first to change any details and to get access to the profile. In some cases, Google needs reverification from time to time. While the verification process is easy to handle most of the time, there can be some challenges.
The different verification methods:
- Phone number: You will receive a call or SMS from Google (automated voice) and have to enter a code on your screen (6 digit).
- Email: The email address must be part of the website shown on your Google Business Profile, e.g. info@yourdomain.com (5 digit).
- Business video: Google asks you to make a video of your business including the street number and signage (takes about 1–2 days to be verified by Google).
- Postcard: this method is not available anymore and was a common verification method in the past few years.
I'm getting the message "Google is processing your verification. It usually takes a few minutes.":
- After completing the verification process Google will check the details.
- This can take up to 5 days.
- If it takes longer, consider contacting Google directly under this link: Google Business Profile Support. Usually, you will get an answer via email within 2 days.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What happens if I delete my Google Business account?
After removing a Google Business Profile with the method described above, you will lose access to the profile. The listing, its information and reviews will remain visible as Google has no option to remove a profile entirely.
How long does it take Google to remove a business profile?
Removing a Google Business Profile usually takes about 24 hours (when hiring an agency or a Google Expert).
Will deleting a Google Business account also delete reviews?
Yes, deleting the account will remove all associated reviews (positives and negatives).
Can I delete a GMB by myself?
No, you can't delete a listing by yourself as Google does not have any function to entirely remove a profile. You can mark your business as "Permanently closed" or hire a deletion service for guaranteed deletion.
Can a lawyer delete my Google Business Profile?
Thinking about hiring a lawyer to remove a Google Business Profile does seem logical, however not every lawyer has expertise with Google. Topics like these require special expertise and it is recommended to search for internet lawyers. However, the removal is not guaranteed. The technical removal with a software-based solution is a more effective and a less risky approach that should be considered.
Can you delete your Google Business Profile and start over?
Yes, you can remove the entire profile and create a new one for a fresh start. It's recommended to hire a Google Expert or agency, as this requires special expertise.
Can I stop people reviewing my business on Google?
There's no option to switch off the review function, however you can remove the listing itself which will also remove the review function.
Does deleting a business from Google affect my page ranking or SEO?
No, professional services like RapidRemove ensure the removal process does not impact your page ranking or SEO.
Helpful video about the removal of Google My Business Profiles:
Conclusion:
While deleting a Google Business Profile can be challenging, the combination of DIY steps and professional services like RapidRemove offer a comprehensive solution. Whether you choose to manage it yourself or seek professional help, understanding the process and its implications is crucial for maintaining control over your online presence.
Note: The information in this article is accurate as of 2024 and is subject to change. It is advisable to verify current information and services.
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