A hand erasing a storefront business icon with a large red X on a Google Maps pin, with a frustrated business owner faintly visible behind it.
Google Business Profile

Why Remove a Google Business Profile?

There are various reasons why you might consider removing your Google Business Profile (GBP), previously known as Google My Business. While a GBP is a powerful tool for local visibility, sometimes removal or a temporary hiatus is necessary. Common reasons include:

  1. Permanent Business Closure:

If you’re closing shop for good, it’s best to inform Google. This prevents customers from encountering outdated information and avoids potential confusion.

  1. Change in Business Model:

Transitioning from a brick-and-mortar store to an exclusively online business might make a GBP less relevant. Alternatively, shifting to a service area business without a physical location might require adjustments rather than a complete removal.

  1. Rebranding or Merging:

A significant rebranding with a name change or a merger with another business often necessitates creating a new GBP. In these cases, you’d typically mark the old profile as closed or merge it with the new one.

  1. Duplicate Listings:

Having multiple GBPs for the same business can harm your online presence. It’s best to identify the most accurate and complete listing and remove any duplicates.

  1. Spam or Incorrect Information:

If you find your GBP hijacked with incorrect information or spammy content, you might need to take it down and start afresh to regain control.

  1. Privacy Concerns:

In rare cases, businesses might have privacy concerns related to displaying their address or other business information publicly. While there are options to limit visibility, some might prefer complete removal as a solution.

Understanding the Difference: Marking as Closed vs. Permanent Deletion

Before you proceed, it’s crucial to understand the difference between marking your GBP as closed and opting for permanent deletion:

Marking Your GBP as Closed:

This option is generally recommended for businesses permanently closing down or changing their name or model. Marking as closed:

  • Removes your business from Google Maps and local search results.
  • Still allows owners to access and manage some profile information.
  • Provides the option to reinstate the listing if needed.

Permanently Deleting Your GBP:

This is a more drastic step and should be reserved for situations like duplicate listings or cases of severe spam or hijacking. Permanent deletion:

  • Completely erases your business information from Google’s database.
  • Makes it irretrievable, meaning you’ll lose all reviews, photos, and data associated with the profile.
  • Is generally irreversible.

How to Remove Your Google Business Profile

The process for removing your GBP is relatively straightforward, but it’s essential to follow the steps carefully:

Steps to Mark Your GBP as Closed:

  1. Sign in to your Google Business Profile Manager.
  2. If you have multiple locations, select the listing you want to manage.
  3. Click on Info in the left-hand menu.
  4. Scroll down to the Close or remove this listing section.
  5. Choose Mark as permanently closed.
  6. Select the reason for closure from the provided options.
  7. Click Mark as closed.

Steps to Permanently Delete Your GBP:

Google has made it slightly more complex to permanently delete a listing to prevent accidental removals. Here’s a general outline:

  1. Follow steps 1-4 for marking your GBP as closed.
  2. Instead of selecting Mark as permanently closed, look for an option like Remove listing or similar wording. The exact option might vary.
  3. Google may prompt you to contact support or follow additional verification steps before confirming the deletion.

Important Considerations

  • Data Back Up: Before taking any action, ensure you’ve downloaded all important data from your GBP, such as reviews, photos, and insights. This information won’t be accessible after deletion.
  • Third-Party Platforms: Removing your GBP doesn’t automatically remove your business information from other online directories or platforms. You’ll need to update those separately.
  • Website Impact: While removing your GBP won’t directly affect your website, it can impact your local SEO. Ensure your website’s local SEO is optimized if you’re relying solely on it for online visibility.

Need Help?

Navigating the intricacies of Google Business Profile management can feel overwhelming. If you’re unsure about the best course of action for your business or need help with the removal process, consider seeking professional assistance. Zing Business Systems provides done-for-you solutions for Google Business Profiles or provides ideas and solutions for the DIY business owner.

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Author: Matt Kallunki

Background and Experience Born in North Carolina and raised in a military family that moved frequently across North America, Europe, and Hong Kong, Matt Kallunki learned the values of adaptability and resilience from an early age. He enlisted in the Army National Guard at 17, bringing dedication and commitment to his service—a trait he has carried through every opportunity since. His education at Utah Valley University and later at Utah State University, along with diverse roles in technology, hospitality, and marketing, has shaped a career marked by innovation and leadership. As a veteran, Kallunki proudly leads Zing Business Systems, a veteran-owned and operated business. Inspiration and Innovation The constant throughout Kallunki’s career has been the importance of effective marketing—an insight first gained while running his initial restaurant. This understanding guided him through various entrepreneurial and consulting roles, eventually leading to the foundation of Zing Business Systems. Here, Kallunki has harnessed emerging technologies to provide small businesses with smart, scalable communication solutions. Zing Business Systems: Bridging Technology and Opportunity Zing Business Systems turns everyday challenges into growth opportunities. The company's flagship service, the Missed Call Text Back, ensures that small businesses never miss out on potential customer engagements. Kallunki equips his clients with tools that streamline communication, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—their core business and customer relationships. Customer Impact Kallunki's technology revolutionizes how businesses interact with customers. From automotive to professional services, he helps business owners centralize operations and automate routine tasks, significantly enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Looking Ahead Dedicated to continuous innovation and expansion, Zing Business Systems is committed to empowering more businesses with effective communication tools. With over two decades of marketing experience and a lifelong passion for service, Kallunki is redefining standards in business engagement and management. More About Matt In addition to his professional pursuits, Matt Kallunki is a lifelong motivated learner with a diverse array of hobbies and interests that span both creative and technical fields. From open boat sailing and spear fishing to ham radio operation and gardening, Matt's activities reflect his broad interests and relentless curiosity. A Cold War to present military enthusiast and avid reader, he also indulges in audiobooks, constantly seeking new knowledge and adventures. As a certified scuba instructor and divemaster, Matt takes his passion for exploration below the water's surface, teaching others and enjoying the serene beauty of the underwater world. His love for hands-on creation is evident in his skills in woodworking and metalworking, while his technical acumen shines through in his interests in cybersecurity and networking. Photography is another passion, capturing moments from his ventures and everyday life, showcasing his artistic eye and attention to detail. Whether it’s running marathons, launching high-powered rockets, or nurturing his garden, each hobby Matt engages in reflects a facet of his dynamic personality and relentless pursuit of growth and excellence. Connect with Matt Kallunki You can connect with Matt and learn more about his work and Zing Business Systems through various platforms: Visit https://blog.zingacp.com/about-us-page for social and medial links.