How to remove a business from Google?

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If you want to remove a business listing from Google, you can either claim ownership of the listing and then delete it or report the listing to Google if it violates Google’s guidelines. Here are the steps for both methods:

Method 1: Claim ownership and delete the listing

  1. Sign in to your Google Account and go to Google My Business (https://www.google.com/business/).
  2. Search for your business using its name and address.
  3. Select your business from the search results and click on “Claim this business.”
  4. Complete the verification process. Google might require you to verify your ownership by phone, email, or postcard.
  5. Once you’ve claimed the business and have access to the Google My Business dashboard, click on “Info” in the left-hand menu.
  6. Scroll down to the “Close or remove this listing” section and click on “Remove listing.”
  7. Confirm your decision by clicking on “Delete account.”

Note that this will only remove the business from Google My Business, but it may still appear in Google Maps and Google Search. The listing will eventually be removed from these platforms as well, but it might take some time.

Method 2: Report the listing to Google

If the business listing violates Google’s guidelines, you can report it for removal. Common reasons for reporting a business include it being permanently closed, fake, spam, or offensive.

  1. Go to Google Maps (https://maps.google.com) and search for the business you want to remove.
  2. Click on the business name in the search results to open its information panel.
  3. Scroll down to the bottom of the information panel and click on “Suggest an edit.”
  4. In the “Suggest an edit” window, click on “Remove this place.”
  5. Select the reason for removal, provide any additional details, and click on “Submit.”

Google will review your request and may remove the business listing if it’s found to be in violation of their guidelines. Keep in mind that Google might not remove listings that don’t violate their guidelines, even if they are outdated or incorrect. In such cases, it’s better to suggest edits to the listing to improve its accuracy.

Takeaway

In conclusion, removing a business from Google can be accomplished through two main methods: claiming ownership and deleting the listing or reporting the listing if it violates Google’s guidelines. Whether you are a business owner looking to remove an outdated listing or a user reporting an inappropriate or fake listing, it’s essential to follow the proper steps to ensure the listing’s removal. Keep in mind that the process might take some time as Google reviews requests and updates its search results accordingly. By taking the appropriate action, you contribute to maintaining accurate and relevant information on Google, enhancing the user experience for everyone who relies on this powerful search engine.

FAQ

  • How can I get business from Google?

Published on: 2023-03-31
Updated on: 2024-01-04

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Isaac Adams-Hands

Isaac Adams-Hands is the SEO Director at SEO North, a company that provides Search Engine Optimization services. As an SEO Professional, Isaac has considerable expertise in On-page SEO, Off-page SEO, and Technical SEO, which gives him a leg up against the competition.