If you need to render your Google Business Profile (GBP) inactive, whether permanently or temporarily, you have some options based on your specific needs. Here’s how to navigate the process.
Why Remove a Google Business Profile?
Various circumstances may prompt businesses to deactivate their GBP. Here are some scenarios:
Online Visibility after Permanent Closure
Crucially, marking your business as permanently closed doesn’t erase the Business Profile from Search and Maps. Although users can still look it up, Google intentionally makes these listings less visible as they’re not pivotal to users’ search experience.
How to Mark a GBP as Permanently Closed
Marking your GBP as permanently closed helps inform customers about the status of your business. To do this:
How to Permanently Remove a GBP
Before proceeding to remove your GBP, ensure you’re prepared for the permanent nature of this action. Removed listings can’t be recovered or managed later, and any posts, photos, or videos added by profile owners or managers will be permanently erased. Also, if your website was created using Google Business Profile, it will also be permanently removed.
To remove a GBP:
After going through these steps, remember to unselect the “mark your business as permanently closed” checkbox.
Temporarily Closing a GBP
For businesses that need to temporarily close but plan to reopen, Google provides an option to mark your GBP as temporarily closed. To do this:
Knowing Which GBP Closure Option is Right for You
Whether you should deactivate, mark as temporarily closed, or remove your Google Business profile will depend on several factors, such as a strategic decision for rebranding, relocating, or discontinuing the business operations.
Not sure whether to deactivate or remove your GBP? Local View can advise you. Contact us today to discuss with industry experts.