Google My Business (GMB) is a crucial tool for managing your online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. However, there may come a time when you need to delete your business listing. Whether you’re closing your business, rebranding, or moving to a new location, removing your business from Google My Business can be necessary. This guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to delete your business from Google My Business
Step 1: Sign In to Your Google My Business Account
1. Open Google My Business: Go to the Google My Business website at [business.google.com](https://business.google.com).
2. Sign In: Use your Google account credentials to sign in. Ensure you are using the account associated with the business you want to delete.
Step 2: Access Your Business Profile
1. Navigate to Your Business Profile: Once signed in, you’ll see a dashboard with your business listings. Select the business you want to delete.
2. Go to Info: On the left-hand menu, click on the “Info” tab. This section contains all the details about your business.
Step 3: Remove the Business Listing
1. Close or Remove Listing: Scroll down to find the “Close or remove this listing” option. This is usually located towards the bottom of the page.
2. Select the Correct Option: You have two choices here:
Mark as Permanently Closed: This option informs Google that your business has permanently closed. It will no longer appear in Google Search and Maps, but the listing remains as closed for historical data.
Remove Listing: This option will delete the listing from your account. This action is irreversible and should be used if you are sure you want to completely remove the business from your Google My Business account.
Step 4: Confirm Your Decision
1. Follow the Prompts: Google will ask you to confirm your decision. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm that you want to delete or mark your business as permanently closed.
2. Verification: Depending on the level of your account security, you might need to verify your identity. This could involve entering a verification code sent to your email or phone.
Step 5: Monitor the Changes
1. Check Google Search and Maps: After completing the process, periodically check Google Search and Maps to ensure the changes have taken effect. It might take some time for Google to update its database and remove your business listing.
2. Update Your Records: Ensure that your business records, both online and offline, reflect this change to avoid confusion for your customers.
Additional Tips
Backup Your Data: Before deleting your business, download any important data or insights from your Google My Business account.
Communicate with Customers: If applicable, inform your customers about the change. This could involve updating your website, social media profiles, and any other online presence.
Rebrand Instead of Deleting: If you’re rebranding or moving, consider updating your business information rather than deleting the listing. This preserves your online presence and customer reviews.
Conclusion
Deleting your business from Google My Business is a straightforward process if you follow these simple steps. By signing into your account, accessing your business profile, selecting the appropriate option to remove or mark the business as closed, confirming your decision, and monitoring the changes, you can effectively manage your online presence. Ensuring your information is accurate and up-to-date is essential for maintaining trust and credibility with your customers. Always remember to follow Google’s guidelines and best practices to avoid any potential issues.
