How to Deal with Duplicate Google Business Profiles and Business Closures
Maintaining a clean online presence is important for any business in this digital era. Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a game-changer for local businesses, connecting them with potential customers searching nearby. However, duplicate profiles or outdated information can throw searchers off track and hurt your ranking.
This blog dives into some housekeeping tips for your online presence, helping you tackle:
Duplicate Google Business Profiles:
Having multiple profiles for your business is like having two front doors – confusing! Here's how to handle them:
- Checking for Duplicates: Make sure to have a Google Business Profile Manager. Under "Manage locations," keep an eye out for listings flagged as "Duplicate." that are already inside your account.
- Claiming Profiles: If you only have access to a duplicate, you can try claiming ownership of other profiles by clicking on "Add business" and then searching for the business profile or you Claim your business through Google Maps.
- Remove Duplicates: Once you have control of the main profile and any duplicates, you can then eliminate the duplicate(s). Select the duplicate profile check box, click the "action" button, and select "Remove."
Marking a Business as Closed:
If you are closing your business completely or just temporarily, it's important to reflect that online. Here's how:
- Temporally Closed: While on the Google Business Profile Manager select the check box next to the profile, click the "action" button, and then select temporally closed." This lets searchers know you're no longer operational but will still appear online.
- Permanently Closed: While on the Google Business Profile Manager select the check box next to the profile, click the "action" button, and then select permanently closed. After you submit the request, it goes through the review process. You may get a status email with follow-up questions from Google's review team. If approved, the business is removed from Maps.
Tip: Before hitting delete, make sure you've transferred any valuable content (photos, reviews) to your primary profile, if applicable.
By following these steps, you can ensure your Google Business Profile accurately represents your business and helps potential customers find you with ease. Remember, a clean and updated online presence is a must-have for success in today's digital world.