Do you want to know if deleting your Google Business Profile will remove the reviews? You’re not the first to ask, dealing with customer feedback can be stressful and it may seem like the only light at the end of the tunnel is to delete your page so you can get a fresh start, but here’s the thing removing your listing won’t make your reviews disappear.
In this blog, we will cover what happens when you delete your profile, if you should create a new account and what steps you should take to protect your online reputation.
What Happens If You Mark Your Google Business Profile As Permanently Closed?
So here’s what happens when you when you mark your Google business profile as permanently closed, you will immediately lose access to your listing, which means you won’t be able to update your business details, respond to reviews etc but the customer feedback will still remain visible.
The reason behind Google not removing the reviews attached to a business is because they help potential customers understand the type of service they can expect. It simply removes your business from search results and maps for keyword queries. However, if someone searches for your company name, your reviews will still show up.
Should You Create A New Google Business Profile?
Here are a few reasons why creating a new Google Business Profile might not be the solution:
Creating a new GBP means losing the SEO rankings for keywords your old profile has built over time. Starting fresh means lower visibility, making it much harder to rank in local search results as you would have no reviews, without any reviews, new customers may hesitate to trust your business due to the lack of trust and authority.
I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news but your old reviews won’t be erased when you create a new Google business profile, anyone who searches for your business name will still see all the reviews attached to your business. Basically, your reviews stay tied to your business, regardless of whether you create a new one.
When you create a new Google listing using the same business name, address, phone number etc, it could result in a suspension due to duplicate listings. Google has strict policies against multiple profiles using the same business information as it can confuse customers.
What Should You Do Instead Of Deleting Your Google Business Profile?
01.
Respond To Negative Reviews
Take the time to respond with empathy to negative reviews as doing that will show that you care, even if you don’t agree. Being polite and respectful can help rebuild trust with the reviewer and reassure others.
02.
Listen To Customer Feedback
You should pay attention when multiple customers mention the same problem, as that is a clear sign that changes are needed. Addressing these concerns will show you’re dedicated to improving customer experiences.
03.
Report The Reviews
If a review violates Google’s guidelines such as being fake, spammy or offensive, you can flag it for removal. Doing so will help protect your online reputation.
FAQs
Can I delete my Google business profile and start over?
Yes, you can start over but your reviews from the old profile will remain visible. However, you should note if you create a new listing with the same business information, it may be flagged as a duplicate and could lead to suspension.
How long does it take to delete a Google business profile?
The time it takes to delete your Google business profile varies, it could take anywhere from a few days up to several weeks. Temporary removals usually happen within a week or so but a permanent removal from search results and maps can take several weeks.
Can you recover a deleted Google business profile?
If you have just recently removed your listing, you may be able to recover it by reverifying your business. However, if too much time has passed since Google removed your profile from its indexing system then recovery may not be possible, although you could still try to appeal.
Our Conclusion
It may seem like the only way forward is to delete your Google business profile and create a new one but that will do more harm than good. Instead, focus on addressing customer issues and report reviews when nessercery.