TL;DR
To manage a permanently closed on Google Maps status, there are two main paths. General users can suggest an edit on any listing to mark a location as closed, helping to keep map data accurate. For business owners, an incorrect 'permanently closed' status can be fixed by signing into their Google Business Profile and updating the business information to 'Open'.
Understanding the 'Permanently Closed' Status on Google Maps
Seeing a bold, red "Permanently closed" banner on a Google Maps listing can be confusing for both customers and business owners. This status signifies that Google's data indicates a business has ceased operations indefinitely at that location. However, it's important to understand that the business profile may still appear in search results, especially when users search for it by name. This is to provide historical context and preserve user-generated content like reviews and photos. A listing isn't deleted, merely archived.
A business might be marked as permanently closed for several legitimate and sometimes incorrect reasons. Google relies on a variety of signals to determine a business's operational status, creating a system that is mostly accurate but not infallible. Understanding these reasons is the first step toward managing a listing correctly.
- User Suggestions: Any Google user can "Suggest an edit" on a listing. If enough users report a business as closed, Google's algorithm may update the status.
- Business Owner Updates: The owner may have correctly marked the business as closed through their Google Business Profile after shutting down or relocating.
- Third-Party Data: Google aggregates data from many online sources. If other directories or data providers list the business as closed, this information can influence the Google Maps status.
- Algorithmic Errors: Sometimes, Google's automated systems can misinterpret data, leading to an incorrect closure status. This can be caused by prolonged inactivity on the business profile or conflicting information found online.
- Malicious Edits: In rare cases, competitors or disgruntled individuals might intentionally suggest incorrect edits to harm a business.
It's crucial to distinguish this status from "Temporarily closed," which is used for seasonal breaks, renovations, or closures lasting more than seven days. While both statuses reduce a business's visibility in broad searches, "Permanently closed" sends a much stronger signal to potential customers that the business is gone for good, which can be devastating if incorrect. According to Google Business Profile Help community discussions, this can cause significant confusion, as customers may think the entire online business is closed, not just a former physical location.
How to Mark a Place as 'Permanently Closed' (For Users)
As a Google Maps user, you play a vital role in keeping the map accurate and up-to-date for everyone. If you know a business has shut down for good, you can suggest an edit to have it marked as permanently closed. This helps prevent other users from visiting a location that no longer exists. The process is straightforward and can be done from a computer or a mobile device.
Before submitting your edit, be certain that the business has, in fact, closed permanently. If it has simply moved, there is a separate option for that. Submitting accurate information helps maintain the integrity of the platform. Google reviews all suggested edits before they are published. According to Google's official support page, here are the steps to follow:
- Open Google Maps on your computer or mobile app.
- Search for the specific place by name or select it directly on the map.
- In the business information panel, select Suggest an edit.
- Choose the option Place closed or not here.
- Select Permanently closed from the list of reasons.
- Click Submit to send your suggestion to Google for review.
Your contribution helps Google's algorithm validate the status of the business. While it may take some time for the change to appear on the map after review, every accurate suggestion contributes to a more reliable experience for the entire community.
How to Remove 'Permanently Closed' from Your Business (For Owners)
Discovering your business has been incorrectly marked as permanently closed can be alarming, as it can deter customers and severely impact your revenue. Fortunately, this issue is often correctable through your Google Business Profile (GBP). The key is to act quickly to reclaim your business's 'Open' status and ensure customers have the right information.
The primary method for resolving this is by directly managing your profile. Google provides tools for business owners to control their own information. As detailed in the Google Business Profile Help center, you can reopen a location that has been mistakenly marked as closed. This process reaffirms to Google that your business is active and operational.
- Sign in to your Google Business Profile: Go to the Google Business Profile manager and ensure you are logged into the account that manages your business.
- Select your business: If you manage multiple locations, navigate to the specific profile that is incorrectly marked as closed.
- Edit your profile information: On Google Search, click Edit profile. On Google Maps, click Edit profile and then Business information.
- Update your hours: Near the top, click on Hours. You should see an option to mark the business as Open. Select this and set your correct business hours.
- Save your changes: Click Save. The update may take some time to be reviewed and reflected on Google Maps and Search.
In some cases, the 'Mark as open' option might not be available, or your edits might not be approved. This can happen for various reasons, including conflicting data from other sources. If you find yourself in this situation, you will need to contact Google support directly. As some business owners have shared in a marketing blog by WebFX, direct contact can sometimes resolve persistent issues faster. When contacting support, be prepared to provide proof that your business is operational, such as utility bills, photos of your storefront with signage, or a business license.
Once you've corrected your listing, it's a good time to review your overall online presence. While managing your Google Business Profile is critical for local visibility, a strong content strategy is essential for long-term growth. For marketers and creators looking to streamline this process, tools like BlogSpark can revolutionize the workflow. This AI blog post generator helps transform ideas into engaging, SEO-optimized articles, freeing up your team to focus on broader business strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does permanently closed mean on Google Maps?
When a business is marked 'Permanently closed' on Google Maps, it signifies that the business has ceased operations at that location for good. The Business Profile may still appear in search results for users who search for it directly, but it will clearly state that the business is closed to prevent customers from visiting.
2. Why is my location showing permanently closed?
Your location might show as permanently closed for several reasons. These can include suggestions from other Google users, data aggregated from other online directories, an intentional update you or a previous owner made, or a technical error by Google's algorithm. According to an analysis by PhonerApp, incorrect information or even violations of Google's guidelines can sometimes trigger this status change.
3. How do I report a permanently closed road on Google Maps?
To report a permanently closed road, you can use the 'Send feedback' feature in Google Maps. Open the app, tap your profile picture, go to 'Help & feedback', and then 'Edit the map'. You can then select the road segment and report it as closed, providing any additional information necessary for Google's team to verify the closure.
