A business that is closed uses my address for their Google Business Profile

🧭 Step 1: Check if the Old Business Is Still Listed as “Open”

Search the old business name and address on Google Maps.

• If it still appears as “Open”, that’s often why your new profile can’t be verified — Google thinks the location already belongs to another business.
• If it shows as “Permanently Closed,” that’s better, but you may still need to take action before verifying yours.

🛠 Step 2: Suggest an Edit to Mark the Old Business as Closed

If the previous business is still listed as open:

1. Go to that listing on Google Maps.
2. Click “Suggest an edit.”
3. Choose “Close or remove” → “Permanently closed.”
4. Choose the reason: “This place has closed or moved.”
5. Submit the edit.

💡 Tip: It helps if multiple people (especially past customers or local residents) also submit the same edit — Google’s system updates faster with confirmation from several users.

🧾 Step 3: Gather Proof of the New Business’s Presence

Google may ask for verification evidence to confirm your business has taken over that location. Collect items like:

• Photos showing your signage on the building or door

  Utility bills or lease documents in the new business’s name

  A video walkthrough (Google often requests this now for verification) showing:

  • Exterior signage
  • Business name on the door
  • Interior workspace

Make sure the name and address match exactly what’s listed on your new GBP.

🏗 Step 4: Create or Claim the New Profile

If you haven’t already:

1. Go to Google Business Profile Manager.
2. Click “Add your business.”
3. Use the same address, but include your suite number or unique identifier if available.
4. Proceed with verification — Google offers a  video verification —-> Here is the step for that!

If the system says “A business already exists at this location,” click “Request ownership” — this initiates a process where Google contacts the previous listing owner.

• If they don’t respond in 3–7 days, you can then verify your business instead.

🚨 Step 5: Contact Google Support if the Old Listing Blocks You

If you keep hitting a wall (for example, the old business won’t mark itself closed or still “owns” the address):

1. Go to Google Business Profile Help.
2. Choose “Access issues” → “Someone else verified my business.”
3. Provide proof (photos, lease, etc.) that you are the new tenant or owner.
4. Google Support can manually remove the old listing or transfer ownership.

✅ Step 6: Clean Up Online Citations

Once verified, make sure directory listings (Yelp, Bing, Apple Maps, etc.) also reflect your business — this reinforces to Google that your business is now the legitimate occupant at that address.

🧩 If You’re Asked for a Video Verification

If Google asks for a video verification, record a walkthrough showing:

1. The street view / exterior of your building
2. Your business name on the door or signage
3. The interior of your business
4. Any professional documents (like mail or business license) showing your name and address

That video is uploaded directly in your GBP verification flow — it’s very effective for proving occupancy.

Here is how to record your verification video