Competitor Ads or "People Also Search For" Showing on Your Google Profile? What You Can and Can't Do

Quick answer: You can't remove competitor ads or the "People also search for" section from your Google profile. Google shows them to help searchers compare, and competitors can pay to appear for your business name or category. What you can do: make your profile the best choice in the first few seconds (rating, photos, reviews, open status, prices), run your own small brand ad if competitors bid on your name, encourage customers to save your listing and call directly, and report any ad that uses your trademark or pretends to be you.

It's frustrating to see a competitor's ad right on the page where a customer was looking at you. But it's normal, and there are good ways to respond.

What you're seeing

Sponsored listings and promoted pins

On Google Maps, businesses can pay for promoted pins and ads that appear in search results and sometimes on or near business profiles, especially on mobile (promoted pins).

Ads on brand searches

A competitor can bid on searches that include your business name ("Sharma Sweets") so their ad appears above or near your profile (competitor shows when searching my name).

"People also search for"

Google shows related businesses that other searchers looked at. It's automatic and not paid.

Nearby places and alternatives

Maps may show similar places nearby when someone views your profile.

Can you remove them?

• Organic suggestions ("People also search for"): no.
• Competitor ads: no, unless they break Google Ads policies.
• Ads using your trademark in the ad text: you can file a trademark complaint with Google Ads if you own a registered trademark.
• Ads or listings pretending to be you: report them as misleading or impersonation (report fake listings).

Why competitors bid on your name

Your name has value: people searching it are often ready to buy. A competitor's ad lets them intercept some of that demand. It's legal in most cases, as long as they don't misuse your trademark in the ad text or mislead customers.

How to protect your brand searches

Make your profile convincing

Customers who search your name already like you. Don't give them a reason to look elsewhere:

• Fresh, bright photos (photos guide).
• Recent reviews and replies (how to get more reviews).
• Accurate hours and "Open" status (hours wrong).
• Prices, services and a WhatsApp button (products and services).

Consider a small brand ad

A low-budget Google Ads campaign on your own business name usually costs little, because your ad is highly relevant. It pushes competitor ads lower and gives you control over the message (Google Ads setup, Ads vs Business Profile).

Build direct habits

• Ask regulars to save your listing in Google Maps (saved places and lists).
• Share your WhatsApp and phone so customers contact you directly.
• Print your Maps link and QR code on bills and visiting cards (share location link).

Understanding "People also search for"

If the same competitors keep appearing, they're the businesses customers compare you with. Use that insight:

• Visit their profiles and note what they show that you don't (competitor analysis).
• Compare ratings, photos, prices and review topics.
• Improve your weakest point first.

Should you advertise on competitors' names?

You can, but it's a choice. It may bring new customers, but it can also start an expensive bidding war, and many customers searching for a specific brand won't switch. Never use a competitor's trademark in your ad text or imply you're them.

When an ad crosses the line

Report if a competitor's ad:

• Uses your business name or trademark in the headline in a misleading way.
• Claims to be you, a branch of you, or "official".
• Makes false claims about your business.

Collect screenshots with dates. For serious brand misuse, legal advice may help (same-name confusion).

Example: a sweet shop and a rival's ad

A famous sweet shop noticed a rival's ad appearing when people searched its name. It launched a small brand campaign costing a few hundred rupees a month, improved its profile photos and replied to every review. Its ad and profile dominated the screen, and calls from brand searches increased.

Example: a gym in "People also search for"

A gym saw two competitors in its "People also search for" row. Comparing profiles, it found both showed membership prices and trainer photos, which it didn't. After adding them, enquiries from its own profile rose.

Checklist

• Accept organic suggestions; use them for insight
• Strengthen photos, reviews, hours and prices
• Consider a small brand ad
• Encourage saves and direct contact
• Report misleading or impersonating ads
• Never misuse competitors' trademarks

Key takeaways

• You can't remove competitor ads or suggestions from your profile.
• A strong profile and a small brand ad protect your brand searches.
• Report only ads that mislead or misuse your trademark.

Sources and further reading

• Google Ads Help — trademark policy: support.google.com/adspolicy
• Why competitors rank higher

Measure how much brand traffic you're losing

In your profile's Performance section, check how many people found you by searching your name and how many of them called, asked for directions or visited your website (performance insights). If brand searches stay steady but calls drop after a competitor starts advertising, the ads may be pulling customers away. Then a brand campaign or profile improvements are worth the effort.

Frequently asked questions

Can I remove a competitor's ad from my profile?

No, unless it violates Google Ads policies.

Is it legal for competitors to bid on my name?

Generally yes, if they don't misuse your trademark or mislead customers.

What is "People also search for"?

Automatic suggestions of businesses other searchers viewed.

Should I run ads on my own name?

A small brand campaign is often cheap and protective.

Can I complain about trademark misuse?

Yes, if you own a registered trademark.

How do I stop customers choosing competitors?

Make your profile the best option in the first few seconds.