What To Do if Your Google Business Profile is Suspended? Check the Options You Have in Hand
If your Google Business Profile (GBP) gets suspended, it can be a significant setback for your business. For many small businesses, GBP is a vital marketing tool that drives significant traffic and customer engagement. However, relying solely on GBP is risky, as a suspension can drastically affect sales and potentially lead to business closure. The following guide outlines the reasons for GBP suspensions and the steps to get reinstated.
Google Business Profile Suspension Explained
A GBP suspension occurs when your listing becomes invisible on Google and Google Maps or when you lose management control over it. You will know your listing is suspended if you see notifications like “suspended” or “disabled” in your GBP dashboard and receive an email from Google indicating the suspension.
Reasons for Suspension
GBP suspensions often result from violations of Google’s Business Profile Guidelines, such as spammy tactics. Suspensions can be triggered manually, usually after a review following a report through GBP’s Redressal Form or the “Suggest an edit” feature on Google Maps or Search. Changes to your listing, such as switching from a physical address to a service area business, can also cause suspensions.
Types of Suspensions
There are two types of GBP suspensions – hard suspensions and soft suspensions.
- Hard Suspension
In a hard suspension, your business’s knowledge Panel/Business Profile is removed from Google Maps and search results, making it Unfindable. This typically happens when Google determines that your business doesn’t qualify for a GBP listing or its spammy tactics are detected.
- Soft Suspension
A soft suspension means your Knowledge Panel/Business Profile still appears online and in your GBP dashboard, but it is unverified, preventing you from managing or updating it. This makes your profile vulnerable to user-suggested edits and incorrect information.
Industries Prone to Suspensions
Service Area Businesses (SABs) like locksmiths , lawyers, plumbers, and pest control services are more susceptible to suspensions due to higher incidences of spam and fake listings. Businesses in these categories must adhere strictly to Google guidelines.
Recognizing a Suspension
Business owners typically notice a suspension when there is a sudden decrease in calls or visits. An online search may reveal that their listing is missing, or a suspension notification may appear in the GBP dashboard. Google’s email will include a “violation type,” giving a general idea of the suspension reason.
Common reasons for Google Business Profile (GBP) suspensions include: keyword stuffing in business names, using P.O. Boxes, virtual offices, or co-working spaces as addresses, operating online-only businesses, and violating terms of service across Google’s platforms or services.
Steps to Reinstatement
Upon noticing a suspension, avoid rushing into an appeal. First address the issues causing the suspension. Creating a new listing to bypass the suspended one is not recommended and can lead to further suspensions.
Reviewing and Fixing Violations
Review the violation type mentioned in the suspension email and checks the Google Business Profile Guidelines. Correct any issues identified, such as removing keyword stuffing from your business name, before submitting an appeal.
The Appeal Process
Once the issues are fixed, you can proceed with the appeal process using Google’s Appeals tool. Preparation is crucial, so familiarize you with the help of documents provided by Google.
- Click the Appeal Button: Use the blue “Appeal” button in the suspension email.
- Confirm Your Email: Ensure you are logged in with the email managing the suspended GBP listing and click “Confirm”.
- Select the Suspended Profile: Choose the business profile that’s suspended.
- Review Details: Check if the profile is eligible for appeal. If eligible, click “Next”.
- Upload Evidence: You have 60 minutes to upload official documents proving your business’s legitimacy. These documents must match the business name and address on your GBP listing. The more evidence provided the better.
Evidence to Provide
Gather documents such as:
- Official business registration
- Business license
- Tax certificate
- Utility bill at the business’s address
Ensure all documents display the business name and address matching your GBP listing. If you have more than two documents, use a zipped file.
Submitting the Appeal
After preparing your documents, click “Submit” and upload your evidence through the “Add Evidence” link. Provide a narrative explaining why your profile should be reinstated and what changes were made to comply with GBP guidelines.
Awaiting Google’s Decision
After submitting your appeal, Google’s Support team will review the evidence and your GBP listing. You can check the Appeals tool for status updates, which will show as “Submitted,” “Approved,” or “Not Approved.”
Receiving the Outcome
If your appeal is approved, you will receive an email confirming the reinstatement. If denied, you might have an option for re-evaluation, though details on this process are currently limited.
Final Thoughts
Understanding GBP suspensions and how to handle them can help you prepare for the unexpected. While suspensions can occur for various reasons, sometimes even random ones, it’s crucial to adhere to Google’s guidelines and diversify your online marketing efforts. Following these steps can increase the chances of getting your GBP reinstated and maintaining a strong online presence.