Why Is My Google Business Profile Suspended?

Launched in 2014 as Google My Business, it was rebranded as Google Business Profiles in 2021. 

Over the past decade, it has helped numerous businesses with storefronts or service areas be discovered on Google Search and Google Maps, turning them into prospective customers at no cost.

As with any Google service, Google Business Profile undergoes constant updates and improvements. Recently, there has been a significant increase in requests for assistance with suspended profiles. Many business owners have reported unexpected suspensions of their Google Business Profiles, causing considerable distress due to the importance of this tool.

In response, we’d like to explore why these suspensions can occur, common triggers for profile suspension, and how to navigate the reinstatement process.

Common Causes of GBP Suspensions

There are several reasons why Google might suspend a business listing, primarily to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the information displayed on Google Maps and Search. Here are some common scenarios:

• Duplicate Listings: Creating multiple listings for the same business location can lead to the suspension of the redundant profiles.
• Keyword Stuffing: Including irrelevant keywords in the business name field to manipulate search rankings can result in suspension.
• Invalid Addresses: Using a P.O. Box, virtual office, or any non-physical location can cause your listing to be suspended.
• Mismatched Business Information: The business name, address, and other details must exactly match the information on your business license and other official records.
• Inaccurate Business Category: Selecting an incorrect business category can lead to suspension.
• Excessive Edits: Making too many updates in a short period can trigger a soft suspension.

Dealing with Bugs and System Glitches

Business owners have recently reported encountering some bugs, including:

• Uploading Issues: Difficulties with uploading images or posts.
• Attribute Selection Glitches: Difficulty in deselecting an attribute once it has been chosen.

These issues often require reaching out to Google support, which can be a back-and-forth process that demands patience and clear communication.

The Reinstatement Journey

If your GBP is suspended, a reinstatement request is the route to take. The process, however, can be long and tricky:

• Provide Adequate Evidence: Google will require clear evidence, such as utility bills, pictures of your physical location, business license, etc.
• One Shot at Appeal: in the USA, you only get one chance to appeal. Hence, it’s critical to provide all necessary information during the first appeal.

The European Mandate

The European Union’s new regulations will likely require Google to provide clearer explanations for suspensions. A third-party system might be set up for appeals, taking the final say away from Google. 

Reputation Management and Reviews

Employing reputation management software to solicit reviews complies with Google’s guidelines, provided it doesn’t engage in review gating. The practice of filtering reviews based on their likely rating is prohibited.

Seeking Community Support

The community support forum can be a handy resource. Here, you can escalate tickets and receive guidance from volunteers who have successfully navigated the GBP landscape.

Conclusion

The increasing cases of Google Business Profile suspensions underscore the importance of adhering to Google’s guidelines meticulously. By understanding the common triggers and armouring oneself with the right reinstatement strategies, it’s possible to safeguard your business’s online presence and navigate through these unwelcome circumstances more proficiently. 

Find out more in our YouTube video with Silvia Del Corso: Ways to Prevent Google Business Profile Suspensions and Ask For a Reinstatement.

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