Your Business Profile Has Been Suspended. What to Do Next? (2024 Guidelines)

One of the most common struggles our clients face is “Suspension” If you've recently received the dreaded email that your Google Business Profile (GBP) has been suspended, don’t panic. Profile suspensions can happen for various reasons, and most are fixable. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to identify the cause of your suspension, what to do to get reinstated, and how to avoid future issues.

10/4/20243 min read

Why Was My Google Business Profile Suspended?

Google suspends business profiles to protect users from inaccurate or misleading information. The most common reasons include:

Violating Google’s Guidelines: Google has strict rules on business name usage, categories, and prohibited content.
Inconsistent or Inaccurate Information: Incorrect NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) details can raise red flags.
Address Issues: Service-area businesses sometimes fail to follow Google’s guidelines for physical addresses.
Unauthorized Changes: Changes to key business details like name or categories can trigger a suspension.
Fake Reviews: Soliciting or posting fake reviews is a surefire way to get your profile flagged.
Ownership Conflicts: If multiple users claim ownership of a business profile, Google may suspend the listing for verification purposes.

Types of Suspensions

Understanding the type of suspension your profile has incurred is crucial to knowing how to proceed:

Soft Suspension: The profile remains visible, but you can't manage it through your Google account.
Hard Suspension: The business listing is removed from Google Search and Maps entirely.

Steps to Take After Your Profile is Suspended

1. Determine the Reason for Suspension

Google will often send you a notification, but they don't always provide clear details about the violation. Review Google’s Business Profile Guidelines and compare them to your listing. Common areas to check include:

Business name
Category selection
Address (especially if you're a service-area business)
Phone number and website

Make sure everything complies with their standards.

2. Correct the Issues

Once you've identified the issue, correct it. This might mean:

Adjusting your business name to align with what's on your official documents.
Fixing address inaccuracies, especially if you're running a service-area business.
Ensuring that your phone number and website are correct and match what you’ve listed elsewhere online.

3. Submit a Reinstatement Request

Once you've made the necessary changes, you can submit a Google Business Profile Reinstatement Request. Be prepared to provide:

Proof of business ownership (like a utility bill or business license).
Verification that your business adheres to Google's guidelines
Include any supporting documents that validate the information on your profile. Google typically responds within two weeks, but it can take longer.

4. Wait Patiently – But Follow Up

The reinstatement process can be slow, but if you don’t hear back after 2-3 weeks, follow up with Google support. Remain professional in your communication and provide any additional information they might request promptly.

Tips to Avoid Future Suspensions

Stay Updated with Google’s Guidelines: Google periodically updates its policies, so ensure you're always compliant.
Keep Your Information Consistent: Ensure your business information is consistent across the web, including your website and other listings like Yelp or Bing.
Avoid Spammy Tactics: Don’t use keywords in your business name that aren’t part of the official name. Don’t try to game the system with fake reviews or spammy tactics.
Maintain Access Control: Ensure that only authorized individuals manage your Google Business Profile, and avoid ownership conflicts.

What If My Reinstatement Request Is Denied?

If your reinstatement request is denied, you can appeal the decision. However, it's crucial to double-check for compliance and ensure you've fixed all issues before resubmitting. If denied again, you might consider seeking the help of a GBP expert to help diagnose deeper issues.

Conclusion

A suspended Google Business Profile can be stressful, but it’s not the end of the world. By following Google’s guidelines, identifying the issue, and submitting a detailed reinstatement request, you can get your profile back in good standing and visible to potential customers again.

If you need expert help with Google Business Profile optimization or troubleshooting, Skore Digital can assist you in navigating the process smoothly. Let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on your business.