Help! How Can I Fix A Suspended Google Business Profile?

What Happens If Your Google Business Profile Gets Suspended?

If you are a local business owner, your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is basically your digital storefront. A suspended GBP is, therefore, a true nightmare. If your GBP gets suspended, it means you can no longer update your business information, and the profile will no longer be visible in regular Google search results or on Google Maps. Your business essentially becomes invisible in local search results - the place that matters most when you’re trying to attract local customers to your location or business!

In some cases, your GBP might still be visible on Google, but you simply don’t have access as the owner to make any changes. This eventually leads to inconsistent and incorrect information about your business on the web, which is almost as bad as being invisible. But why does your GBP suddenly get suspended? Let’s take a look at the possible reasons!

Why Can Your Google Business Profile Get Suspended?

There are some obvious guideline violations you can check for initially, but some reasons for a profile suspension are much more vague and sometimes seem unreasonable to the GBP owner.

Let’s look at the most common reasons for GBP suspension:

1. You make changes to your profile: Updating your key information like your business name, address, or phone number too many times (during a short period) can trigger a suspension. Google may see these changes as suspicious activity. Make sure that your updates are accurate and avoid changing too many things too many times. If you change your address to a different city, the chance of the profile being suspended is at its highest!
2. Invalid business address: Using an address that doesn’t align with Google’s guidelines, such as a P.O. box or a virtual office, can result in a suspension. Always provide a valid, physical address where your business operates to avoid issues.
3. Keyword stuffing your business name: Adding unnecessary keywords to your business name, like "Best Pizza, Pasta, and Salad Delivery in Chicago Open 24/7" instead of just "Chicago Pizza Co.," is against Google’s policies. This tactic can lead to a suspension because it’s seen as an attempt to manipulate search rankings.
4. Two businesses at the same address: If multiple businesses share the same address, especially in industries like service or retail, Google may flag your profile. Ensure each business is distinctly registered and provides clear documentation to verify its legitimacy. If your locations are e.g. in the same mall or inside an airport, ensure that each location can provide a unique store number (terminal number, or house number if applicable).
5. Your profile got reported by an external entity: Competitors or unhappy customers can report your profile, claiming policy violations. If this happens, Google will investigate, so maintaining accurate and honest information is critical.
6. Deceptive or misleading information on your GBP: Providing incorrect details, such as an inaccurate address, phone number, or business hours, can lead to a suspension. Always double-check that your profile reflects the truth about your business.
7. Someone owning or managing your GBP has been flagged for suspicious activity: If an owner or manager linked to your profile is involved in shady practices, it could impact your GBP. Be cautious about who you grant access to your account and ensure they follow Google’s policies.
8. Too many (obvious) fake reviews: A sudden stream of fake or promotional reviews can raise red flags. Fake reviews are highly forbidden and can result in your profile being suspended.
9. Your GBP is not verified (and/or hasn’t been verified for a long time): If your profile hasn’t been verified, or the verification is long overdue, Google may suspend it to protect users from wrong information.

Google (My) Business Profile Suspension vs. Google (My) Business Profile Ban

There is a difference between a complete GBP suspension and a ban! A GBP suspension occurs when Google temporarily disables your profile due to policy violations, incomplete information, or suspicious activity, but it allows for reinstatement after corrections and verification. During a suspension, your profile won't appear in search results, but the issue can often be resolved by fixing the problem and appealing to Google. A GBP ban, on the other hand, is the permanent removal of your profile, usually for severe violations such as repeated policy breaches, fraudulent activity, or operating in restricted industries. Unlike a suspension, a ban means your profile is permanently removed, and it’s far more challenging - if not impossible - to recover. If your GBP is banned, it will no longer be visible to the public, and owners and managers of the profile will lose access to it entirely.

Important: If the owner’s Google account is removed (yes, user accounts can also be removed due to policy violations!), all locations owned by that particular Google account will be removed as well.

Keep in mind: The process of appealing a suspended GBP and a removed one is the same. However, the chances of a banned (removed) profile being reinstated are far lower. That said, for a profile to be removed, several incidents must typically have occurred first. If the profile has been wrongfully removed, it’s more likely that Google will reinstate it - provided you appeal correctly and present clear evidence.

How to Fix a Suspended Google (My) Business Profile?

Let’s not beat around the bush - here’s how to fix a suspended profile in just a few steps! You need to submit an appeal to Google and request that your suspension be lifted. Before you begin, make sure to gather as much evidence as possible to strengthen your appeal and increase the chances of Google clearly understanding your case. This will help prevent further issues and make resolving the problem easier.

• Official business registration
• A business license
• Tax certificates
• Utility bills for the business such as:
• Electricity
• Phone
• Water
• Internet

1. Navigate to the Appeal Interface of the Google Business Profile Manager
2. Ensure you are logged in with your Google account that is related to the suspended profile.
3. Select the suspended Google Business Profile that you want to appeal and click on “Continue”.
4. Alternatively (and also the easiest way), is to open the e-mail you have received from Google about your suspension. You can directly appeal via the e-mail.

5. Click on “Submit Appel”.
6. If you see a prompt to submit further evidence, add your previously gathered information.
7. Click on “Submit”.
8. You will receive an e-mail“ once Google has reviewed your appeal and made a decision within 3-5 business days.
9. Stay persistent and follow up on the progress via email. Make sure to follow all instructions Google provides to assist with lifting the suspension on your profile. You can reply to any email you receive from Google regarding this matter - even if it’s an automatically generated one.

If you haven’t submitted evidence yet, you can submit it within 60 minutes after appealing.

1. Click on “Add evidence”.
2. First, check if your business details are correct.
3. Next, locate the “Upload documents” section and click on “Choose files”.
4. Upload your evidence and give additional context as to why your profile suspense should be lifted.
5. Click on "Submit”.

How to Check the Status of Your Appeal?

You will receive an email with Google’s decision. However, you can also check the status of your appeal beforehand (or if you’re concerned that you may have missed any emails).

1. Navigate to the Appeal Interface of the Google Business Profile Manager again.
2. Choose the GBP in question.
3. Check the status shown on the right side.

You will see one of the following states:

• Submitted: Google hasn’t made a decision yet.
• Approved: Google has reviewed and approved your appeal.
• Not Approved: Google has reviewed your appeal and didn’t approve it.
• Can’t be appealed: You can’t start the process of appealing.
• Eligible for appeal: You haven’t appealed yet and can start the process.

What to Do If My Appeal Wasn’t Approved?

If your appeal was not approved by Google you can request an additional review of your denied appeal. Make sure that you provide further evidence that hasn’t been part of your initial appeal.

Furthermore, make sure to address the underlying issues. Understand the reason for the rejection and fix your GBP first. For example, if your address or business information caused the suspension, update them accordingly (or gather more evidence to show they were flagged incorrectly). If your GBP needs to be re-verified, complete the verification process before appealing again. It’s always a good idea to carefully review Google’s profile guidelines to ensure your GBP complies with their requirements.

Lastly, consider seeking help from Google Support. If no action has been taken by Google, you can request the support team to investigate the issue and potentially expedite the process.

E-Mail Template to Request Google’s Help for the Suspended Profile

Dear Google Support,

Our Google Business Profile [insert link] has been suspended by Google due to [reason stated by Google]. I have taken the necessary steps in order to appeal this decision but have not heard back. Can you please assist us in unsuspending our profile?

Thank you.

Kind regards, [Your name]

Learn more how to contact Google Support!

Need Help with Your Suspended Google (My) Business Profile?

It happened - your GBP got suspended, and even after reading our article, you feel stressed and unable to complete all the steps with a clear head. No problem! Let us help you! Whether you’re already a client of ours or looking to use our local SEO tools to boost your online visibility, a working GBP is an absolute must. So, don’t hesitate to contact us! Let’s first get your GBP back in order, and then we’ll focus on optimizing your online presence to drive tons of new customers to your location(s)!