Google Business Profile (GBP) makes your business discoverable among over 6 million Google users. In fact, Google Maps is the number one navigation tool in the current age. This platform allows your clients to leave a review about your product/service free of charge.
Now imagine receiving an email telling you that your profile has been suspended. Which simply means losing all your reviews, leaving potential/current clients in the dark, with no way to find you. Isn’t that a crisis? I have seen these cries online. Last year, Google used AI to suspend over 39 million profiles. Worse, AI acts as support, making it even harder to retrieve your account.
So in this blog, we will discuss what a GBP suspension is, why it might happen to you, and how you can retrieve your account from Google, even when AI is in play.
What is a GBP suspension?
A GBP suspension happens when Google finds something suspicious about your account, restricting you from managing your listings. Google also makes your brand unavailable to users online.
A soft suspension restricts you from editing or managing your available listings. On the other hand, a hard suspension means losing your listings from maps and search results entirely. Figuring out what type of suspension you’re facing makes it easier to decide on steps to reinstate your listings.
Why my listings might be suspended
Unfortunately, Google doesn’t give you a reason for suspending your account, which to me sounds unprofessional. Imagine having hard-earned 5-star reviews getting lost without a clear explanation.
You must find that out for yourself as a business owner or contact Google. However, below are some reasons why your profile might be suspended.
1- Inconsistent company information: Happens when you force a keyword into your brand’s name. For example, say your business website is “Livelong Digital” and you change to “Livelong Digital Media”, this information should also change in your listings. The solution is to update your GBP listing with your latest business information.
2- Shared address: Having multiple businesses sharing the same address triggers suspension. Adding the suite number saves you from this crisis if you have different businesses in the same building. You can also check your address on Google to see if another business shares it. If so, report them to Google.
3- Correct address: Ensure the address on your website matches the one in your GBP listing. Even a simple typo can lead to a suspension.
4- Violating guidelines: Factors like misrepresenting your brand in GBP categories, providing misleading information, and giving a fake business address can lead to profile suspension.
5- Having multiple listings for the same location: If you have different businesses in the same location sharing the same address, your accounts might be suspended. Go into your account and eliminate duplicate listings or add the suite numbers to the address.
6- Fake reviews and ads: Spammy practices like irrelevant posts, fake reviews, and misleading ads can lead to your account being suspended.
Google values giving the correct information to the users, and that’s why offering the right updated information can save you from this penalty.
How do I get my listings reinstated?
Once you identify why your listings have been suspended, either through the list above or a response from Google, you need to start the journey to get them reinstated. When submitting your reinstatement appeal for your GBP, you’ll need to make sure your profile follows the guidelines.
Google will also ask for proof showing that you’re the business owner. This evidence may include:
- Official business registration
- Tax certificate
- Proof of a physical address with signage, address, and storefront
- A business license
Unfortunately, with the recent introduction of AI as support, the immediate response is more generic and might take time. I’ve also seen listings reinstated but without the reviews, and this might take time, too, to be reintroduced. You’ll have to be patient with this process.
The future of GBP
Although Google’s AI support takes time to respond and reinstate suspended accounts, we must agree it’s here to stay. And with Google investing funds, much is expected to change with AI dominating most manual practices in the company.
However, the best way to avoid an accident is to have measures to prevent one. That’s why you need to ensure your website and listings are updated regularly with the right information.
Get your suspended GBP today.
One more day on suspension is a nightmare to all business owners, but only to those who aren’t ready to take action. Review why your account might be suspended, then follow the instructions above to get your account back.
Having your business online also allows you to Own Your M.E.D.I.A., a way to create a community separate from the ever-evolving social media algorithm. So learn how to manage your community today by grabbing your copy of the book to build a profitable and enjoyable business.
FAQs
Will my GBP ranking drop after suspension?
Your ranking usually stays the same on Google Maps and search. However, the rankings may change if there’s a change in the algorithm or when the original verification address is in a different location.
How long does it take for my GBP to be reinstated?
Although Google says the process takes 5 days, reality is that it might take 2-4 weeks to get your profile back.
What should I do if my appeal isn’t approved?
If Google advises that your appeal isn’t approved, double-check your suspended listings and correct any errors. Then, get further evidence to approve ownership and request an additional review of a denied appeal from Google.
