How to Quickly Fix a Suspended Google Business Profile & Prevent Issue

In the online business world, think of your Google Business Profile (GBP) as your shop's front window on the internet. It's where customers can find out what you're all about, discover your products or services, and get all the details they need. But, if your GBP gets suspended, it's like suddenly having your shop's window boarded up. Customers can't see in, and you might as well be invisible.

Why does this happen?

Google wants to keep its information accurate and trustworthy, so if something seems off, they might suspend your profile to check things out. This could be because of incorrect information, suspicious activity, or breaking Google's rules in some way.

Getting back online and visible again means figuring out what went wrong and fixing it. And here's an interesting stat to keep in mind: businesses on Google are seen by 1000% more customers than those that aren't. That's a huge difference!

So, keeping your GBP in good shape isn't just important—it's essential for being found online.

Understanding Google My Business (GMB) Suspensions

Google My Business (GMB) suspensions can be a big headache. They come in two flavors: hard and soft. Let's break them down in simple terms.

Hard Suspensions:

Imagine one day your business just vanishes from Google - no search result, no map location. That's a hard suspension. It's like your online presence is wiped off the planet. This happens when Google thinks you've seriously broken their rules.

Soft Suspensions:

This is less scary. Your business stays on Google, but you can't make any changes to your listing. It's Google's way of saying, "We need to talk," without completely cutting you off. You're still in the game, but you've got to play by the rules.

Why Do Suspensions Happen?

Suspensions aren't random. They might come from mismatched business info, looking spammy, or if your industry is often faked online. Knowing why you got suspended is key to fixing the problem.

Why Did Google My Business Suspend Your Profile?

Ever wondered why your Google My Business (GMB) profile got suspended?

Before we jump into fixing it, it's super important to know the common slip-ups that can cause this. Let's break it down:

1. Misrepresentation: Oops! Did you put in the wrong address or phone number? Giving out false info about your business is a big no-no.
2. Keyword Stuffing: Sneaking in extra keywords that don't belong to your business name, trying to game the system? Google's not a fan.
3. Multiple Listings: One business, one location, but multiple listings? That's asking for trouble.
4. Fake Reviews: Crafting fake reviews or messing with review scores doesn't sit well with Google.
5. Ownership Issues: Sharing your GMB listing with a business that's not related to yours? That could be problematic.
6. Violent or Offensive Content: Posting stuff that's violent or just not okay according to Google's rules? Definitely a reason to get suspended.

Got it? Great! Knowing what went wrong is the first step. Next, we'll dive into how to fix your suspended profile and get back on track.

Step 1: Diagnose the Problem

The first step in fixing a suspended GMB profile is identifying the specific issue that led to the suspension. To do this:

• Log in to your Google My Business account.
• Review any notifications or emails from Google regarding the suspension.
• Check your listing for inaccuracies, spammy content, or policy violations.
  

Step 2: Correct Violations

Once you've identified the issue, take immediate action to correct it. This may involve:

• Removing any inaccurate information from your listing, such as incorrect addresses or phone numbers.
• Ensure that your business name adheres to Google's guidelines and does not include keywords not part of your official business name.
• Reporting and removing any fake reviews associated with your profile.
  

Step 3: Gather Evidence

If you believe your GMB listing was suspended in error or that you've rectified the issues, gather evidence to support your case. This might include:

• Screenshots of the corrected information on your GMB profile.
• Documentation proving that your business name is accurate and matches your legal business name.
• Evidence that fake reviews have been reported and removed.

Step 4: Contact Google Support

You'll need to contact Google support to request reinstatement of your suspended GMB profile. Here's how:

1. Log in to your Google My Business account.
2. Click on "Support" or "Contact Us."
3. Explain your situation and provide the evidence you've gathered.
4. Submit a reinstatement request detailing your actions to rectify the issues.

Step 5: Follow Up and Monitor Your Request

After submitting your request, patience is key. The review process can take several weeks, and keeping an eye on your email for updates from Google is crucial.

Preventing Future Suspensions

Maintaining compliance with Google's guidelines is essential for avoiding future suspensions. Regularly updating your business information, avoiding spammy practices, and monitoring your GBP for unauthorized changes can help keep your profile in good standing.

Special Considerations for Service Area Businesses (SABs)

If you run a business where you go to your customers, like locksmiths, lawyers, plumbers, pest control, or HVAC services, it's super important to follow Google's rules closely. These profiles get suspended more frequently.

Making sure your business shows up correctly online is key so people can find you and get in touch easily.

Conclusion

Getting back on track after a Google Business Profile (GBP) suspension isn't a setback; it's a chance to strengthen your online business. To keep your profile running smoothly, stick to Google's guidelines and adopt top strategies for managing your GBP. This way, you'll steer clear of any future issues and keep your online image shining.

If you find yourself in a bind or need expert assistance in navigating the complexities of Google My Business, don't hesitate to contact NewReputation. Our dedicated team is here to help you fix a suspended profile and strengthen your online presence and reputation. Contact us, and let's work together to ensure your business shines brightly on Google.