Google My Business allows you to manage your business's information on Google, including updating your business location, hours, contact information, and more. If your GMB listing is suspended by us, it will appear as if your business never existed and no longer appears in search results - potentially resulting in a loss of potential customers.
Google My Business suspensions happen to
the best of people. Having a listing suspended can be a major setback, leaving
you scrambling for answers and solutions during your time of need. Whether
you're looking for information on why or how your listing has been suspended or
seeking ways to get back into good graces with Google, then this is the
resource for you!
What is Google My Business Suspension
Google
My Business suspension is a very
serious matter. When you are suspended, you lose the ability to manage your
listing completely and no one is notified. A suspension will also negatively
affect your business' rankings on Google Maps and Search, potentially resulting
in lost revenue for your business.
It is not always clear why your listing was
suspended by Google. You can also be Manually Suspended by Google if they find
something wrong with your listing. A business listing could be removed or
negatively edited almost immediately if that person is "trusted" by
Google.
There are two types of suspensions:
- Hard
suspension
- Soft
suspension
- Account
suspension
Hard Suspension
The hard suspension occurs when your Knowledge
Panel does not appear on Google Maps or search results when you search for your
company's name or city. The reason for a hard suspension is usually that Google
deems your listing ineligible for a GMB listing, or that you are using spammy
tactics.
Soft Suspension
You can still access your business's
Knowledge Panel in your Google My Business dashboard when it has been soft
suspended, but you can't manage the listing nor update it. A soft suspension
makes your GMB profile more susceptible to user-suggested edits - which means
incorrect information can be displayed and changes are more likely to occur.
Account Suspension
Suspension of a manager removes the
manager's ability to manage listings, but the listing is not affected.
Owner accounts are suspended when they are
completely removed from Google. The listings as well as the reviews will be
removed. The account will be reinstated when it is successfully reinstalled,
but it is possible that any reviews will be lost as well.
What is the reason for your Google listing
suspension?
Suspension notices are frustrating because
Google does not provide you with an explanation as to why they happened.
Lawyers, locksmiths, and plumbers are among the industries that get high spam
levels, so you might get your listing suspended. Making several updates to your
Google My Business listing can also trigger an investigation by Google and
result in a suspension.
Despite the fact that Google won't disclose
the reason for suspending a listing, there are some common reasons why a listing
has been suspended
- You
should avoid keyword stuffing in your business name.
- Your
business does not have bricks and mortar. The use of PO boxes is not
acceptable.
- The
address for your listing is a virtual office or coworking space address.
- A
physical address is displayed on your website for a service-area business.
- You only
conduct business online.
- If you
own or operate a high-risk business, such as a lawyer, plumber, HVAC,
locksmith, rehab center, etc.
- Your
address is shared with another business.
- All of
your GMB profile changes/edits were done at one time.
- In your
GMB profile, you can add URLs that redirect to another website or to
social media pages.
- Your
listing will be changed to a Service Area Business (SAB) if you change it
from a Storefront.
- On your
website or other online business directories, you do not specify your
address or hours.
- As far
as your business hours are concerned, you list them as 24/7.
- As a
result, your listing was suspended because a manager suspended your
listing.
- The same
business was listed more than once at the same address (duplicate
listings).
You may find these things help you figure
out why your business listing was suspended, although they are not the only
things that might cause your listing to be suspended by Google.
Suspended listings affect businesses
Hard suspensions do remove your listing
from search
engine results, but your business isn't necessarily doomed as a
result. As long as you follow Google's protocols, your business's listing will
be reinstated.
Suspension of a listing by Google is in
your business's best interests, your customers' interests, and Google's own
interests.
As fraudulent listings have increased in
the last few years, Google has used listing suspension to eliminate them and
display honest, legitimate business listings. In most cases, a legitimate
business will be able to recover from suspension very easily.
The Best Way to Fix a Suspended Google
Listing
A legitimate business may be required to
prove its legitimacy before Google will lift your listing from suspension.
Proof can be provided in the following forms:
1. License from the state (if required)
2. Obtaining professional licenses if
necessary
3. Verification of the location's occupancy
- Payments
for utility services
- Agreements
and deeds related to rentals
4. Business location photos
- Visible
logo of the business
- Door
numbers and addresses of buildings/suites
- Logo-branded
vehicles parked in front of the building
5. Identification documents for tax
purposes
6. Video verification
7. If you are unsure of exactly what Google
My Business Support needs, contact them.
The suspension may be lifted by Google
through alternative methods, such as video or phone verification. Depending on
the nature of your business, Google will determine if these less-intensive
solutions are appropriate for you.
Whatever Google's reinstatement process is,
follow their instructions quickly and thoroughly to ensure your listing is
reinstated. Furthermore, Google will require patience from you. Your business
could be permanently blacklisted if you rush the process.
Conclusion
The suspension of your Google My Business
account can sometimes happen for random reasons - like making too many changes
at once, editing something your competitor suggested, or even Google making an
error. Your online marketing efforts shouldn't rely solely on Google My
Business. Make sure you are prepared. Remember that Google has the edge -
always follow their rules.
We hope this blog post about suspended
Google My Business listings has been helpful. This resource is intended to help
you get a suspended listing reinstated, and we know it will make a big
difference in your local search rankings. If you have any questions or
concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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