Thursday, July 14, 2022

How to recover suspended profile in Google My Business

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:

  1. Hard suspension
  2. Soft suspension
  3. 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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