Google Business Profile suspended? Here’s what you can do. (2024)

A healthy Google Business Profile, formerly known as a “Google My Business listing” or “GMB listing,” is key to a strong local search strategy.

Because if you don’t stay on the right side of Google’s policies, you could find yourself with a suspension.

Whether because of quality issues or suspicious activity, a Google Business Profile suspension is a huge roadblock for your local SEO success.

For many local stores, restaurants, and service providers, search traffic makes up the lion’s share of their revenue, so losing that visibility could quickly spell the end of their business.

Fortunately, Semrush is here to explain how to make a Google Business Profile reinstatement request and steer clear of suspension altogether.

‘Why was my Google Business Profile suspended?’

Google suspends GBPs for various reasons.

You should receive an email from Google with the general reason for your suspension, but it doesn’t usually explain the specifics.

It’s up to you toreview the guidelines and make sure your profile is up to scratch.

But chances are, your Google Business Profile was suspended for a common reason.

Misleading informationis a definite red flag for Google. This might mean claiming a business address you don't actually operate from (like a home address, P.O. Box, or unmanned virtual office). For example, a service area business (SAB) or online-only business using a physical address that isn’t actually open to the public.

Keyword stuffing your business name is another common reason for getting a Google Business Profile suspended. If your business name is “Ace Plumbing,” don’t try to use “Ace Plumbing New York Plumbers” in an attempt to game the algorithm.

You can also have your Google Business Profile suspended due toquality issues. If Google detectserrors or spammy content in your profile, it may remove it from the SERPs (search engine results pages).

If you don’t manage your profile responsibly, you could see your Google Business Profile suspended forsuspicious activity. Unusual edits to NAP data (name, address, phone number) or multiple accounts for the same local business can lead to suspensions of this kind.

Violating Google’s guidelines bygenerating fake reviews or creatingduplicate listings for your business location can also result in a suspension. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines and adhere to them strictly.

‘How do I make a Google Business Profile reinstatement request?’

There are two types of suspensions:

• Asoft suspension means your profile stays online, but you won’t have access to it.
• Ahard suspension totally removes your profile from the SERP.
  

Either way, you’ll have to appeal to Google directly for any chance of getting your profile reinstated.

But before you can make a reinstatement request, you'll need to fix whatever caused the suspension.

You may also find clues as to why you were suspended on your profile's dashboard.

If you’re still not sure exactly what caused your Google Business Profile suspension, share a link to your profile in theGoogle Business Profile Help Community to see if anyone can spot the issue.

Even if you think you’ve fixed the issue, this is a good opportunity to give your profile an overall check-up.

• Ensure your business details are accurate and consistent
• Clean up any keyword stuffing and update your copy
• Check your profile complies with the guidelines
  

If you’re sure you've addressed the issues that led to your suspension, it’s time tosubmit a reinstatement request.

Answer all the questions in the form and enter your Business Profile ID (you’ll find it in your Google Business Profile dashboard under “advanced settings”).

Provide additional context as to why your profile should be reinstated and attach supporting evidence, such as a photo of your storefront or business registration documents.

Google's review process can take up to two weeks and you may receive follow-up queries from Google Support.

If Google denies your reinstatement request, carefully review the feedback provided and take further action to address the issues.

‘How do I prevent Google Business Profile suspensions?’

To keep your profile in good standing, maintainaccurate and up-to-date information in your Google Business Profile.

Discrepancies with other listings can lead to suspension. This includes your business name, address, phone number, website, business categories, and business hours.

Usehigh-quality images that improve user experience and show them what they can expect upon visiting your location.

Encouragegenuinecustomer reviews. Don’t attempt to buyfake reviews or bribe customers to give you five stars. If you’re caught doing this, you could be facing far worse than a Google Business Profile suspension—you could end upbeing prosecuted.

For minor violations, Google may take less severe actions, like advising that you make an update or updating it on your behalf.

Prioritize resolving these issues and don’t push your luck. This is Google giving you fair warning to optimize your profile, so don’t waste it.