Google Business Profile suspensions have become more common, even for legitimate businesses. In many cases, this does not mean you did anything wrong. Google has become much more stict about reviewing listings because it’s trying to reduce spam, such as fake locations, misleading business names, keyword stuffing, etc. Consequently, Google bots are now more aggressive about looking for spam red flags, and, unfortunately, real businesses can sometimes get caught up in that process.

What is a Google Business Profile Suspension?

A suspended Google Business Profile is detrimental because it makes your business invisible on Google Search and Maps. This can result in immediate loss of customer leads, phone calls, and sales. This suspension often causes a total disappearance from local search, erasing your visibility, reviews, and online credibility until a potentially long reinstatement process is completed.

One issue that can increase the risk of suspension is inconsistent business information online. If details such as your business name, address, phone number, website, or other key information appear differently across your website, social media profiles, online directories, or other online listings, Google may see that as a red flag. Google’s increased vigilance is causing more and more innocent businesses to find their Google Business Listing in Suspension.

Our Google Business Profile Audit is designed to review how your business appears online and look for inconsistencies that could be causing a problem. We will look at key details such as your business name, address, phone number, website (including any schema information), and other website information that may be visible to Google. To complete the audit, we will ask you to provide links to your online business profiles, including your website, social media pages, directory listings, Yext listings, and anywhere else your business appears online.

Once the audit is complete, we will provide our findings and let you know if we recommend any updates. If you would like help making those updates, we can assist at our hourly rate.

What if My Google Business Account is Already Suspended?

If your account is currently Suspended, after your business information has been reviewed and updated, we can help move forward with the Google Business Profile appeal. We can either submit the appeal on your behalf or provide you with instructions and suggested wording so you can submit it yourself. Depending on the number and type of updates needed, we may recommend waiting one to two weeks before submitting the appeal. This gives Google time to find and process the updated information online before the appeal is reviewed.

What Should You Have Ready Before a Google Business Profile Appeal?

We can help get your digital business information updated and ready for an appeal, but there are also other preparations before submitting an appeal. It’s important to have your documentation ready. Google may ask for evidence that proves your business is legitimate and located where your profile says it is. This can include business registration documents, a business license, tax certificates, or utility bills connected to the business.

The details on these documents should match your Google Business Profile as closely as possible, including your business name and address. Once the appeal process begins, Google may give you a limited window to upload this information, so it’s better to gather it before you start.

What Not to Do If Your Profile Is Suspended

If your Google Business Profile is suspended, do not create a new profile for the same business while the appeal is under review. Google specifically warns against this, and it can make the situation more complicated. It’s usually better to fix the issue, prepare your documentation, and go through the appeal process.

Need Help Getting Your Google Business Profile Back on Track?

If your Google Business Profile has been suspended, flagged, or you’re worried something isn’t quite right, Zebralove can help. Our Google Business Profile Audit process will review your profile, check for common red flags, and identify information that needs to be corrected. Should you choose, we can take care of any digital and website updates you may need. While no one outside of Google can guarantee reinstatement, we can help review your information, correct issues that may be creating red flags, and help you prepare for a stronger appeal.

Google doesn’t make this process easy, but you don’t have to sort through it alone. Please CONTACT US to talk more!

Noelle Castle

Content Writer

Castle Media Co.

Noelle has been a marketing professional, and a published author and copywriter for over 20 years. Her work has been featured in both print publications and online media, where she has written on a broad range of topics. She owns Castle Media Co., assisting businesses with their marketing and digital media needs, specializing in website development, content marketing, social media, copywriting, and blogging.

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