A Google Business Profile (GBP) is an essential tool for businesses, and it is more than just an online directory. This is particularly true when taking into account how it affects the prominence of local search results. So, your Google Business Profile is a great tool for growing your web presence and drawing clients.
However, if your profile is suspended in certain situations, you might be worried about how this would affect your business listing. But do not panic! Learn the main causes of a suspended Google Business Profile in this in-depth article, along with expert advice on how to get it back.
When a user misrepresents a business, Google suspends their business profile and removes their business listing from searches. This may occur as a consequence of providing incorrect or purposefully misleading information or in an attempt to manipulate search engine results. Suspensions can be challenged, although more procedures might be needed to ensure that the procedure complies with Google's guidelines.
For a variety of reasons, Google suspends GBPs.
The whole explanation for your suspension will be included in an email you get from Google, however, the specifics are typically not covered. It is your responsibility to go through the rules and ensure that your profile is acceptable.
It's likely that there was a common explanation behind the suspension of your Google Business Profile.
For Google, misleading information is a big red flag. This might involve using a business address that you don't really operate from, such as a P.O. Box, home address or unmanned virtual office. A service area business (SAB) or an online-only company that uses a physical address but isn't really accessible to the public are two examples of such businesses.
Another common reason for a Google Business Profile suspension is stuffing it with keywords in your company name. If there are problems with quality, your Google Business Profile may also be suspended. Google may take down your profile from the search engine results pages (SERPs) if it finds mistakes or spammy content there.
Your Google Business Profile can be suspended for suspicious behavior if you fail to maintain your profile in a responsible manner. Such suspensions may be caused by anomalous changes made to NAP data (name, address, phone number) or by maintaining numerous accounts for the same local firm.
A suspension may also occur if you create duplicate listings for your business area or fabricate reviews in violation of Google's policies. Learn these rules and follow them to the letter.
Suspensions of Google Business Profiles come in soft and hard ways.This is how the two are different from one other.
Soft suspension
With a soft suspension, you can still access and edit your Business Profile, but your Google My Business listing will no longer be visible online. In this case, Google has taken away your administrator powers over the Profile.
Hard suspension
A hard suspension, as you can expect, bears greater consequences. This means that your Business Profile is no longer accessible through Google Search and Maps. You will need to file an appeal with Google in order to get your Google Business Profile listing visible to the public once more.
If your GBP has been suspended, make sure to carefully follow the reinstatement procedure. Check the suspension notice first for any instructions or violations that are described in detail. Update your address, take care of content policy violations or respond to concerns raised by others to solve any problems or infractions.
After your changes, use the Google My Business portal to file an appeal or reinstatement form. In it, include a thorough description of the steps you took to make things right. It can take some time for Google to evaluate your request, so please be patient during the review process.
Reclaiming access to a suspended Google Business Profile account involves completing many important steps in the revised reinstatement process. Once the reasons for suspension are clear to you, you should take corrective action and make sure that you are adhering to Google's policies.
The next action is to use Google's specific form to submit a reinstatement request. To support the claim, complete and correct business information must be provided, along with any supporting paperwork that may be required. There is also a review phase in the process, which can take a variety of timeframes, during which Google assesses the request.
For an easy reinstatement process, keep in mind these few crucial points:
Communicate with Google in a simple and concise manner during this process.
Check the status of the request on a regular basis and respond to Google's requests for more information.
If Google rejects your request to have your Google Business Profile reinstated, you have the option to file an appeal. To make sure you followed Google's requirements, first check them again.
To request the reinstatement of your profile, you need to send a detailed email explaining your case. Any supporting data that can strengthen your arguments should be included in this explanation.
Images of the exterior of your store and an overview of your company's activities are two examples of supporting documentation. Within two weeks of submitting the appeal, you can expect to get an update with a decision.
Make sure the information on your Google Business Profile is correct and updated to ensure that it remains in excellent condition. Suspension may result from inconsistencies with other listings. Name, address, phone number, website, company categories and business hours are all included in this.
Use high-quality photos to enhance user experience and communicate to potential customers what to expect when they visit your place. Encourage sincere reviews and comments from clients. Do not try to buy reviews or pay clients to rate you with five stars. If this is found out, the consequences might be far more severe than a suspension from your Google Business Profile like you might face legal action.
Google may take fewer drastic measures, such as suggesting that you update it or updating it on your behalf, for small violations. Don't push your luck and give these issues top priority. This is Google providing you with a fair warning to improve your profile. If you don't know how to handle these issues, search for local SEO services near you and choose the right SEO service provider who can handle these issues.
Local SEO Agency can assist you if you're having trouble with your Google Business Profile or if you need professional advice on local SEO strategies. To increase your online visibility, the experts from the agency can evaluate your profile, find areas that need work and create a personalized plan. You can feel secure knowing that SEO experts are handling your Google Business Profile professionally when you work along with them.