Google my business profile – suspension & recovery!

As a business owner, you want to make sure that your Google My Business (GMB) profile is up and running smoothly. But what happens when your GMB account is suddenly suspended? This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about GMB suspensions and how to recover your account.

Signs That Indicate Your GMB Profile Was Suspended

Here are some signs that may indicate that your GMB profile has been suspended:

1. Comparatively fewer phone calls or less foot traffic than normal
2. An email notification from Google stating that your GMB profile has been suspended
3. Your Google My Business dashboard displays a “Suspended” notification

Types Of Suspension

There are two types of GMB suspensions:

1. Hard Suspension: When you search for your business on the web, your company’s name is not shown in the search results or Google Maps.
2. Soft Suspension: In this case, your business is visible, but you cannot make any changes or manage your listings.

Common Reasons For GMB Suspensions

Here are some common reasons for GMB suspensions:

1. Two or more businesses share the same address.
2. The address on your website does not match with the business listings.
3. The address, name, or phone number on your GMB profile does not match with your directory listings.
4. Making frequent small or big changes to your address, business name, website, phone number, etc. is considered spam.
5. You have mentioned a P.O. box or UPS box in the address.
6. The address on your GMB profile is a virtual office address.
7. You have used too many keywords in your business name.
8. Business name is not the same across the web.
9. You are a Service Area Business displaying your home address.
10. You are running an online business and don’t have a physical store.
11. You belong to industries like Locksmiths, HVAC, Plumbing, and other home service businesses. These industries are known to have more fake listings, making them prone to suspensions.
12. The link on your GMB profile redirects to another website or a social media page.
13. You have multiple locations or listings for a single business.
14. Someone reported your listing through a Redressal form.
15. You or your GMB manager violated GMB TOS (Terms of Service).
16. Other reasons for suspension include Bugs, Algorithmic Sweep, etc.

How To Avoid A Suspension?

To avoid GMB suspension, you should follow these steps:

1. Read the GMB Guidelines thoroughly before you create an account.
2. If you have any questions while you are registering, ask the experts or contact Google.
3. Provide the necessary documents like photos, valid proofs, etc. as and when required.
4. Check the GMB Guidelines (TOS) once a month to stay updated with all the rules.

What To Do After Your Account Has Been Suspended?

If your GMB account has been suspended, don’t worry! Here’s what you should do:

1. Don’t panic! If you are a legitimate business, there is nothing to worry about.
2. Identify the reason/s due to which your account was suspended. Here, you must check whether you or your manager has violated any of the GMB TOS.
3. Follow the guidelines and make the required changes to your suspended account. Yes, these steps can be tedious but still hold on. Do not create a new GMB profile; it won’t be helpful.
4. To ensure you have actually fixed the issues, post your details on the GMB help forum or confirm it with an expert.
5. Fill in the Reinstatement Form. Answer the questions asked on the form honestly and also provide the required proofs. Please file only a single request to avoid further delays.
6. You will receive an update regarding your form from Google within 2-3 weeks.
7. If you do not get a reply after 3 weeks, contact GMB support through Facebook or Twitter.

Celebrating the Recovery of Your GMB Profile

If your GMB profile was suspended, and you have followed the reinstatement process, congratulations! Celebrate the recovery of your account, and ensure that you follow the GMB guidelines and avoid future suspensions.

Conclusion

A GMB profile suspension can be a stressful experience for any business owner. However, by understanding the common reasons for suspension and how to avoid them, you can take steps to keep your GMB profile up and running. If your account has been suspended, don’t panic! Follow the reinstatement process, and you’ll be back online in no time.

FAQs

How long does it take for Google to review a reinstatement form?
Ans: Google usually takes 2-3 weeks to review the reinstatement form.

Can I create a new GMB profile if my account is suspended?
Ans: No, creating a new GMB profile won’t be helpful. Follow the reinstatement process instead.

What happens if I violate GMB TOS again?
Ans: If you violate GMB TOS again, your account may be suspended permanently.

How often should I check the GMB Guidelines?
Ans: You should check the GMB Guidelines (TOS) once a month to stay updated with all the rules.

Can I contact GMB support through phone or email?
Ans: No, you can only contact GMB support through Facebook or Twitter.