Running a local business can be challenging, especially when your Google Business Profile (GBP) gets suspended. The consequences can be devastating, with your phone no longer ringing and customers avoiding your location. The loss of revenue is real, making it essential to know how to navigate the appeals process effectively.
Before diving into the appeals process, it’s important to understand why your GBP listing might have been suspended. Some common reasons include keyword stuffing your business name, using a P.O. Box or UPS store address, setting up your listing at a virtual office or co-working space address, displaying a physical address for a Service Area Business (SAB), having an online-only business, being in a high-risk business category, sharing an address with another business (especially if it’s a residential address), making multiple changes to your GBP profile at once, forwarding or redirecting the URL in your profile, changing your listing from a storefront to a SAB or vice versa, having multiple GBPs with overlapping service areas, having address or hour inconsistencies with your website or other online directories/citations, listing your business hours as 24/7, having a manager on your listing with a suspended account, creating multiple listings for the same business at the same address, violating the terms of service of another Google tool or service, or having an account violation like a suspended email account.
In some cases, your suspension may be due to Google’s need to verify that you are a legitimate business. This is more common for businesses in high-risk categories. If you have violated a guideline, it’s crucial to fix the problem with your listing before proceeding with the appeals process.
When it comes to appealing your suspended GBP, it’s important not to panic and rush through the process. Take the time to thoroughly read the Help Support document provided by Google. If you’re unsure about the violation or whether your supporting documents meet Google’s requirements, consider hiring a Google Business Profile Product Expert to guide you through the process. It’s better to be safe than sorry, as a denied appeal can prevent you from having a Google Business Profile.
If your appeal is denied, there is still hope. You can request an additional review of your suspended GBP listing and submit supporting documents. These documents may include official business registration, a business license, tax certificates, and utility bills. It’s recommended to provide more documents and photos than you did in the original appeal to provide additional evidence for Google’s consideration. For example, if you didn’t include a tax certificate in your initial appeal, include it in the additional review.
To request an additional review, make sure you’re logged into the email associated with your GBP and fill out the request form, providing all the necessary information and explaining the steps you took to fix your business listing. It’s also helpful to provide links to your Secretary of State business listing and any accredited Better Business Bureau listings. After submitting the form, allow up to five days for the review results to be emailed to you. Keep in mind that the results won’t be reflected in the Appeals tool.
This additional review is your last chance to prove to Google that your business is legitimate. Take it seriously and ensure that you provide the correct documents and fix any violations. Remember, you only have two chances to reinstate your suspended Google Business Profile, so it’s crucial to follow the process correctly.
Navigating the appeals process for a suspended Google Business Profile may seem overwhelming, but with a clear understanding of the common reasons for suspension and the steps involved in appealing, you can increase your chances of reinstatement. Don’t panic, be patient, and follow the guidelines provided by Google. By doing so, you’ll be on your way to getting your business back on track.
