How To Bring Back A Suspended Google My Business Profile?

Loss of online visibility? Impact on customer trust? Disruption in communications? Reduction in web traffic?

Have you ever realized how a suspended Google My Business profile can BREAK your business? Or, maybe it has already happened to you.

Your business's Google Search and Maps presence takes a hit. Well, we have seen people go crazy. Tough situation, right?

But here is the ray of hope - “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going”

Buckle up. It’s time to put your GMB account back. It needs your undivided attention as…

The documentation process is laborious (back and forth with Google's support team).

But, it’s the need of the hour. So, do it. But there is a step-by-step process to it.??

First Thing First - Let’s Understand Google Business Profile Suspension

A Google Business Profile (GBP) suspension occurs when a business's listing vanishes from Google and Google Maps. That too overnight. You lose control of the account.

It's a challenge for local businesses relying heavily on their online presence for customer acquisition and brand visibility.

We get you. It’s quite challenging. But we are on a mission to get things back. Therefore, knowing the types of suspensions is crucial to craft your response strategically.?

Types Of GBP Suspensions

• Hard suspension: The business's Knowledge Panel/Business Profile appears offline when a search is conducted for the company's name and city. This is the complete blackout scenario.
• Soft suspension: The business's profile still appears online but unverified, and the owner can't manage or update it. This is a less severe step-down but still impactful for the business.
• Industry-specific suspensions: Certain industry categories with more spam and fake listings are more prone to suspensions. Being aware of these industry-specific risks can help with proactive measures.

These reasons are not mere theories. It's critical to understand these reasons to rectify an issue and prevent it from happening again.?

Reasons For GBP Suspension

While the suspension email you receive may only sometimes provide granular details, so, you should be vigilant about the common triggers for suspensions.

Again, most listings will face a suspension at some point. But being prepared and knowing how to rectify it can make a significant difference.?

High-Risk Actions

Certain activities have a higher potential to lead to suspensions, including:

• Keyword stuffing your business name: Obvious to Google and an infringement of their guidelines.?
• Using a P.O. Box or UPS store address: This can mislead customers and violate the terms of having a physical presence, a key component of the GBP.?
• Sharing the same address with another business: Can cause confusion or misdirection and violate location guidelines.?
• Having a manager on your listing suspended: Make sure every element associated with your GBP is compliant, not just the primary listing.

Proactively avoiding these actions and being aware of Google’s shifting guidelines is your frontline defense against suspensions.?

Okay, Let’s Face It

Now, you are aware of your suspension. What’s next? Simply put, it is a strategic response. The following are steps to take when you believe your Google Business Profile has been suspended.?

Notifications and Initial Response?

You, as a business owner, may not find your listing online. Or, receive an email indicating the suspension. That email typically contains information about the "violation type" or the general policy your listing violates.

Notifying all relevant stakeholders within the company is key to a prompt and coordinated response.?

Common Steps to Address the Issue

• Review your latest edits and updates: Did you make any changes recently that could have triggered Google's scrutiny?
• Consult the Google My Business guidelines: Ensure your profile follows these guidelines systematically.
• Contact Google My Business support: Sometimes, an issue might be fixed by simply contacting support and clarifying certain points. This is especially true if the suspension is due to a mistake or misunderstanding.

Remember, before applying for an appeal, you must fix what’s wrong with your listing. It won’t help to appeal if the issues persist within your profile.

It's like applying a fresh coat of paint to a house with an unstable foundation.?

The Google Business Appeal Process Overview

The Google Business Appeal process is your lifeline during a suspension. It's the official channel through which you can present your case to Google and request a reinstatement.?

Navigating Through the Appeals Process

• Familiarize yourself with the Help documentation for a clear understanding of the appeal process.?
• For a suspended GBP listing, an email with an "Appeal" button is sent. This email is your cue to act.?
• The Appeals tool is the central hub for the appeal process, allowing you to work on the appeal and monitor its status.?
• Logging in using the email address to manage the suspended GBP listing account. Select the business profile that was suspended. Follow the prompts to submit your appeal.?

Providing Evidence and Waiting for a Verdict

• After submitting the evidence for your appeal, Google will send you back to the Appeals tool where your Details/Status should be changed to Submitted.?
• Google will review the evidence and your GBP listing before sending an email confirming the approval or denial of your appeal.?
• Suppose your appeal is unsuccessful, and your business listing remains in violation. In that case, you may have the option to have Google re-evaluate your appeal decision, although this is only sometimes available.

Google Business Profile Suspensions and Getting Things Back

Understanding that Google Business Profile (GBP) suspensions can occur for various reasons is the first step. The second is to learn from each suspension and take measures to avoid similar pitfalls in the future.?

Learning from the Experience?

• Identify what led to the suspension and ensure that you rectify it permanently.?
• Maintain a vigilant approach to your GBP health by periodically reviewing and updating your profile.?
• Be aware of changes in Google’s policies and guidelines that might impact your GBP listing.?

The Aftermath

Once your GBP listing is recovered, take a moment to assess the broader picture. What were the implications of the suspension on your business, and how can you mitigate these in the future?

• Reassess your reliance on Google’s free marketing tool, and consider diversifying your online presence and marketing channels.?
• Continue to engage with Google in a constructive manner, taking their rules and guidelines seriously.?
• Most importantly, use the reinstatement as a launchpad for a renewed, strategic approach to your GBP and overall digital presence.?

Final Thoughts

Google Business Profile suspensions are more than a challenge. It’s like a gentle reminder about the evolving nature of online platforms.

With this guide, you’ve taken a significant step towards a strategic and informed approach to managing and overcoming a GMB suspension.

Remember that Google offers a powerful marketing tool for merchants. It’s a closely guarded platform that can be taken away as swiftly as it’s given.

Stay informed, stay proactive, and remember that your GBP is one component of a robust digital marketing strategy.