A storefront with a giant Google Maps pin stuck through it, crossed with red tape that says Suspended.
Google Business Profile

Why Does My Google Business Profile Keep Getting Suspended?

A suspended Google Business Profile (GBP) can be incredibly
frustrating. Not only does it mean you’re losing out on valuable
visibility in local search results, but it can also damage your
business’s online reputation. If you’ve found yourself asking, Why
does my Google Business Profile keep getting suspended?, you’re not
alone. This comprehensive guide will explore the common causes of
suspensions and provide actionable solutions to reinstate your
profile and prevent future issues.

Understanding Google Business Profile Suspensions

Google takes its responsibility to provide accurate and reliable
information to users very seriously. To maintain this standard, they
have strict guidelines that all businesses must adhere to when
creating and managing their GBP. When a profile violates these
guidelines, it may be suspended, either temporarily or permanently,
depending on the severity of the infraction.

Common Causes of Google Business Profile Suspensions

Identifying the root cause of your suspension is the first step
towards getting your profile reinstated. Here are some of the most
common culprits:

1. Inaccurate or Inconsistent Business Information

This is one of the most frequent reasons for suspensions. Your GBP
must accurately reflect your business’s real-world information. This
includes:

  • Business Name: Use your official business name,
    exactly as it appears on your legal documents and signage. Avoid
    using keywords or promotional phrases.
  • Address: Provide a complete and accurate address,
    including street number, street name, city, state, and ZIP code. If
    you don’t have a storefront, ensure you’ve correctly marked your
    business as a service-area business.
  • Phone Number: Use a valid, local phone number
    that’s consistently displayed across your website and other online
    platforms.
  • Website URL: Include a working URL that accurately
    represents your business and is consistent with your other online
    listings.

Solution: Review your GBP information thoroughly and
ensure it’s consistent with your official business documentation and
online presence.

2. Duplicate Listings

Having multiple GBP listings for the same business location can lead to
suspension. This is often unintentional and can occur when a business
changes ownership or management, or if someone creates an unapproved
duplicate listing.

Solution: Identify and remove any duplicate listings.
You can do this through your Google My Business dashboard or by
contacting Google support for assistance.

3. Inappropriate Content

Google has strict policies regarding the type of content allowed on GBP.
This includes photos, videos, posts, and reviews. Content that’s
considered inappropriate, offensive, or misleading can result in a
suspension.

Solution: Moderate all content uploaded to your GBP,
including user-generated content like reviews. Ensure it adheres to
Google’s content guidelines. Remove any content that violates these
guidelines.

4. Keyword Stuffing

Attempting to manipulate search rankings by stuffing your business name,
description, or other sections with irrelevant keywords is a violation
of Google’s guidelines and can lead to suspension.

Solution: Focus on providing accurate and relevant
information about your business, using natural language and avoiding
unnecessary repetition of keywords.

5. Virtual Offices or Co-Working Spaces

While virtual offices and co-working spaces are legitimate business
models, they can present challenges for GBP verification. Google requires
businesses to have a physical presence at their listed address, which
can be difficult to prove for virtual offices.

Solution: Clearly and accurately represent your
business model on your GBP. If you’re using a virtual office or
co-working space, consider using a mail service with a physical address
that can be verified by Google.

6. Third-Party Access and Unauthorized Edits

If you’ve granted access to your GBP to third-party marketing
agencies or other service providers, their actions can impact your
profile’s standing. Unauthorized edits or violations made by third
parties can result in a suspension, even if you were unaware of the
changes.

Solution: Carefully vet third-party providers and
establish clear guidelines regarding their access and permissible actions
on your GBP. Regularly monitor your profile for any unauthorized
changes.

7. Suspicious Activity

Google’s algorithms are constantly on the lookout for suspicious
activity, such as a sudden influx of fake reviews, spammy posts, or
multiple edits from unfamiliar devices or locations. This can trigger a
suspension as a precautionary measure.

Solution: Avoid engaging in any practices that could
be perceived as suspicious, such as buying reviews or using bots to
generate activity on your profile.

How to Reinstate Your Google Business Profile

If your GBP has been suspended, don’t panic. Take the following steps
to address the issue and work towards reinstatement:

1. Identify the Reason for Suspension

Google usually provides a reason for suspension. Check your email
associated with your GBP for any notifications from Google. The
message will often outline the specific violation that led to the
suspension.

2. Review Google’s Guidelines

Thoroughly familiarize yourself with
Google’s Business Profile guidelines

to understand the specific rules you might have violated.

3. Make Necessary Corrections

Based on the reason for suspension, meticulously revise your GBP
information, content, and settings to comply with Google’s
guidelines. Remove any inappropriate content, correct inaccuracies, and
address any duplicate listings.

4. Submit a Reinstatement Request

Once you’ve made all the necessary corrections, you can submit a
reinstatement request to Google through your Google My Business
dashboard. This process involves verifying your business information
and explaining the steps you’ve taken to resolve the issues that led to
the suspension.

5. Be Patient and Persistent

Google’s review process can take some time. It’s crucial to be
patient and persistent. If your initial reinstatement request is
denied, carefully review Google’s feedback, make any additional
necessary changes, and submit another request.

Preventing Future Suspensions

Once you’ve successfully reinstated your GBP, it’s essential to take
proactive measures to prevent future suspensions. Here are some
recommendations:

1. Stay Informed About Google’s Guidelines

Google regularly updates its policies. Make it a practice to stay
informed about any changes to ensure your GBP remains compliant.

2. Regularly Audit Your Profile

Periodically audit your GBP information, content, and settings for
any inconsistencies or potential violations. This can help you
identify and rectify issues before they lead to suspension.

3. Manage Third-Party Access Carefully

If you work with third-party providers, carefully manage their
access to your GBP, grant them limited permissions, and monitor
their actions to prevent unauthorized changes.

4. Prioritize Authentic Engagement

Focus on building a genuine online presence by encouraging authentic
customer reviews, responding to inquiries promptly and professionally,
and sharing high-quality, relevant content that provides value to
your audience.

By understanding the common causes of GBP suspensions and following
the guidelines outlined in this article, you can effectively address
current issues and prevent future suspensions, ensuring your business
maintains a strong and visible online presence.

Note: Zing Business Systems provides done-for-you solutions for
Google Business Profiles or provides ideas and solutions for the DIY
business owner.

Experience the future of business AI and customer engagement with our innovative solutions. Elevate your operations with Zing Business Systems. Visit us here for a transformative journey towards intelligent automation and enhanced customer experiences.

Author: Matt Kallunki

Background and Experience Born in North Carolina and raised in a military family that moved frequently across North America, Europe, and Hong Kong, Matt Kallunki learned the values of adaptability and resilience from an early age. He enlisted in the Army National Guard at 17, bringing dedication and commitment to his service—a trait he has carried through every opportunity since. His education at Utah Valley University and later at Utah State University, along with diverse roles in technology, hospitality, and marketing, has shaped a career marked by innovation and leadership. As a veteran, Kallunki proudly leads Zing Business Systems, a veteran-owned and operated business. Inspiration and Innovation The constant throughout Kallunki’s career has been the importance of effective marketing—an insight first gained while running his initial restaurant. This understanding guided him through various entrepreneurial and consulting roles, eventually leading to the foundation of Zing Business Systems. Here, Kallunki has harnessed emerging technologies to provide small businesses with smart, scalable communication solutions. Zing Business Systems: Bridging Technology and Opportunity Zing Business Systems turns everyday challenges into growth opportunities. The company's flagship service, the Missed Call Text Back, ensures that small businesses never miss out on potential customer engagements. Kallunki equips his clients with tools that streamline communication, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—their core business and customer relationships. Customer Impact Kallunki's technology revolutionizes how businesses interact with customers. From automotive to professional services, he helps business owners centralize operations and automate routine tasks, significantly enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction. Looking Ahead Dedicated to continuous innovation and expansion, Zing Business Systems is committed to empowering more businesses with effective communication tools. With over two decades of marketing experience and a lifelong passion for service, Kallunki is redefining standards in business engagement and management. More About Matt In addition to his professional pursuits, Matt Kallunki is a lifelong motivated learner with a diverse array of hobbies and interests that span both creative and technical fields. From open boat sailing and spear fishing to ham radio operation and gardening, Matt's activities reflect his broad interests and relentless curiosity. A Cold War to present military enthusiast and avid reader, he also indulges in audiobooks, constantly seeking new knowledge and adventures. As a certified scuba instructor and divemaster, Matt takes his passion for exploration below the water's surface, teaching others and enjoying the serene beauty of the underwater world. His love for hands-on creation is evident in his skills in woodworking and metalworking, while his technical acumen shines through in his interests in cybersecurity and networking. Photography is another passion, capturing moments from his ventures and everyday life, showcasing his artistic eye and attention to detail. Whether it’s running marathons, launching high-powered rockets, or nurturing his garden, each hobby Matt engages in reflects a facet of his dynamic personality and relentless pursuit of growth and excellence. Connect with Matt Kallunki You can connect with Matt and learn more about his work and Zing Business Systems through various platforms: Visit https://blog.zingacp.com/about-us-page for social and medial links.