If your GMB listing has been suspended from public view, you can restore it by following Google’s process.
Here’s what Google has to say about fixing a suspended listing:
Review the Google My Business guidelines and restricted content guidelines.
- Review your listing for compliance with the guidelines.
- Once you ensure your locations comply with Google’s guidelines and include all required information, you can request for the reinstatement.
- Chances are that you got suspended because Google thinks you are providing false information. You’ll need to provide Google with proof that you’re running a legitimate business.
- Reaching out to GMB support is a process that can take some time. Google has recently started to suspend more listings in order to promote an authentic ecosystem.
- If you’re facing a suspension, Google may ask for your business license, a utility bill that shows your address, or if you’re using a shared working place, photographic proof that you’re sharing the space with other businesses. Google support will let you know exactly what you need to provide.
TYPES OF GMB SUSPENSIONS
There are two different types of GMB suspensions: soft suspensions and hard suspensions.
SOFT SUSPENSION
A soft suspension means that your GMB listing is still up, but that you’re no longer managing the listing. In this case, Google has removed you as the admin.
HARD SUSPENSION
In this case, your business listing is no longer available to the public. If you want to make your Google My Business listing available to the public, you’ll have to appeal to Google.
WHY IS GOOGLE SUSPENDING LISTINGS?
It’s been reported that there are fake listings on Google. Some of them can be scammers posing as legitimate businesses and some of them might be businesses trying to get more visibility in “near me” searches.
Google has been taking steps to remove these fake profiles. Unfortunately, some real businesses can be caught in the crossfire.
COMMON CAUSES FOR A GMB SUSPENSION
Here are some reasons why the Google My Business account might be suspended.
- Claiming to be open 24 hours a day
- Information within your profile has recently changed
- Having your address linked to a virtual address or PO Box
- The actual business name is different from Google My Business name
- Having a primary category in a high-risk industry (plumbing, locksmithing, home services)
- Having multiple listings from the same address
HOW TO PREVENT A GMB SUSPENSION?
If your GMB is up and you want to avoid a suspension in the future, here’s how you can take preventive action.
- Stick to Google’s guidelines
- Take high-definition photos of your business
- Ensure that your name on Google My Business is your business’s actual name
- Ensure that your address is at a permanent location. Google does not allow virtual locations
- Use a local phone number rather than a call center line
- Ensure that your business hours are up-to-date
- Ensure that your Google My Business categories are accurate
BrightFire can help you to automatically send review requests to customers, send customer surveys, and text with customers, improving the business’s online presence on Google and 50+ other sites on the Internet. For more help or information, reach out to us at support@brightfire.com.