Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is a big deal when it comes to getting noticed locally. It’s how customers find you, trust you, and choose you over the competition. But when your profile gets suspended, it’s like your storefront disappearing overnight—bad for business and even worse for your reputation.
If you’re dealing with a suspension, don’t panic. There’s a way to fix it. The key? A clear, step-by-step plan to get back on Google’s good side.
If you don’t want to deal with the stress of these suspensions let us do the heavy lifting for you. Call Us Today for a free consultation. Or click here to Learn More.
Understanding Google Business Profile Suspensions
A suspended GBP can feel like hitting a wall—no customers finding you, no calls, no action. But not all suspensions are the same, and knowing the type you’re dealing with is the first step.
Types of Suspensions
- Soft Suspension: Your profile is still visible on Google, but you can’t manage it. Think of it as losing the keys to your business listing.
- Hard Suspension: Your profile is completely gone from Google, making it invisible to everyone.
Each type has its own challenges, but both mean one thing: It’s time to figure out what went wrong and fix it fast.
Identifying the Reason for Suspension
Before you can get your Google Business Profile (GBP) back in action, you need to figure out why it got suspended in the first place. Google doesn’t suspend profiles for no reason—it’s usually tied to policy violations or suspicious activity.
Common Reasons for GBP Suspensions:
- Violating Google’s Guidelines: Not sticking to their official rules is a fast track to getting suspended.
- Spammy Behavior: Anything that feels manipulative, like fake reviews or misleading content, can trigger a suspension.
- Misleading Business Information: Wrong addresses, fake locations, or inaccurate business categories can flag your profile.
- Multiple Listings: Having more than one listing for the same business location confuses the algorithm—and Google shuts both down.
- Keyword Stuffing: Adding extra keywords to your business name (like “Best Plumber Miami”) violates Google’s policies.
Steps to Reinstate Your Suspended Google Business Profile
Once you’ve nailed down the issue, it’s time to work through these steps to get your GBP back online.
Step 1: Review Google’s Guidelines
Google’s rules exist for a reason. Read them carefully to spot where your profile may have slipped up. Pay attention to sections on:
- Business name accuracy
- Service area listings
- Image and content policies
- Eligibility requirements
✅ Tip: Bookmark the guidelines to avoid future issues.
Step 2: Correct Violations
Fix any problems you’ve identified based on the guidelines.
Examples:
- Remove extra keywords from your business name.
- Delete duplicate listings.
- Fix address inaccuracies or misleading service areas.
The goal: Make your profile 100% compliant.
Step 3: Gather Supporting Evidence
Google won’t just take your word for it. You need proof that your business is legit.
📌 Documents to Collect:
- Business license
- Utility bills matching your business address
- Official correspondence (like tax documents)
✅ Tip: Make sure the documents clearly match your GBP details.
Step 4: Submit an Appeal
Now it’s time to officially ask Google for a second chance.
How to Submit an Appeal:
- Go to the Google Business Profile Appeals Tool.
- Sign in using the Google account tied to your suspended profile.
- Select the suspended profile.
- Click Submit Appeal and follow the prompts.
Step 5: Provide Evidence Promptly
Once you’ve submitted your appeal, Google gives you 60 minutes to upload your supporting documents. Don’t miss this window.
What to Upload:
- The documents you gathered earlier.
- A brief explanation clarifying the corrections made to your profile.
✅ Tip: Double-check that all files are clear and labeled correctly before submitting.
Step 6: Wait for Google’s Review
Patience is key here. Google usually responds within 5-7 business days, but it can take up to 2 weeks.
While you wait:
- Avoid making changes to your profile.
- Keep an eye on your email for updates.
If everything checks out, you’ll be back on Google Maps, ready to attract customers again.
What to Do If Your Appeal Is Denied
If your Google Business Profile (GBP) appeal gets denied, don’t stress—it’s not over yet. You’ve still got options to get back on track.
Reassess the Guidelines
Double-check the Google Business Profile Guidelines again.
🔎 Look for:
- Incomplete profile information
- Incorrect business categories
- Outdated or misleading content
✅ Action: Identify anything that may have been missed the first time.
Gather Additional Evidence
If your initial evidence wasn’t enough, add more proof that your business is legitimate.
📌 Documents to Strengthen Your Case:
- Business license
- Utility bills with the business address
- Official tax documents
- Lease agreements
✅ Tip: Keep everything clear and properly labeled to avoid confusion.
Request an Additional Review
You can still appeal a denied case with Google’s review form. Here’s how:
Steps to Request a Second Review:
- Visit the Request Additional Review of a Denied Appeal form.
- Sign in with the account linked to your GBP.
- Select the suspended profile and explain the corrections made.
- Attach new supporting evidence.
✅ Pro Tip: Be clear, direct, and avoid unnecessary details. Stick to the facts.
Preventing Future Suspensions
Keeping your GBP in good standing isn’t complicated, but it does require consistency.
Best Practices to Avoid Future Suspensions:
- Minimize Core Changes: Avoid frequent updates to your business name, address, or categories.
- Limit Manager Access: Only grant trusted individuals access to your GBP.
- Secure Your Website: Make sure your site is malware-free and regularly scanned for security threats.
- Follow Content Policies: Post high-quality, relevant photos and avoid anything misleading.
- Separate Accounts for Reporting Competitors: Use a different Google account when flagging suspicious listings to avoid being flagged yourself.
✅ Pro Tip: Regularly review your profile and keep all information up to date.
Staying compliant means you’ll spend less time fixing issues and more time growing your business.
Important Reminder
If your Google Business Profile gets suspended, creating a new profile isn’t the answer.
Why?
- It violates Google’s guidelines. A new profile can be flagged as duplicate or deceptive.
- It can lead to permanent penalties. Google may blacklist your business for repeated violations.
- You’ll lose ranking history. A new profile resets your local SEO progress and customer reviews.
The smarter move? Follow the steps outlined here to reinstate your current profile the right way. For official guidance, check out Google’s Help Center on GBP Suspensions.
Conclusion
A suspended Google Business Profile doesn’t have to hurt your business for long—as long as you handle it the right way.
By identifying the cause, correcting violations, and submitting the right documents, you can get back on Google Maps and in front of local customers fast.
⚡ Need help? Don’t risk losing visibility longer than necessary. Contact Stellar Digital Group today for expert help with GBP unsuspensions, SEO strategies, and keeping your business visible where it matters most.
9. FAQs (Optional Section for Enhanced SEO)
Why was my Google Business Profile suspended?
Suspensions often happen due to guideline violations, like keyword stuffing, multiple listings, or misleading information.
How long does it take to get reinstated?
Google usually responds within 5-7 business days, but it can take up to 2 weeks.
Can I create a new profile after a suspension?
No. Creating a new profile after suspension can lead to further penalties and permanent removal from Google’s listings.
Call Us