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Google is the most visited website in the world, and it’s no surprise that business owners want to be found on it. Since 2011, Google has been offering a way for businesses to create and manage their own local listings on Google to connect with customers directly in search results. This was known as Google Places for Business before being rebranded as Google My Business (GMB) in 2015.
A suspended GMB listing can happen for a number of reasons, including failing to verify your ownership of a business or having too many active services, some of which are entirely beyond your control. Regardless of the reason for suspension, you need to develop an effective strategy to get reinstated as soon as possible. Here you will find the top 4 steps to analyze GMB Suspension and to recover your GMB suspension.
What is Google My Business Suspension
Google My Business suspensions can be due to having too many listings, not having enough quality reviews, have to do with spammy tactics, or GMB listing owner committing a violation of the Google My Business policies or Guidelines. If your listing gets suspended, you will no longer be able to edit it, post photos, and you may lose control over that listing. As a result of a suspension, your business’ ranking on Google Maps and Search will be negatively affected, potentially leading to revenue loss.
The exact reason for the suspension of your listing is not disclosed by Google. When Google reviews your listing and finds an issue with it, they may suspend it by manual means. Google may act on the suggestion of a person “trusted enough” to remove or edit a business listing almost immediately if they are “trusted” enough.
Suspensions can also happen after you make changes to your listing. There are two types of suspensions:
- Hard suspension
- Soft suspension
- Account suspension
Hard Suspension
A hard suspension occurs when your Knowledge Panel does not appear online when you search for your company’s name and city – which is bad because potential customers will not be able to locate your GMB listing on Google Maps. In most cases, Google will suspend your GMB listing if it finds that your business does not qualify, or if you have been using spammy tactics.
Soft Suspension
When a soft suspension happens you can access your Knowledge Panel from your GMB dashboard and see it online, but it appears to be unverified, so you can’t manage or update it. You are more vulnerable to incorrect changes and false information being displayed if your GMB profile is soft suspended because users can suggest edits more easily.
Account Suspension
The suspension of a manager does not affect the listing, but it does limit the manager’s access to it.
Google accounts for owners are completely removed when their accounts are suspended. It is expected that all listings, as well as any reviews, will be removed. The listing will be reinstated once the account is reinstated, but it’s possible that any reviews will be lost if the account is reactivated.
The Reason Your Google Listing Has Been Suspended
Google doesn’t provide a clear explanation of why your listing has been suspended, which is one of the main frustrations with suspensions. Your listing may be suspended if your industry has a high level of spam, like lawyers, locksmiths, or plumbers. A suspension can also be triggered if you made several updates to your Google My Business listing at the same time.
The reason for a suspended listing is not revealed by Google, but there are certain events that are common to the suspension process
- Your business name is being stuffed with keywords.
- Brick and mortar businesses do not exist in your business. It is not acceptable to send mail to a P.O. box.
- In order to list your business, you establish an address at a virtual office or co-working space.
- Despite having a physical address, your business provides service to an area.
- Online businesses are your only source of income.
- The nature of your business is high-risk, such as the law, plumbing, HVAC, locksmithing, rehab centers, etc.
- Having the same address as another business.
- Your GMB profile has been changed/edited many times in one sitting.
- GMB profiles can include URLs that link to other websites or social media pages.
- As long as you make the change from a Storefront listing to a Service Area Business (SAB).
- Your website and other online business directories/citations don’t match your address or hours.
- There is a 24-hour business hours listing for your business.
- As a result of the suspension of one of the managers on your listing, your listing was suspended as well.
- The same business was listed multiple times at the same address (duplicate listings).
You may be able to find out why your listing was flagged and suspended by Google by checking out these factors, although they are not the only ones that can cause a suspension.
How Suspended Listings Impact Your Business
You may lose your listing from search results when your listing is hard suspended, but it is not always the end of your business. In case your business’ listing is reinstated, Google will provide you with solutions if you follow their procedures. Suspending your business’s listing is in Google’s best interest as well as that of your customers and your industry.
Increasing fraudulent listings have led to Google suspending listings for illegitimate businesses, so that legitimate, honest businesses are displayed for searchers. Getting out of suspension won’t be a problem for a legitimate business.
How to Fix a Suspended Google Listing
You may be required to provide proof that you are a legitimate business in order to have your listing lifted out of suspension by Google. You’ll need to provide proof in the following ways:
1. Obtain a state business license (if necessary)
2. The law may require professional licensing
3. Possession of the property as proof of occupancy
- Charges for utilities
- Documents pertaining to the rental agreement/deed
4. Images of the business location
- A clear image of the business logo
- A street address can be found on the door of the building or suite
- Several company vehicles are parked outside the building with logos
5. Documents proving tax compliance
6. Video verification
7. Google My Business Support will help you determine exactly what you need to provide.
Video or phone verification may be used by Google in some cases to lift suspensions. This less-intensive solution will be determined by Google based on your business’s requirements. You must follow Google’s instructions quickly and thoroughly, regardless of the process they use to reinstate your listing.
As well as being patient with Google, you will need to be persistent. Your business may be permanently blacklisted if you try to rush the process.
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Conclusion
If you’re a business owner, it’s easy to panic when you see your listing suspended by Google. Sometimes Google My Business suspensions happen by chance – such as if you make too many updates at once, or if a competitor suggests an edit. It’s not a good thing, but it’s not the end of the world, either. Ensure that your online marketing efforts are not solely dependent on Google My Business. To recap, Keep in mind that Google has the upper hand, so always follow their rules. Google has a team in place that’s ready to help you get your business back up and running. For more details about to grow your business in 2022, check out ZINAVO.
