Google has been cracking down on Google Business Profiles (GBPs) to remove potential spam listings and ensure that only legitimate businesses are taking advantage of this free tool. Unfortunately, many legit businesses have gotten swept up in Google’s recent audits, and their profiles have been flagged and suspended, leaving them wondering what they can do to get back on Google’s good side.
​
​If your profile has been suspended, your listing may still be visible to the public, but you won’t be able to edit it or publish any new updates. If you fail to submit an appeal in a timely manner, your profile will eventually be hidden from public view as well. To reclaim and reactivate your suspended GBP, follow these steps.

You can submit an appeal to have Google review your profile and lift your suspension. However, you should first double check that it meets all GBP guidelines. Common issues that may get flagged as potential spam are keyword stuffing in your business name, duplicate profiles for the same business, or inaccurate contact info for your business. You can update your listing to ensure that it follows all the necessary guidelines, and those updates will be published once your profile is no longer suspended.

You may need to provide evidence that your business is real and legitimate, especially if you have a service area business without a physical location that customers visit in person. You may need to provide copies of your business license, business registration, utility bills addressed to your business, or tax certificates, along with your written appeal explaining why you believe your profile was mistakenly suspended. Prepare these documents before submitting an appeal to Google, as you will have a limited time frame to provide this evidence once you reach out to Google support.

Finally, you may need to reverify your listing by taking a short video of your workplace showing any signage or other details that will confirm the legitimacy of your business, as well as your exact location.

The process of restoring your Google listing is somewhat complicated and time-consuming, but it is necessary to ensure your visibility in local Google Search and Maps results. DO NOT attempt to skirt guidelines by creating a new listing for your business—that will only cause more issues for you.

If you need help managing your Google Business Profile and navigating the complex process of verifying your business, Plumfun Media can help. We are local SEO experts in Sacramento, and we can help you manage your entire digital presence so that you can get your business noticed online.