Time to read: 4 minutes
Here Is How to Reinstate Your GBP and Get Out of “Google Jail”
If your Google Business Profile has been suspended, whether for adding a new DBA (doing business as) to your profile, changing office locations, or even something as simple as updating your phone number, we know it can feel like a major setback.
But it shouldn’t be something to lose sleep over, because with a little legwork it’s possible to get your business reinstated.
The Main Reasons Profiles Get Suspended
Typically, there are four reasons Google will suspend your profile:
- Misrepresentation of business – This is defined as providing information about your business that Google suspects to be inaccurate, and it’s the most common reason for suspension. It can happen if you update your business name, phone number, or location and Google cannot verify the information.
- Guideline violations – You may get suspended if you violate Google guidelines by using a P.O. box as your address, engaging in spammy behavior, or keyword stuffing your business name, among other things.
- Duplicate listings – If you have multiple listings for the same business, it can confuse Google’s automated violation detection system, leading to a suspension.
- User reports – Other Google users may have reported your business as spam multiple times, resulting in Google needing to verify your business information.
The Two Ways to Get Your Profile Active Again
Currently, you will be given two options to get your business profile back on Google, with each option depending on the severity of your suspension.
Resubmit Verification
Back in the day, verifying your business on Google was as simple as requesting a postcard in the mail, and then entering a code.
Sadly, now, video verification seems to be the only method Google provides for reverification. To do this, you will need to go through the process of:
- Downloading the Google Business Profile app on your phone
- Recording a live video within the app that shows evidence of your legitimacy such as your physical office location (if applicable), business assets such as business cards, your website, employees, and the like
- Waiting 3–5 business days for your video to be reviewed
Submit an Appeal
If your profile is under a hard suspension, you will need to gather proof of legitimacy and submit your evidence to Google. There is a special team that handles appeals, and they typically will get back to you within two weeks of submission.
However, it is important to note that once you start the appeal form you only have one hour to attach files that verify your businesses name and address. These files include:
- Business licenses
- Business registration
- Tax documents
- Utility bills
Due to this, it’s advisable to have all pertinent documents on hand to avoid any delay or problems.
Need More Assistance? Ask Experts for Help
If you’ve done just about everything, including reaching out to Google Support, but you aren’t having any luck, you’ve still got options. Thankfully, some sites host Google Product Experts who are ready to assist the public:
- Google Business Profile Community – This forum is owned and operated by Google and employs real, local marketing experts who answer public questions. If you decide to post here asking for help, be sure to include as much information as you can such as business details and any assigned case numbers from Google.
- Local Search Forum – This forum is run by Joy Hawkins of Sterling Sky and allows anyone to post a question for anything related to local marketing. You’ll find a mix of Google Product Experts and peers who can try to assist you with your issue.
We Can Help Your Local Marketing Efforts
If you’re struggling to move your business profile up into the local pack, or can’t seem to get any qualified leads from your local PPC campaign, we want to help. Fill out our contact form with details about your current marketing struggles and a member of our sales team will be in touch.
