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Google Business FAQs
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What Happens If Your Google Business Profile Gets Suspended?
Why Can Your Google Business Profile Get Suspended?
Google (My) Business Profile Suspension vs. Google (My) Business Profile Ban
How to Fix a Suspended Google (My) Business Profile?
Need Help with Your Suspended Google (My) Business Profile?
Lea Höller
2025-01-27
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If you are a local business owner, your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is basically your digital storefront. A suspended GBP is, therefore, a true nightmare. If your GBP gets suspended, it means you can no longer update your business information, and the profile will no longer be visible in regular Google search results or on Google Maps. Your business essentially becomes invisible in local search results - the place that matters most when you’re trying to attract local customers to your location or business!
In some cases, your GBP might still be visible on Google, but you simply don’t have access as the owner to make any changes. This eventually leads to inconsistent and incorrect information about your business on the web, which is almost as bad as being invisible. But why does your GBP suddenly get suspended? Let’s take a look at the possible reasons!
There are some obvious guideline violations you can check for initially, but some reasons for a profile suspension are much more vague and sometimes seem unreasonable to the GBP owner.
Let’s look at the most common reasons for GBP suspension:
There is a difference between a complete GBP suspension and a ban! A GBP suspension occurs when Google temporarily disables your profile due to policy violations, incomplete information, or suspicious activity, but it allows for reinstatement after corrections and verification. During a suspension, your profile won't appear in search results, but the issue can often be resolved by fixing the problem and appealing to Google. A GBP ban, on the other hand, is the permanent removal of your profile, usually for severe violations such as repeated policy breaches, fraudulent activity, or operating in restricted industries. Unlike a suspension, a ban means your profile is permanently removed, and it’s far more challenging - if not impossible - to recover. If your GBP is banned, it will no longer be visible to the public, and owners and managers of the profile will lose access to it entirely.
Important: If the owner’s Google account is removed (yes, user accounts can also be removed due to policy violations!), all locations owned by that particular Google account will be removed as well.
Keep in mind: The process of appealing a suspended GBP and a removed one is the same. However, the chances of a banned (removed) profile being reinstated are far lower. That said, for a profile to be removed, several incidents must typically have occurred first. If the profile has been wrongfully removed, it’s more likely that Google will reinstate it - provided you appeal correctly and present clear evidence.
Let’s not beat around the bush - here’s how to fix a suspended profile in just a few steps! You need to submit an appeal to Google and request that your suspension be lifted. Before you begin, make sure to gather as much evidence as possible to strengthen your appeal and increase the chances of Google clearly understanding your case. This will help prevent further issues and make resolving the problem easier.
If you haven’t submitted evidence yet, you can submit it within 60 minutes after appealing.
You will receive an email with Google’s decision. However, you can also check the status of your appeal beforehand (or if you’re concerned that you may have missed any emails).
You will see one of the following states:
If your appeal was not approved by Google you can request an additional review of your denied appeal. Make sure that you provide further evidence that hasn’t been part of your initial appeal.
Furthermore, make sure to address the underlying issues. Understand the reason for the rejection and fix your GBP first. For example, if your address or business information caused the suspension, update them accordingly (or gather more evidence to show they were flagged incorrectly). If your GBP needs to be re-verified, complete the verification process before appealing again. It’s always a good idea to carefully review Google’s profile guidelines to ensure your GBP complies with their requirements.
Lastly, consider seeking help from Google Support. If no action has been taken by Google, you can request the support team to investigate the issue and potentially expedite the process.
Dear Google Support,
Our Google Business Profile [insert link] has been suspended by Google due to [reason stated by Google]. I have taken the necessary steps in order to appeal this decision but have not heard back. Can you please assist us in unsuspending our profile?
Thank you.
Kind regards, [Your name]
Learn more how to contact Google Support!
It happened - your GBP got suspended, and even after reading our article, you feel stressed and unable to complete all the steps with a clear head. No problem! Let us help you! Whether you’re already a client of ours or looking to use our local SEO tools to boost your online visibility, a working GBP is an absolute must. So, don’t hesitate to contact us! Let’s first get your GBP back in order, and then we’ll focus on optimizing your online presence to drive tons of new customers to your location(s)!