Google Business Profile Violation Types
Soft Suspensions
A soft suspension is when your Google business profile still appears in the search results and you can view your business profile, but there is a ‘’unverified status’’.
When a business receives a soft suspension it indicates that a user has requested an edit to one of the following, business address, business hours, website url or phone number.
In some categories there could be more suspensions than usual, this is known as spam business listings.
The following categories are considered spam:
- Plumbers
- Pest
- HVAC
- Dog Training
- Locksmiths
Hard Suspensions
A hard suspension is when your business page has been permanently suspended and it has disappeared from search results and Google maps. This means that Google determines your business to be spam as it can’t verify the authenticity of the business profile.
More Evidence: If your business has occurred a hard suspension then you would be required to provide more documentation to prove the legitimacy of your business. [IMPORTANT: When Google hits you with a hard suspension that means you have significantly violated Google’s guidelines. Your business has a higher risk of further suspensions.]
What Is A Manual Google Business Profile Suspension?
A manual GBP suspension occurs when a user has reported your business for any number of reasons such as wrong opening hours, website url, business address etc and a Google employee checks the report and determines whether your business should be listed on Google maps.
GBP are subject to manual quality controls when a report has been made against the business.
How Long Will It Take To Get My Google Business Profile Reinstated?
A Google Business Profile can be reinstated within a few days up to a week but that depends on the type of suspension your business has occurred and if it’s a soft or hard suspension. On average it takes between 3-5 working days from the appeal being submitted.
What Is Required To Reinstate Your Google Business Profile?
Official Business Registration (To verify you’re a real business)
Tax Certificate (Validate tax ID and business)
Business Licence (Authorized to do business)
Utility Bill (Proof of address)
Before we can submit an appeal we would require the correct business registration and licence that shows the business name and address that appears on your GBP and the utility bill must match the same business name and address.
FAQ On Google Business Profile Suspensions
Why is my Google business profile suspended?
The most common reason for a Google business profile suspension is because of the NAP (Name, Address, Phone) that doesn’t match other directories your business is listed on. In this case, Google may ask for any relevant documents to verify the authenticity of your business information.
My Google business profile has been suspended after changing address?
When your Google Business Profile is suspended after changing the address on your listing, it’s usually due to using a virtual address which goes against Google’s guidelines. However if it is a real business address and you have supporting documents to prove this then you can request an appeal.
How to recover a suspended Google business profile?
The way to recover from a suspended Google business profile is by appealing, so having all your business information ready is essential try providing as much details as possible such as legal entity documents, image of storefront (if you’re a physical business) , utility bill (must match the business address on your Google My Business profile).
Are you able to fix a suspended Google business profile?
In most cases, yes we are able to fix a suspended Google business profile. If the reason for the suspension wasn’t for violating any of Google guidelines then we should be able to appeal and get your account reinstated.
Why has my Google business profile disappeared?
Your Google business profile may not be showing up for 2 reasons. 1. It’s not been claimed and verified or 2. You have encountered a soft or hard suspension depending on the violation type. You can check the reason by signing in to your Google My Business.
How long will the Google my business suspension last?
The Google business profile suspension will last for up to 6 months so you have an enough time to request an appeal. If after that period you still haven’t appealed then your Google my business profile will be permanently suspended and you won’t have an option to appeal again.
Why has my Google business profile been suspended for suspicious activity?
When a business receives a suspension for suspicious activity it’s usually indicates the business information on your Google business profile doesn’t match or is incorrect in this case, check your business name (no keyword stuffing) business address (real address) phone number (real number) website url (links to the correct domain).