Types of Suspensions

• Hard Suspensions – A hard suspension removes your profile entirely from Google Search and Google Maps. Not only does your business lose all local search visibility, but you may also lose customer reviews—often a major trust signal.
• Soft Suspensions – In a soft suspension, your listing still appears on Google Search and Maps, but it’s marked as “unverified.” During this period, you can’t manage or edit your listing, making it vulnerable to third-party edits or even removal requests.

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  2. Primary Triggers for GBP Suspensions

  2.1 Algorithmic Sweeps

  Google periodically runs automated sweeps to filter out spammy or misleading listings, particularly in high-risk categories like locksmiths and plumbers. Your listing could get flagged for anything from 24/7 operating hours when that’s not true, to misconfiguring your address.

  Key Insight:
  Algorithmic suspensions can be tough to diagnose. If your business info even slightly violates Google’s guidelines, you’re at risk.

  2.2 Account-Related Issues

  Sometimes the problem lies in the account managing your listing rather than the listing itself. If a user or an SEO agency repeatedly submits spammy edits or violates Google’s policies, every listing under that account can face suspension.

  Pro Tip:
  If you manage multiple businesses under one account and only some are suspended, check if a specific user or manager triggered the suspension. Removing that manager or switching ownership to a reputable Google account (ideally connected to GSuite) can resolve the issue.

  2.3 Manual Suspensions

  Manual suspensions often follow a report via Google’s spam redressal form. If a Google reviewer suspects any rule violations, your listing may receive a soft suspension pending further review. Reinstatement requires you to go through Google’s standard appeal process.

  

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  3. Common Causes & Solutions for GBP Suspensions

  Whenever your GBP is suspended, the first step is to file for reinstatement. Below are frequent triggers and how to address them:

  1. Listing as ‘Open 24 Hours’
     • Issue: Claiming 24/7 availability when the business isn’t actually staffed around the clock.
     • Solution: Update your hours to reflect when your physical location is truly open.
  2. Over-Optimizing Your Business Name
     • Issue: Adding extra keywords to your official business name.
     • Solution: Keep it consistent with how your customers know you—no keyword stuffing.
  3. Using Virtual Offices or Co-working Spaces
     • Issue: Listing a shared workspace as your main address without legitimate occupancy.
     • Solution: Whenever possible, use a real, verifiable address. If you must use a shared space, be prepared to prove business legitimacy there.
  4. Address Changes
     • Issue: Changing your physical address can trigger a suspension.
     • Solution: Document both your old and new addresses thoroughly and provide this during reinstatement.
  5. Duplicate Listings
     • Issue: Having multiple profiles for the same business.
     • Solution: Remove duplicates from your GBP dashboard and acknowledge any mistakes during reinstatement.
  6. Multiple Businesses at One Address
     • Issue: Several businesses at a single location without proper documentation.
     • Solution: Eliminate any non-genuine listings. If multiple legitimate businesses share the same space, have the paperwork ready to prove it.

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  4. Factors That Increase Suspension Risk

  Certain actions can unintentionally raise the odds of suspension. Keep an eye out for these:

  • Too many spammy edits by account managers
  • Keyword stuffing in the business name
  • Rapid, repeated changes to your listing
  • Switching business types (e.g., storefront to service area)
  • Inconsistent info across different platforms
  • Suspicious or misleading pin marker locations
  • Virtual office addresses
  • Overlapping service areas too close together
  • Shared phone numbers across multiple listings
  • Malware or issues with your website link
  • Online-only operations with no physical location
  • Violations in other Google services (e.g., AdWords)

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  5. Preventing GBP Suspensions

  Golden Rule: Adhere to Google’s guidelines. The simplest way to avoid trouble is to ensure your business information is accurate and consistent everywhere. Based on our experience managing suspensions for local businesses, these tips can help you stay clear of trouble:

  • Maintain Updated Business Info: Ensure your details match state directories, city licenses, or professional registrations.
  • Refresh Your Signage & Street View: Keep outdoor and indoor business signage accurate. Hiring a Street View photographer can help.
  • Avoid Excessive Listings: Resist the temptation to create multiple listings—this tactic often backfires.

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  6. The Suspension Appeal Process

  When your GBP is suspended, Google will send an email detailing a broad “Violation type.” To appeal:

  1. Identify the Violation: Check which guideline you allegedly violated.
  2. Research & Rectify: Use the policy link in the suspension email to understand the guideline and fix your listing.
  3. Submit Your Appeal: After making corrections, click “Appeal” in the suspension email.
  4. Confirm Your Account: Make sure you’re logged into the account that manages the suspended listing.
  5. Select the Suspended Listing: If you manage multiple accounts, choose the correct business profile to appeal.
  6. Review Suspension Details: Check your “Rejection Date,” “Decision,” and eligibility for appeal. Some suspensions can’t be appealed if they’re repetitive or spam-heavy.

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  7. Preparing Your Reinstatement Evidence

  A thorough approach improves your odds of success. Have these documents ready:

  • Business Registration
  • Business License
  • Tax Certificate
  • Utility Bill (matching your official business name and address)

  Crucial: The name and address must match across all documents and on your GBP.

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  8. Maximizing Your Appeal Success

  • Upload All Relevant Documents: Provide as much proof as possible.
  • Use the 60-Minute Upload Window Wisely: Once you start appealing, you have a limited time to submit evidence.
  • Click “Add Evidence”: Missing this step is a critical mistake.
  • Explain Clearly in 1,000 Characters: State the facts of your compliance. Google cares about evidence, not emotional pleas.

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  9. After Submitting Your Appeal

  • Monitor the Appeals Tool & Email: Watch for updates from Google.
  • Possible Outcomes:
    • Approved: Your profile is reinstated.
    • Not Approved: Consult experts (like us) to rectify issues and reapply.

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  Here’s the direct Google Business Profile local business reinstatement request link.