Receiving a notification that your Google Business Profile (GBP) has been suspended is a significant and often stressful obstacle. It effectively removes your digital storefront from local search and Maps, cutting off a vital channel to your customers.
We’ve recently guided one of our clients through this exact process, successfully reinstating a couple of their suspended profiles as part of our seo services. We were surprised by the lack of information about this, so based on that fresh experience, we’ve put together this straightforward guide to help you get back online.
Why Was My Google Business Profile Suspended?
Google often provides a vague reason like “deceptive content.” This is a catch-all term its algorithm uses when it loses trust in your profile’s data. You can review what Google considers ‘Prohibited & Restrictive content’, including Deceptive content, in this link.
Our analysis shows this “loss of trust” typically stems from these common, fixable issues:
- Name, Address, or Phone (NAP) Mismatch: Your GBP information doesn’t exactly match the details on your official business license, permanent signage, or website. Even a small variation like “Ltd.” vs. “Limited” can be a trigger.
- Keyword Stuffing: Adding descriptive keywords or locations to your business name (e.g., “[Brand name] Digital Services London”) is a direct violation of guidelines. Your name must be your real-world business name.
- Address & Location Issues: Using a P.O. Box or virtual office address is prohibited. Furthermore, if you are a Service Area Business (SAB) that travels to customers, your physical address must be hidden from public view.
- Multiple Profiles: Only one profile is allowed per legitimate business location. Duplicate listings, even if accidental, will lead to suspension.
In our client’s case, the suspension was triggered by a subtle data inconsistency across platforms—enough for the algorithm to flag the profile.
Understanding the Types of GBP Suspensions
Not all suspensions are the same. The severity depends on which of the two main types your profile has received:
- Hard Suspension: This is the most severe. Your profile is completely removed from Google Search and Maps, effectively vanishing from public view.
- Soft Suspension: This is less severe but still critical. Your profile may still be visible, but you are locked out of all management controls—unable to edit info, reply to reviews, or post updates.
How To Reinstate Your Suspended Google Business Profile
Don’t panic! While it’s a natural reaction, a systematic approach is your best bet for sorting this out. Stick to these three steps to give yourself the best chance of a successful appeal using the Google Business Profile Reinstatement Request process.
Step 1: The Pre-Appeal Audit
Before appealing, you must find and fix the problem. Submitting an appeal without resolving the root cause will result in denial and you only have a few appeal attempts.
Keep in mind Google’s guidelines for your business profile when completing this audit:
- Review Name: Does it match your legal business name exactly? Remove any extra keywords or location descriptors.
- Review Address: Does it match your utility bills and license? Is it hidden if you’re a Service Area Business?
- Review Website & Phone: Do they link correctly and match all other business assets?
- Categories: Are the categories you selected for your business a real representation of your business activity?
Step 2: Assemble Your “Reinstatement Kit”
Once you have completed your profile review, it’s time to prepare your Reinstatement Request.
Your appeal requires undeniable proof of legitimacy. Gather high-quality digital copies of the following evidence:
- Official Business License: Must clearly show the business name and physical address.
- A recent Utility Bill: A gas, electric, or internet bill showing the same name and address.
- Clear photos of your permanent storefront signage: Include photos of external signage and your office door. Temporary signs are not sufficient.
- Photos of your workspace: Demonstrate a real, operational business location.
Step 3: Submit the Appeal
With your profile corrected and evidence ready, submit your reinstatement request via the official form. You should have received a link with the email they used to communicate the suspension.
When completing the appeal form, clearly state the steps you have taken to fix the issue and apologies for the infraction.
How Long Does Google Reinstatement Requests Take?
Patience is critical. Do not submit multiple appeals, as this only resets your place in the queue. Based on our experience, the response should take between 24-48 hours, but it might take longer if there are multiple businesses requesting an appeal in the same period.
We also don’t recommend creating a new GBP listing as this will only complicate things further.
Second and third appeals
If your initial appeal is denied, don’t worry, you have two more attempts. Carefully follow the previously shared steps. Critically review your profile; if any information isn’t clear, it’s best to remove it. Maintain a simple profile with only your name, address, and contact information.
Your final attempt will be through Google Support. This is your chance to clearly outline all the steps you’ve taken to reverse the suspension and submit any additional evidence. Ensure that any mention of your business and its address in these documents precisely matches your business profile information. Your business’s legitimacy and the accuracy of its information must be beyond doubt.
Avoid Google Business Profile Suspensions
To avoid a Google Business Profile (GBP) suspension and protect your Local SEO efforts, you really need to keep your info accurate and your profile active. That means a few things.
- First, double-check that your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) details are exactly the same everywhere: on your GBP, your website, and any official papers.
- Second, keep your profile fresh by uploading new photos, replying to customer reviews fast, and making sure all your business info is current.
- Lastly, watch out for any suggested changes from users regarding your address, hours, or business category. If you don’t catch those discrepancies quickly, they can cause problems.
An ounce of prevention is worth a week of reinstatement stress!
Need an expert eye on your profile? Contact Optimanova Solutions for a professional Google Business Profile audit and our other Digital Marketing services.
