A suspended Google My Business (GMB) account is a nightmare for business owners. It’s quite the blow to your local SEO, affecting traffic, engagement, and conversions. Google My Business allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including in search results and Google Maps.
Thus, a suspended GMB account means your visibility, revenue, and reputation are in jeopardy. The good news is that you can take steps to recover a suspended Google My Business account. This guide looks into the reasons for this, how to appeal, and how to take actionable steps to regain the account.
Why Was Your Google My Business Account Suspended?
You must figure out the reasons behind the suspension. Google is flexible regarding some things but quite strict towards others.
Violation of Google’s Guidelines: Google has specific guidelines for listing businesses. When those are violated, your account may be suspended. Some common violations include –
- Inaccurate business information.
- Irrelevant or misleading business categories.
- Multiple listings for the same business.
- Virtual address without a definite location.
- Misleading photos or descriptions.
- Non-physical locations during GMB listing.
Suspicious Activity: Suspicious activity in the GMB account can also trigger a suspension. It includes –
- Frequent edits to GMB listing that seem unnatural or spammy.
- Logging in from suspicious IP addresses or geographic locations.
- Uploading mass amounts of data or info to manipulate the SEO.
- Policy Violations in Reviews: When a business is caught engaging in malpractices (paying for fake reviews, incentivizing reviews, or engaging in review manipulation), Google may suspend the account.
- Unverified Listings: When your business listing remains unverified for an extended period, Google may suspend it. Verification is a vital step in confirming the legitimacy of your business existence.
Steps to Recover a Suspended Google My Business Account
· Step 01: Review Google’s Guidelines
The guidelines outline listing your business and the behaviors Google deems violations. Understanding these guidelines will help you identify potential issues with your listing.
· Step 02: Identify the Reason for Suspension
Knowing why your account was suspended is essential to recovery. Google should send an email by default when an account is suspended. The mail often includes details on the reason for the suspension.
· Step 03: Fix the Issues That Led to Suspension
When you can identify any issues with your Google My Business listing, it’s time to fix them before proceeding with the recovery process. Some common problems to address are –
- Business Information
- Business Location
- Photos and Reviews
- Unverified Listings
· Step 04: Request a Review or Appeal
Once you’ve fixed any potential issues with the GMB listing, you can request a review of your account. This process primarily involves filing an appeal with Google through the Google My Business Support page.
- Be Honest: Clearly explain your actions to resolve the issue.
- Provide Evidence: Provide evidence while fixing a violation (updated address, screenshots).
- Be Professional: Avoid being confrontational. Remain polite and professional.
· Step 05: Wait for Google’s Response
After submitting your appeal, it may take several days to review and provide a response. Be patient, but don’t hesitate to follow up if you don’t hear from them within a reasonable period.
Additional Tips to Prevent Suspensions
Once you’ve recovered your Google My Business account, you better follow the best practices to avoid another suspension. Some additional tips to ensure that your account remains in good standing are –
- Verify Your Listing Promptly: Verification is crucial in establishing your business’s legitimacy. Ensure your GMB listing is verified immediately to avoid future suspensions.
- Maintain Consistency Across Listings: Ensure that your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all online platforms (website, social media, and 3rd-party directories).
- Avoid Spammy Practices: Refrain from engaging in any practices that appear spammy to Google. Don’t buy fake reviews, use misleading categories, or create multiple listings for the same business.
- Monitor Your Reviews: Regularly monitor the reviews on your GMB listing and respond to them. Always encourage customers to leave honest reviews and avoid any attempts to manipulate ratings.
- Use the GMB Dashboard Effectively: Regularly update your Google My Business profile with the latest info (business hours, photos, and posts). Google favors active listings with up-to-date information.
Having your Google My Business account suspended is obviously frustrating. However, rightful actions can let you recover the profile in minimal time. Understanding the reasons for the suspension, fixing all violations, and appealing the suspension are the primary steps for recovery. Thus, you can ensure your business remains visible in search results and Google Maps.