Google My Business Account Suspended?
Here’s How to Fix It
If your Google My Business account has been suspended, you’re not alone. Many small business owners and local service providers rely on Google for customer visibility, only to find their profile suddenly removed due to a policy violation.
You might have noticed that Google My Business is now officially called Google Business Profile. However, many business owners and marketers still refer to it as Google My Business (GMB) because it was the previous name and is widely recognized. Whether you call it GMB or Google Business Profile, the issues and solutions remain the same.
A suspended Google My Business (GMB) profile can mean lost leads, reduced website traffic, and lower customer trust. But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through why suspensions happen and how to fix them quickly.
Why Was Your Google My Business Account Suspended?
Google suspends business profiles for various reasons, but the most common ones include:
- Misrepresentation or Spam – If your business name, address, or phone number (NAP) is inaccurate or inconsistent across platforms, Google may flag it as misleading.
- Prohibited Content – Your business profile may contain banned words, inappropriate images, or misleading information.
- Address Violations – If you run a service-area business (SAB) but list a physical storefront, your listing could get suspended.
- Duplicate Listings – Having multiple listings for the same business can trigger a suspension.
- Fake or Manipulated Reviews – If Google detects suspicious review activity, it may remove or suspend your profile.
- Verification Issues – If Google suspects your business isn’t legitimate or if verification details are unclear, they may suspend your profile.
- Unauthorized Categories – Using business categories that don’t accurately describe your business can lead to a suspension.
- Third-Party Violations – If a marketing agency managing your profile violates Google’s policies, your business listing may be affected.
How to Fix a Suspended Google My Business Profile
Step 1: Review Google’s Guidelines
Before taking any action, review Google’s Business Profile Guidelines to ensure you comply with their policies.
Step 2: Log Into Your Google My Business Account
Visit Google Business Profile Manager and check for any specific notifications about the suspension.
Step 3: Correct Any Issues
- Ensure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across your website, social media, and directories.
- Remove any prohibited content (e.g., promotional language, misleading statements, or unauthorized categories).
- Verify your address setup – If you’re a service-area business, hide your address instead of displaying a physical location.
- Check for duplicate listings and remove any unnecessary profiles.
- Review customer reviews – If you’ve requested fake reviews or had a surge of unnatural reviews, Google may flag your profile.
Step 4: Submit an Appeal
If you’ve corrected the issues, click the “Appeal” button on your suspension notice and fill out the form. When submitting your appeal:
- Be honest – Acknowledge any mistakes and explain the corrections made.
- Provide proof of legitimacy – Upload documents like:
- Business license
- Utility bill with business name and address
- Photos of signage or store exterior (if applicable)
- Website screenshots matching your Google My Business profile details
Step 5: Contact Google Support
If your appeal gets denied or you don’t receive a response within a week, reach out to Google Business Support:
- Visit: Google Support Contact
- Post on the Google Business Profile Help Community
What to Expect After Submitting an Appeal
- Google typically responds within 3-7 business days.
- If approved, your profile should be reinstated within a couple of weeks.
- If denied, Google will provide reasons—you may need to make additional adjustments.
How to Prevent Future Suspensions
- Keep business information consistent and up to date.
- Follow Google’s content guidelines.
- Avoid suspicious review activity (don’t buy reviews!).
- Verify your business details and use accurate categories.
Need Help Restoring Your Google My Business Account?
If you’re struggling to get your Google My Business account reinstated, our team can help. Contact us for expert guidance on Google My Business management and local SEO strategies to keep your business visible online.
