Episode 127: How to Prevent and Recover from Google Business Profile Suspensions

Maintaining a Google Business Profile is essential for local business owners looking to enhance their visibility on Google. However, Google can sometimes suspend listings, especially if there are issues with business names, addresses, or suspicious activity. In this episode, Meredith and her husband share strategies for both preventing these suspensions and reinstating your profile if it’s already been flagged. Here’s a breakdown of their advice to help business owners keep their profiles active and visible.

Common Reasons for Google Business Suspensions

Meredith’s husband shares his own experience with having his Google Business Profile suspended due to an issue with the business name. Google’s algorithm flagged his business as potentially fake, which led him to register the business name officially to verify its legitimacy. For most businesses, however, address-related issues are the primary cause of suspensions. Some business owners, in an attempt to rank in multiple locations, create fake addresses or use PO boxes across the city to game the system. Google responds to these tactics by scrutinizing addresses more closely, which can lead to accidental suspensions of legitimate profiles.

Steps to Take If Your Profile Gets Suspended

If your Google Business Profile has already been suspended, Meredith’s husband outlines a clear process:

1. Contact Google Support: Although Google’s support for business profiles can take a while, it’s necessary to reach out to begin the reinstatement process. He mentions that while the response may take weeks, most cases are resolved eventually.

2. Stay Patient: Though the wait can be frustrating, the upside is establishing a line of communication with Google, which can be beneficial for resolving future issues.

3. Avoid DIY Fixes: It’s tempting to quickly correct your address in your profile, but doing so can trigger a new suspension. Instead, try editing the address through a separate Google account and use the “Suggest an Edit” feature, as this method currently has a lower risk of further suspensions.

Proactive Tips to Prevent Suspension

To avoid suspension altogether, Meredith’s husband suggests a few simple yet effective strategies:

• Regular Monitoring of Your Profile: Google doesn’t notify you if someone edits your listing, so regular logins are essential to ensure all information is accurate.

• Manage Local Citations: Having consistent information across directories like Yellow Pages, Yelp, and Facebook helps verify your business. Services like WhiteSpark allow you to manage these citations effectively, making it less likely for Google to mistakenly flag your profile.

• Use WhiteSpark’s Monitoring Service: WhiteSpark offers a service that monitors your Google Business Profile monthly. If there’s an issue, you’ll receive a notification, allowing you to act quickly. This service is affordable and helps ensure that competitors or spam edits don’t go unnoticed.

Unique Considerations for Specific Industries

Some industries, like boudoir photography, may face additional scrutiny. As Meredith’s husband explains, Google algorithms flag images with a lot of skin tone, which can mistakenly categorize such profiles under adult content. This is another reason why constant monitoring and proper verification of listings are critical.

Final Thoughts

Navigating Google’s business listing requirements can be challenging, but by proactively managing your profile and being vigilant with changes, you can reduce the likelihood of suspension. If a suspension does occur, stay calm and follow the steps outlined here. With some patience and the right approach, you’ll be able to get your profile back online.

Resources

• WhiteSpark Monitoring Service: Meredith’s husband recommends this tool for managing citations and monitoring business listing changes monthly.

• Google Support Contact: Reach out to Google support if your business profile is suspended, and begin the reinstatement process as soon as possible.