Why is my Google Business Profile suspended and how do I fix it?

Why did Google suspend my profile?

Google suspends profiles that do not follow its guidelines. The appeals tool shows the reason for the decision, the date, and a link to the policy that you broke. Read that reason first. It tells you what to fix.

What are the most common causes?

These causes match Google’s own help pages:

• A business name with extra words. Taglines, store codes, hours, phone numbers, website addresses, and service descriptions do not belong in the name. Legal terms such as LTD or INC are also not allowed unless you have real-world proof that your signs and papers show them.
• A P.O. Box address. Google suspends profiles that use a P.O. Box as the business address.
• A business that does not exist at the address. If Google decides that your business is not at the location you claim, it disables the profile.
• A service business that shows a home address. If customers do not visit you at a staffed storefront, you must hide your address and list a service area instead.
• More than one profile. Google may suspend your account if it finds several profiles for the same business in the same metropolitan area.
• An ineligible business. Lead generation companies and online-only businesses do not qualify. A business must make in-person contact with customers during its stated hours.
• A large change of identity. Big edits to the name or category can look like fraud. If a different business now operates at the location, mark the old profile as permanently closed. Do not rename it.
• A problem with the Google Account. If your Google Account is restricted, every profile that it manages is suspended. A restriction on another Google product account can also lead to a suspension.

How do I fix a suspended profile?

1. Open the Google Business Profile appeals tool and sign in to the Google Account that manages the profile.
2. Select the profile and the decision that you want to appeal. Note the stated reason.
3. Compare your profile with the guidelines. Fix the name, address, service area, or duplicate profile that caused the problem.
4. Collect proof. Google lists the official business registration, a business licence, tax certificates, and utility bills such as electricity, phone, water, or internet.
5. Check that the business name and address on each document match the profile.
6. Upload the files with the Choose file button. You can attach more than one file.
7. Use the text box to explain why the profile should be reinstated. Keep the text short and factual.
8. Confirm that all evidence is attached. Then select Submit appeal.

Can I appeal more than once?

No. Google says that you can submit an appeal only once, so prepare it well before you send it. Do not rush. Check every document and every field first.

If Google denies the appeal, you may be able to request an additional review. You can add evidence that you did not include the first time.

Should I create a new profile instead?

No. Google says not to create a new Business Profile for the same business. A second profile can cause new problems and may count as a duplicate.

The one exception is a real move. If your business moved to a new location, Google says to mark the old profile as permanently closed and create a new profile at the new address.

What if my whole account is restricted?

If Google restricts your account, all of its profiles are suspended. First, appeal the account restriction on your My accounts page. After Google lifts it, appeal the profile suspension.

If a staff member or an agency owns the profile, find out who is the primary owner before you start. The owner’s Google Account controls the listings that it owns.

How do I check the status of my appeal?

Open the appeals tool and select the profile. The status shows on the right. It reads Submitted, Approved, Not Approved, Can’t be appealed, or Eligible for appeal. Google also sends an email with the decision.

How do I prevent it from happening again?

• Use your real-world business name, exactly as it appears on your sign and papers.
• Use a real street address, never a P.O. Box.
• Hide the address if you work from home and do not receive customers there.
• Keep one profile for your business.
• Choose the fewest categories that describe your core business.
• Log in to the profile from time to time. Google may remove access for owners who stay away for long periods.