A lot of businesses lean on Google Business Profile to reach customers and give their online presence a boost. But, wow, some surprisingly common missteps can get your profile suspended without any warning at all.
Let’s get into the mistakes that can land you in hot water—and, more importantly, how to dodge them or fix things fast if you’ve already slipped up.
1. Using a fake business address
Trying to sneak in a fake business address on your Google Business Profile? That’s a classic way to get suspended.
Google wants a real, physical spot where people could actually show up and say hello (or, you know, buy stuff). If you fudge the address, Google’s system usually catches on and flags your profile.
Boom—suddenly, you’re invisible in local searches. Not ideal.
To get back on track, just update your profile with your real, verifiable address. No storefront? No problem—set your profile as a service area business instead.
Honesty here pays off. Customers trust you more, and you’ll stay on Google’s good side.
2. Listing multiple businesses at one address
Google’s not a fan of stacking a bunch of businesses at a single address—unless they’re genuinely different and operating independently.
If you list a bunch of so-called businesses that aren’t really separate? That’s a recipe for getting your profile suspended for being misleading or spammy.
If you do share an address, make sure each business has its own unique name and service. Suite numbers or distinct units help, too.
If you’ve got duplicate listings, merge or remove them. Keep things clear and honest to avoid confusion (and suspension).
3. Adding irrelevant categories
It’s tempting to toss in a bunch of categories to snag more search hits. But if the categories don’t match what you actually do, Google’s algorithm gets suspicious.
That can get your profile yanked for trying to game the system.
Stick to categories that fit what you actually offer. If you’ve been suspended for this, do a quick audit—ditch anything that doesn’t belong.
Only use categories that are official and truly relevant. That usually does the trick for reinstatement.
4. Including prohibited content in descriptions
Google’s got strict rules about what you can put in your business description. Stuff like hate speech, illegal activities, or anything misleading? That’s a fast track to suspension.
Don’t use offensive language or make wild claims about your products. Linking out to sketchy or adult sites is also a no-go.
If you slipped up, scrub your description ASAP. Double-check for banned words or ideas.
Just keep your profile honest and straightforward—Google likes that, and so do your customers.
5. Incorrect phone number format
A phone number that’s missing digits or packed with weird symbols? Google’s not having it.
Profiles with funky phone numbers look shady and can get suspended. Use a clear format, like +1 123-456-7890 for the U.S., and skip the emojis or random letters.
If your profile got suspended, check the number format first—it’s usually a quick fix.
Keep your phone number the same everywhere you list your business. That little detail can save you a lot of headaches.
6. Using a PO box instead of a physical address
Google wants to see a real, physical address—not a PO box. That’s how they make sure your business actually exists and can serve real people.
A PO box just raises red flags. Google can’t verify you, and you might look less trustworthy.
If you’re using a PO box, swap it out for your actual street address. Not a fan of sharing your home address? Consider a coworking space or a virtual office with a physical location.
A clear, real address makes your business easier to find and boosts your local search cred.
7. Keyword stuffing in business name
Cramming your business name full of keywords to try to rank higher? Google’s wise to that trick.
For example, “Joe’s Plumbing Best Cheap Plumbing Services in Town” is just asking for trouble. Your business name should be your real, legal name—nothing more.
If you’ve been suspended, strip out the extra keywords and stick to the official name. Only include location or services if they’re actually part of your business’s legal name.
After you clean it up, submit an appeal. Being straightforward here is the best way to stay in Google’s good graces.
8. Failing to verify the profile promptly
Verification is a must. If you drag your feet, Google might get suspicious and suspend your profile.
An unverified profile can look inactive or even fake. You’ll lose control over your info and won’t be able to respond to reviews.
Don’t wait—verify as soon as you can, whether it’s by mail, phone, email, or instant verification if you’re lucky. The sooner you do it, the safer your profile.
9. Inconsistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) data
Google checks your business’s Name, Address, and Phone number (that’s “NAP”) everywhere. If the info doesn’t match across the web, that’s a problem.
Inconsistent NAP details confuse Google and can trigger a suspension. Like, if your phone number on your website is different from what’s on your Google profile, that’s a red flag.
Fix it by making sure your NAP is exactly the same everywhere—website, social, directories, you name it.
Regularly check and update listings if anything changes. Consistency builds trust with Google and your customers.
Understanding Google Business Profile Suspensions
Google can suspend your business profile if you break the rules or if their system spots something weird. Some actions trigger an instant suspension, which means you vanish from local search.
Staying alert and knowing how Google works can save you from a lot of headaches.
Google’s Policies and Algorithms
Google’s got a pretty strict playbook. They check your business name, address, phone, and categories to make sure you’re playing by the rules.
Profiles with fake info, spammy content, or keyword stuffing get flagged fast.
Their algorithms are always watching—scanning for patterns like repeated changes or too many profiles tied to one owner. If anything looks off, your profile could get suspended automatically.
Warning Signs Before Suspension
Sometimes, Google drops hints before they suspend you. You might get messages about policy violations or see alerts about wrong info.
A sudden dip in your profile’s visibility or ranking? That’s a warning, too.
They can even block certain features, like posting updates or replying to reviews, if they think something’s up. If you see these signs, don’t ignore them—fix things before it gets worse.
How to Appeal and Recover Your Profile
Getting your profile back after a suspension isn’t impossible, but you’ve got to be methodical. It’s all about submitting the right forms and making your case with real evidence.
Submitting a Reinstatement Request
First, fill out Google’s reinstatement form—give them all the details they ask for, and be precise.
Before you hit submit, double-check your profile for any issues and fix them. Upload clear photos, set your business hours, and make sure your phone number matches what’s everywhere else.
Once you submit, it might take anywhere from a couple of days to two weeks to hear back. Keep an eye on your inbox—Google will email you about the decision.
Patience is key, but stay proactive and ready to respond.
Building a Strong Case for Appeal
If your request gets denied, it’s time to dig in and build a solid case for your appeal.
Start gathering evidence that really shows your business is legit and follows Google’s rules.
Think about business licenses, utility bills, tax docs, photos of your storefront—stuff like that. Don’t forget links to your official website; every bit helps.
Try to keep your documents tidy and easy to follow. It honestly makes a difference.
When you write your explanation, keep it simple and direct. Own up to any mistakes, and let them know what you’ve fixed.
Staying polite and sticking to the facts? That’s the way to go.
