How To Fix A Google Business Profile Suspended Due to Suspicious Activity
Is your Google Business Profile currently suspended, leaving you puzzled and concerned? Whether it’s due to suspicious activity or a policy violation, having your online business presence disrupted can be frustrating and worrisome. In this comprehensive guide, we will navigate the intricate landscape of Google Business Profile suspensions, shedding light on why they occur and offering practical solutions to rectify the situation. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the reasons behind these suspensions, common triggers, and the steps required to regain access to your profile. We’ll provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to address the issue effectively and get your Google Business Profile back on track. So, if you’re ready to tackle this challenge head-on and restore your online visibility, let’s dive into the world of fixing a Google Business Profile suspended for suspicious activity or policy violations.
While every suspension is unique, 99% of suspended Google Business Profiles can be reinstated. By following the comprehensive guidance provided in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the reinstatement process and get your profile back up and running. If you’re looking for additional support or prefer to have someone handle the process for you, check out our affordable Google Business Profile Reinstatement
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Why Was My Google Business Profile Suspended For Suspicious Activity or Due To Policy Violation?
The abrupt suspension of your Google Business Profile (GBP) can leave you perplexed and frustrated. Understanding the underlying reasons behind this action is crucial to rectifying the situation and restoring your online presence. Here, we delve into the primary causes that can trigger GBP suspension, providing clarity and enabling you to take corrective measures.
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Inconsistencies in your business information across various platforms, such as directories, social media, and your website, can raise red flags with Google’s algorithms. Ensure that your business name, address, phone number, and other crucial details are consistent and accurate across all online platforms.
Residential or Virtual Addresses
Google is wary of businesses operating from residential addresses, co-working spaces, PO Boxes, UPS Stores, or virtual addresses. If your business falls into any of these categories, consider registering a business address to comply with Google’s guidelines.
Duplicate Profiles
The presence of duplicate GBPs can lead to suspension as Google strives to maintain a clean and accurate database. Thoroughly review your listings and eliminate any duplicates to ensure consistency and avoid suspension.
Frequent Profile Edits
Abrupt changes to your GBP information, such as business name, address, service area, phone number, or primary category, can trigger Google’s scrutiny. Make these edits sparingly and provide clear justifications to avoid raising suspicion.
User-Initiated Reports
Google allows users to report suspicious GBPs through the “Suggest an edit” feature and the redressal form. If your profile receives multiple reports, Google’s AI may suspend it for further investigation.
False Positives
In industries where spam is prevalent, Google may temporarily suspend profiles as a precautionary measure to maintain data integrity. If you believe your suspension is a false positive, contact Google Support for assistance.
Bulk Edits and Google Account Suspension
Making numerous edits to your GBP in a single session or having your Google User Account suspended can also lead to profile suspension. Pace your edits and maintain a healthy Google Account status to avoid such issues.
Deceptive Content Violations
Why are Google My Business Profiles suspended due to suspicious activity?
Navigating the digital landscape can be tricky, and sometimes, your Google My Business (GMB) profile might find itself caught in the crossfire of suspensions. While there are two types of suspensions – soft and hard – both can have detrimental consequences for your business’s online presence.
A soft suspension, while less severe, still flags your business as suspended, potentially deterring potential customers from engaging with your brand. A hard suspension, on the other hand, delivers a knockout blow, completely removing your business listing from Google Search and Maps, effectively erasing your digital footprint.
To help you steer clear of these pitfalls, the Google Athlete team has delved into the most common violations that trigger GMB suspensions. By understanding these potential missteps, you can proactively safeguard your profile and ensure your business remains visible and accessible in the vast digital realm.
What Triggers Suspicious Activity Leading to Google My Business Profile Suspensions?
As we’ve discussed before, Google suspensions fall into two categories: “soft” and “hard.” A soft suspension merely marks your business as suspended, allowing it to still show up in search results.
However, a hard suspension takes things a step further by entirely removing your business listing from Google search results and Maps. Clearly, this is not a favourable situation for your business.
The Google Athlete team has diligently identified the most common violations responsible for account suspensions. This information can help you pinpoint any potential violations you might have inadvertently committed. No need to stress.
Google My Business Account Suspension: Common Causes and Solutions
Understanding Google My Business Terms of Service Violations
1. Violation of Google's Terms of Service
Breaking the Rules: Google has flagged your account due to violations of its Terms of Service. To use a Google My Business Profile or its related services, you must agree to the Google Terms of Service and the Business Profile Additional Terms of Service. Google expects strict compliance with these guidelines and emphasizes that all users are responsible for the entity listed on their Business Profile. This responsibility includes:
– Ensuring the accuracy of all profile content.
– Adherence to all Google Business Profile Terms of Service.
– Providing the necessary documentation for highly sensitive industries and categories.
– Compliance with Google’s policies applicable to the Business Profile service.
Google designed these policies and guidelines to maintain a positive and secure environment for all users of Google My Business.
2. Multiple Business Profiles Trigger Suspension
Duplicate Dilemma: Another reason your account may have been flagged is the presence of multiple Business Profiles. It’s a common scenario that often leads to Google Business Profile Suspensions when a business maintains more than one profile for the same location(s). This contravenes Google’s policy, which strictly prohibits multiple profiles at the same location for a single business.
Source of Confusion: Duplicate locations can cause confusion, especially when you didn’t create them. It’s worth noting that Google often generates profiles by aggregating data and scraping information from the internet to create new profiles.
Potential Causes: In some cases, older service vendors may mistakenly create additional profiles instead of verifying or claiming existing ones. Even Google Local Guides might unintentionally create a listing for your business if they couldn’t find your existing one.
3. Accidental Suspension Due to Platform Update
Unintended Consequences: Yes, there’s a possibility that your account was suspended accidentally, akin to human errors, technology can make mistakes. In such situations, the path to reinstatement is available.
After submitting your reinstatement form, there’s typically a 5-7 day waiting period to hear back from Google. Though the process should be straightforward, if there’s a bug or issue with the Google Business Profile platform, it may take a while before you regain editing and management access.
Google Account Flagged for Multiple Business Profiles
Google has flagged your account due to multiple Business Profiles. This means that you have created more than one profile for the same business at the same location. Google does not allow this because it can confuse users.
In some cases, Google may create duplicate profiles without your knowledge. This can happen when Google collects data from aggregators or the internet. It is also possible that a former service vendor or a Google Local Guide mistakenly created a duplicate profile for you.
If you have multiple Business Profiles, you should merge them as soon as possible. This will prevent Google from flagging your account and will ensure that your business information is accurate. You can merge your profiles by following the instructions on the Google Business Profile Help Center.
Google Business Profile Reinstatement Process via the Appeals Tool"
To initiate the reinstatement process for your Google Business Profile, please follow these steps:
4. Select the Business Profile you want to reinstate. If you have multiple suspended profiles, you’ll need to submit separate appeals for each one.
5. Review the information about your suspended profile. The appeals tool will show you the restricted profile, the reason for the suspension, and a link to the violated policy.
6. Submit your appeal. At the bottom of the page, click the “Submit Appeal” button.
7. Provide optional evidence to support your appeal. You can attach files that clearly demonstrate that your business complies with Google’s guidelines.
8. Wait for Google’s decision. Google will review your appeal and send you an email with a decision. If your appeal is approved, your Business Profile will be reinstated. If your appeal is denied, you can try to appeal again by providing more evidence.
Get Professional Assistance to Reinstate Your Suspended Google Business Profile
If you’ve received a notification that your Google Business Profile has been suspended, you may find it challenging to resolve the issue through Google Support. Unfortunately, Google’s policies restrict their ability to directly assist with reinstatement requests to prevent inadvertently helping spammers. However, I can provide expert assistance to guide you through the process and successfully reinstate your listing.
Google Athlete is a Google Business Profile Agency with a proven track record of success in handling suspended and disabled profiles. We’ve successfully reinstated over 200 business profiles, helping businesses regain their online presence and visibility. Our team of experts possesses a deep understanding of Google’s guidelines and reinstatement procedures, enabling us to identify the precise reasons for your profile’s suspension and meticulously draft persuasive appeals that effectively address the suspension causes
Through extensive experience, network and established connections, we’ve gained valuable insights into the common obstacles that hinder profile reinstatement. Our team of Google Athletes can expertly guide you through the process, ensuring you present the necessary information and take the appropriate actions to increase your chances of successfully reinstating your business profile.
Our team of Google Athletes understands the complexities and frustrations involved in Google Business Profile reinstatement. With our deep expertise, you can navigate the process with confidence and significantly increase your chances of restoring your listing. We’ll work diligently to minimize the stress and time consumption associated with reinstatement, ensuring you can quickly get back to running your business. Don’t waste valuable time struggling with this process alone – partner with Google Athlete and let us handle it for you. Learn how we can help you