GMB Suspension Types: How to Protect Your Business

Any Google My Business suspension can really set you back.

Google My Business (GMB) is a powerful tool for enhancing your online presence and local SEO efforts. It allows businesses to showcase vital information such as location, operating hours, customer reviews, and more. However, GMB accounts can face suspensions, which can be a significant setback for your business. Here at CTO Digital, we work with businesses in industries in which GMB is critical to their business. Locksmiths are reliant on a strong local presence, they offer an emergency service and being found quickly is an essential to online success.

Understanding GMB Suspensions

Here we will explore GMB suspensions, focusing on the different types businesses can encounter. Understanding these suspension types is crucial for business owners and digital marketers aiming to use GMB effectively and avoid potential pitfalls.

Types of GMB Suspensions:

• Soft Suspension:
  • A soft suspension occurs when Google labels your business listing as unverified.
  • During a soft suspension, a suspension notice appears when you log in to your GMB account.
  • Despite the suspension, your business listing remains visible on Google and Google Maps.
  • However, you lose the ability to manage and update the listing until verification is provided.
• Hard Suspension:
  • A hard suspension is a more severe form of GMB suspension.
  • Google imposes a hard suspension when they determine that your listing violates their guidelines or is otherwise ineligible.
  • During a hard suspension, you cannot access your listing record, and a removal notification is received.
  • Resolving a hard suspension can be challenging, requiring addressing the underlying issues that led to the violation.
• Manager Account Suspension:
  • GMB account suspensions can be manager or owner suspensions.
  • A manager account suspension affects the manager’s ability to work with a specific listing.
  • The listing itself remains unaffected, but the manager loses the ability to make updates.
  • Manager account suspensions may occur due to violations of Google’s policies or suspicious activity.
• Owner Account Suspension:
  • An owner account suspension is the most severe type of GMB suspension.
  • It involves the complete removal of the owner’s Google account, leading to the removal of all associated listings and reviews.
  • Successfully reinstating an owner account will restore the listings, but reviews may be lost.
  • Owner account suspensions typically occur with significant violations of Google’s guidelines.

The Impact of GMB Suspensions:

GMB suspensions can have far-reaching consequences for your business:

• Loss of Visibility: Suspensions result in your business disappearing from Google Maps and local search results, leading to decreased online visibility.
• Reduced Credibility: Trust and credibility are eroded when your GMB listing is suspended, affecting your reputation.
• Negative SEO Impact: GMB suspensions harm overall SEO efforts, making it harder for potential customers to find your business online.
• Revenue Loss: Reduced visibility and credibility can lead to fewer inquiries and sales, impacting your bottom line.

Preventing GMB Suspensions:

• Accurate Information: Ensure all GMB listing details are accurate and consistent with your business’s real-world information.
• Review Guidelines: Familiarise yourself with Google’s GMB guidelines and policies and avoid practices that may violate these rules.
• Monitor Reviews: Respond promptly to negative customer reviews and encourage satisfied customers to leave positive feedback.
• Regular Updates: Keep your GMB listing up to date with any changes in your business, such as new locations, services, or contact information.

GMB is Essential For Local SEO

Understanding GMB suspension types and their potential impacts is essential for businesses leveraging this platform for local SEO and online visibility. Whether it’s a soft suspension, hard suspension, manager account suspension, or owner account suspension, being aware of the consequences and necessary steps for resolution is crucial. If you would like to know how to get more out of your GMB listing, we have previously posted an article on making the most of your GMB, find it here.

With this knowledge, businesses can take proactive measures to prevent suspensions and maintain a strong online presence. Remember, a well-managed GMB profile is a valuable asset in your digital marketing strategy, and safeguarding it should be a top priority for SEO enthusiasts and business owners alike. If you are having issues with your GMB profile and need help with a suspension, please let us know and we will see if we can get you back on the map.