Google My Business Suspension FAQs

Are you struggling with a GMB suspension?

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK, Google My Business (GMB) is a vital tool. It helps businesses appear in local search results and on Google Maps, ensuring potential customers can find them quickly. But what happens when your GMB listing is suspended? Suddenly, your business’s visibility plummets, and customers may think you’re no longer operating.

At CTO Digital, we receive daily inquiries from SMEs struggling with suspended GMB listings. This guide addresses the most frequently asked questions about GMB suspensions, helping you understand what’s happened and what you can do to get your listing reinstated.

Why Do Google My Business Listings Get Suspended?

A GMB suspension can be both confusing and frustrating, especially when you’re unsure what caused it. Simply put, a suspension means Google has flagged your listing for violating its guidelines.

Common Reasons for Suspensions

There are many potential causes of a GMB suspension, but some of the most common include:

• Incomplete or Incorrect Business Information: If your address, phone number, or business name is inaccurate, Google may view your listing as untrustworthy.
• Violating Google’s Guidelines: Adding keywords to your business name (e.g., “Best Plumber London”) or misrepresenting your business category can lead to a suspension.
• Multiple Listings for the Same Business: Duplicate listings are a red flag for Google, as they can confuse users.
• Suspicious Activity: Fake reviews, inconsistent information, or even too many edits in a short time can trigger a suspension.
• Unverified Listings: If your business hasn’t been verified through Google’s postcard, phone, or email process, it may be suspended.

Understanding these causes is the first step to resolving the issue and preventing future problems.

Types of Google My Business Suspensions

Not all GMB suspensions are the same. There are two main types, and each requires a different approach:

Soft Suspension

Your listing remains visible to users, but you lose the ability to manage or edit it. This usually happens if there’s a verification issue or a minor guideline breach. Soft suspensions are generally easier to resolve.

Hard Suspension

Your listing is entirely removed from Google Maps and search results. This type of suspension is more severe and indicates that Google has identified a significant problem with your listing. Resolving a hard suspension often requires submitting detailed documentation.

Knowing which type of suspension you’re dealing with will help you determine the best course of action.

FAQs About Google My Business Suspensions

How Can I Check If My GMB Listing Is Suspended?

If your GMB listing is suspended, you’ll see a notification when you log into your GMB account. This message will typically say, “Your business is suspended” and may include a brief explanation.

To confirm, log in to your GMB dashboard and check for alerts. If your listing is missing from search results or Google Maps, it’s likely a hard suspension.

What Are the First Steps to Take After a Suspension?

Once you’ve identified a suspension, follow these steps:

1. Review the Notification: Google often provides a reason for the suspension. This information will guide your next steps.
2. Check Google’s Guidelines: Familiarise yourself with the Google My Business Guidelines to identify potential violations.
3. Gather Evidence: Prepare documents to prove your business is legitimate (e.g., proof of address, photos of your premises).

How Long Does It Take to Get a GMB Listing Reinstated?

The reinstatement process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Google typically reviews appeals within 1-3 weeks, but delays can occur if your case requires additional documentation or further investigation.

What Documents or Evidence Do I Need to Appeal?

To successfully appeal a suspension, you’ll need to provide evidence that your business is legitimate. Commonly required documents include:

• Proof of Business Address: Utility bills, lease agreements, or other official documents showing your address.
• Photos of Your Premises: Clear images of your storefront, signage, or office interior.
• Ownership Documents: For some cases, proof that you own the business may be necessary.
• Video Verification: Google may request a video walkthrough of your premises, showing the business name and address.

Providing accurate and thorough documentation increases the likelihood of a successful appeal.

Should I Create a New Listing?

No. Creating a new listing to bypass a suspension is against Google’s guidelines and can worsen the situation. Instead, focus on resolving the suspension through the proper channels.

Can I Still Advertise on Google Ads While My GMB Is Suspended?

Yes, you can continue running Google Ads campaigns, but your Local Service Ads may be affected since they rely on your GMB listing. If your listing is crucial to your advertising strategy, you may see a drop in performance until the issue is resolved.

How Can I Prevent Future Suspensions?

Prevention is always better than cure. To avoid suspensions, ensure that:

• Your business information is accurate and consistent across all platforms.
• You follow Google’s guidelines when updating your listing.
• You regularly monitor for fake reviews or suspicious activity.
• You respond promptly to Google’s verification requests.

What To Do If Your Appeal Is Rejected

If your initial appeal is unsuccessful, don’t panic. You still have options:

Seek Professional Help: At CTO Digital, we’ve helped many SMEs navigate complex GMB issues and secure reinstatements.

Escalate the Issue: Contact Google My Business Support for further assistance. Be prepared to provide additional documentation.

Use Google’s Help Community: The Google My Business Help Community can provide valuable insights and advice from other users.

Sectors That Often Get Suspended

Certain industries and business types are more prone to Google My Business suspensions due to the nature of their operations, the frequency of guideline misunderstandings, or the way their information is presented online. Below are some of the sectors that often experience GMB suspensions and why they may face these challenges:

Service-Based Businesses

• Why They Face Suspensions:
  Service businesses like plumbers, electricians, locksmiths, and HVAC technicians often serve multiple areas without a fixed office location. If they use a residential address or fail to provide proper location verification, their listing may be flagged as unverifiable.
• Tips to Avoid Suspension:
  Use Google’s service area business feature to accurately display the areas you serve without relying on a physical storefront.

E-Commerce Businesses

• Why They Face Suspensions:
  Businesses selling products online may not have a physical location for customers to visit, violating Google’s requirement for brick-and-mortar visibility.
• Tips to Avoid Suspension:
  Clearly indicate whether your location is a pick-up point or an office. Avoid listing an address if your business does not have a customer-facing site.

Multi-Location Businesses

• Why They Face Suspensions:
  Chains or franchises often create multiple listings for the same business in different locations, which can trigger Google’s duplicate listing policies.
• Tips to Avoid Suspension:
  Ensure each location has unique and verified details, such as phone numbers and addresses. Avoid duplicating content across listings.

Health and Wellness Providers

• Why They Face Suspensions:
  Dentists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and similar businesses may face suspensions if they fail to provide clear proof of their business location or use vague business names.
• Tips to Avoid Suspension:
  Use official business names registered with regulatory bodies and provide comprehensive address verification.

Freelancers and Consultants

• Why They Face Suspensions:
  Freelancers and consultants often work from home or co-working spaces, which Google may deem insufficiently established for a GMB listing.
• Tips to Avoid Suspension:
  Clearly mark your listing as a service-area business and avoid listing co-working spaces unless you have exclusive rights to the location.

Hospitality and Tourism Businesses

• Why They Face Suspensions:
  Hotels, B&Bs, and tour operators may face suspensions due to frequent name changes, inaccurate photos, or inconsistent contact information across multiple platforms.
• Tips to Avoid Suspension:
  Keep all details consistent across your website and GMB, including naming conventions and phone numbers.

Legal and Financial Services

• Why They Face Suspensions:
  Lawyers, accountants, and other financial services may face issues due to a lack of verified office locations or misrepresentation of services.
• Tips to Avoid Suspension:
  Ensure your address is verified, and avoid using PO boxes or virtual offices in your listing.

Home-Based Businesses

• Why They Face Suspensions:
  Google is cautious about home-based businesses as they often don’t meet the requirement for a storefront or physical customer access.
• Tips to Avoid Suspension:
  Use service-area options and avoid listing home addresses if they are not meant for client visits.

How CTO Digital Can Help with Google My Business Issues

At CTO Digital, we specialise in helping UK businesses recover from GMB suspensions. Our team understands the nuances of Google’s guidelines and has a proven track record of securing reinstatements quickly and efficiently.

Successful GMB Reinstatement for a Local SME

A Luton-based roofing company contacted us after their listing was hard-suspended. The suspension stemmed from duplicate listings and incomplete information. By gathering the necessary documents and submitting a detailed appeal, we helped them regain their listing within two weeks. This client has written a wonderful review about the service he received from CTO Digital and his listing is now getting better results than ever.

If you’re struggling with a GMB suspension, don’t let it impact your business any longer. Let CTO Digital handle the hard work so you can focus on running your business.

Need Help? Contact CTO Digital Today

Dealing with a GMB suspension can be stressful, but you don’t have to face it alone. At CTO Digital, we’re committed to helping SMEs across the UK overcome digital marketing challenges, including GMB suspensions.

Contact us today to learn how we can support your business. Don’t forget—your GMB listing is a vital tool for reaching local customers, so resolving suspensions quickly is essential.