Having your Google Business Profile suspended can be incredibly disruptive—but taking quick, informed action gives you the best chance of recovery. From our experience, profiles are far more likely to be reinstated when appeals and evidence come directly from the business owner, using the primary account linked to the listing.
As your digital marketing partner, we want to ensure you feel confident handling this process yourself. That’s why we’ve created this straightforward guide: empowering you with all the step-by-step knowledge, tips, and tools needed to resolve a suspension and get your business visible online again.
Here, it’s also important to clarify that Google’s suspension decisions are made independently, and as your trusted agency, we have no control or influence over these actions. While we create posts for your business and ensure they follow Google’s guidelines, we never take actions that would put your profile at risk of suspension.
Common Reasons Your Google Business Profile Has Been Suspended
Google doesn’t always explain the specific reason for a suspension, but here are the most common causes:
- Your address is ineligible – using a PO Box, virtual office or co-working space without proper signage.
- Your business name is incorrect – includes services, slogans or keywords not part of your legal name.
- You made too many changes too fast – especially sensitive fields like address, phone number or business category.
- You have duplicate listings or have registered more than one profile for the same business.
- You’ve broken Google’s guidelines – unintentionally or not (e.g., fake reviews, keyword stuffing, etc.).
- Your business doesn’t qualify under Google’s rules – for example, a virtual-only brand without a customer-facing location.
If you’re unsure what Google allows, go through their Guidelines for Representing Your Business on Google.
Are you a Service Area Business (SAB)?
Here’s what you must know:
If you operate a service area business (SAB)—meaning you travel to customers and don’t serve them at your own location—listing a shop front or physical address on your Google Business Profile can lead to suspension.
Google’s guidelines are clear: service area businesses (like plumbers, cleaners, etc.) should not display a storefront address unless customers can actually visit that location and be served by staff during stated business hours.
On the contrary, if you are a hybrid business, i.e., you both visit customers at their locations and serve them at a physical address (e.g., a restaurant that also offers delivery or a florist that delivers bouquets across the local area), you can show your storefront address and designate service areas. The key is that the location must genuinely serve walk-in customers with staff present throughout business hours.
10 Key Steps to Fix a Suspended Google Business Profile
If your Google Business Profile (GBP) is suspended, don’t panic. Follow these clear steps to give yourself the best chance of getting it reinstated.
1. Make A Document to Gather Your Details
Create a Google Doc where you can collect and organise everything related to your suspended profile in a single, accessible place. Include:
- Business name, address, and phone number.
- Website link.
- The email linked to your GBP.
- Any Case IDs provided by Google during any communication.
2. Find and Note Your GBP ID
- Open Google and log in to your account.
- Go to the top right-hand corner of your page and click the “App Launcher”.
- From the dropdown, select “Business Profile Manager.
- On the page that loads, click your business name.
- In your business dashboard, click the three dots (⋮), then select Business Profile settings.
- Go to Advanced settings to find your GBP ID — copy this code into your document for reference.
3. Write a Short Explanation
In your document, draft a clear, calm summary covering:
- What triggered the suspension.
- What you’ve done to fix the issue.
- Relevant facts, such as previous attacks on your listing or any rules you only recently learned about.
- Keep the tone factual and polite.
4. Collect and Prepare Your Evidence
Gather all official documents that support your case:
- Business registration certificate
- Business licence (showing the correct address)
- Tax certificates
- Utility bills (electricity, phone, water, internet) that match your profile details
- Either photos of shop/office with branding or photos of sign-written vans
You can upload files individually or zip them into a single folder (ensure total file size does not exceed 20MB). Get everything ready, as you’ll have only 60 minutes to upload them once you start the appeal.
5. Watch an Official Walkthrough
Before appealing, watch a recent, reputable video guide—these are often produced by Google Product Experts and walk through exactly what to expect and what’s needed during the appeals process.
- https://youtu.be/BIoZadHLPRs?si=g_F9hKQ4re85SZcQ [Video credit: Steady Demand via YouTube (How to Use the Google Business Profile Appeal Tool)]
- https://youtu.be/gZVGiZkaidw?si=8i8HhwFdxUjqfQbH [Video credit: Ranking Academy via YouTube (Google Business Profile Suspended? – FIX IT FAST in two steps (2025 edition)]
6. File Your Appeal
- Head to Google’s appeal form for suspended business profiles.
- Follow the steps as shown in the official walkthrough.
- Complete each form and upload your files when prompted.
- Ensure you add comments in the final box as to what has changed and why it should be active.
- Submit when done.
7. Wait for Google’s Review
- After submitting, don’t make further changes to your listing.
- Use Google’s status tool to track your appeal. You’ll also receive an email when they reach a decision.
- Be patient; response times vary from a few days up to several weeks.
8. If Denied, Request an Additional Review
If your first appeal is declined:
- Use the additional review tool to formally ask Google for another look at your case.
- Before resubmitting, double-check your documents and summary to see if anything can be improved. You only get one resubmission, so make it count.
As suggested by Google, “Evidence that can help strengthen your appeal includes:
- Official business registration
- A business license
- Tax certificates
Tip: For any documents you submit as evidence, check that the business name and address match the profile you want to make an appeal for.”
9. Ask for Help in the GBP Community
If you still haven’t succeeded, post your case on the Google Business Profile Help Community. Explain everything you’ve done, attach your summary and evidence, and be respectful. Product Experts can offer tips and may even escalate your case if they spot something Google should review.
10. Try Direct Support or Social Media
Still no luck? While logged into the affected Google account, use Google’s business help form to contact support. If you continue to struggle, some people reach out to Google’s official social media channels (like Facebook or X) and publicly explain their situation; occasionally, this draws attention to especially tough or unfair cases.
Stay organised, work through each step thoroughly, and remain polite in all communication. A methodical approach gives you the best shot at reinstatement and shows Google you’ve done everything correctly.
Best Practices to Avoid Future Suspensions
Once your listing is back, here’s how to stay safe:
- Only submit updates (especially name, address, phone number) when necessary.
- Keep your business data exactly the same across your website, Google, social media, and directories.
- Don’t use virtual offices unless they meet Google’s detailed eligibility requirements.
- Before making big changes (like relocating), update your documents first, then your Google profile.
- Set up a process to regularly review your GBP to ensure everything remains in compliance.
FAQs on GBP Suspension & Appeals
- How do I know why I was suspended?
Google won’t tell you exactly. But reviewing your profile for common compliance issues is your best starting point. - Can I have multiple listings at one address?
Only if each is a separate legal entity with its own signage, phone number, and primary category. Otherwise, it may count as a duplicate. - What can trigger an automatic suspension?
Even simple changes to fields like your address, phone number, or business name can sometimes cause automatic suspensions if Google sees a mismatch. - Is it OK to use co-working spaces?
Only if your business has dedicated signage, a unique telephone line, and staff present during business hours. Otherwise, your listing may be removed.
Final Thoughts
Having your profile suspended is frustrating—but it’s fixable. The most important step is staying persistent and organised. Present a strong, fact-based case, back it up with the right documentation, and don’t panic if your first appeal isn’t approved. You can resubmit your appeal one more time – and also seek help from the Google team or GBP community!
Note: Google always requires direct input and supporting evidence from the business owner. You are best placed to provide the documentation and explanations they need for reinstatement. By following the process outlined above, you’re giving yourself the best possible chance of regaining your online presence.