Claiming your business on Google Maps and setting up a full Google Business Profile is a must. If you want to appear prominently in Google’s local search rankings and have any chance of reaching your target audience, it is something you need to do…period.
All well and good, but what happens when faced with the prospect of suspension?
As is typically the case, Google provides no explanation or justification when suspending Google Business Profiles. You simply receive a notification you have been suspended, then it’s up to you to do the detective work.
After which, you have to sit and wait for Google to unblock your Business Profile, which isn’t always a speedy process.
But what are the most common reasons for Google Business Profile suspension? You’re fairly certain you’ve been following the rules, so what could be Google’s justification for sending you a suspension notice?
1. High-Scrutiny Industries
There are certain industries Google scrutinises more extensively (and excessively) than others. Within which, businesses that make even the tiniest of mistakes could face suspension.
Examples of these industries include insurance, legal services, financial service providers, real estate, medical services and more. If you operate within one of these sectors, you need to be particularly mindful of Google’s policies at all times.
2. Spammy Business Names
Google’s own explanation really calls for little clarification:
“To help customers find your business online, accurately represent your business name. Your name should reflect your business’s real-world name, as used consistently on your storefront, website, stationery, and as known to customers.”
“Including unnecessary information in your business name is not permitted and could result in the suspension of your Business Profile.”
Long story short, attempt to stuff keywords into your business name to climb the rankings and you will not get away with it.
3. Not Using a Genuine Postal Address
Google Business Profiles are available exclusively to those who run bricks-and-mortar businesses. Consequently, every business listed should have a standard physical address. There is technically no reason why you would need a PO Box address for your business, unless it is not in fact a bricks-and-mortar business.
You could therefore find yourself being automatically suspended simply for adding a PO Box postal address to your Google Business Profile.
4. Online-Only Businesses
It could be that your business has physical premises, such as an office, but you do not meet with and serve local customers directly. If you run an online-only business, even with physical premises, you are not eligible for a Google Business Profile.
This is a major cause for confusion among many who claim Google Business Profiles, only to be given their marching orders shortly afterwards.
“Brands, organizations, artists and other online-only businesses aren’t eligible for Business Profiles,” is how Google explains the whole thing.
5. Multiple Businesses at the Same Address
It is not uncommon for several businesses to share the same address. Unfortunately, attempting to register more than one business at the same address will almost always violate Google’s guidelines…and pave the way for suspension.
Where multiple businesses are operated from the same address, it is better to create a single Google Business Profile, use GBP categories, add the relevant services to your profile and use your website to let your customers know exactly what you do.