GBP Stuck in Review for 14+ Days? This Fix Worked for Me

Google Business Profile verification dragging on for weeks? You're not alone. Many businesses face the dreaded "in review" status, sometimes for 14 days or longer. This happened to a client recently, and after some digging, a simple citation update unstuck their profile.

This post details the exact steps taken to resolve a prolonged GBP review, including the specific citation issue and the resulting impact on local search visibility.

The Case: Johnson & Sons Plumbing in Austin

Johnson & Sons Plumbing, based in Austin, Texas, had a GBP stuck in review for over two weeks. They were attempting to verify their listing after a recent address change. Despite providing all requested documentation, the review process stalled.

The client was understandably frustrated. Their organic traffic suffered, and new customer acquisition slowed significantly.

Week 1: Initial Troubleshooting and Citation Audit

The initial step involved standard troubleshooting: confirming the accuracy of information submitted to Google and ensuring compliance with GBP guidelines. A thorough citation audit was also conducted using BrightLocal ($29-$79/month).

The audit revealed 27 citations across various platforms. While most were accurate, a few listings displayed an outdated address. Specifically, Yelp and YellowPages still showed the previous location.

Week 2: Updating Core Citations and Data Aggregators

The outdated citations on Yelp and YellowPages were promptly updated with the correct address. Next, the focus shifted to data aggregators, which feed information to numerous smaller directories. Factual, Neustar Localeze, Data Axle, and Experian were updated.

These aggregator updates can take several days to propagate across the web. The team monitored the citation ecosystem using Whitespark ($25-$300/month) to track progress.

Day 16: GBP Verification Success

Two days after updating the data aggregators, the Google Business Profile was finally verified. The "in review" status disappeared, and Johnson & Sons Plumbing regained control of their listing.

Within a week, they saw a noticeable improvement in local search rankings. They jumped from position 11 to position 5 for "plumber Austin."

What Unlocked the Verification: Consistent NAP Data

The key to resolving the stalled verification was ensuring consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) data across the web. Google likely cross-references information from various sources to validate business details.

Inconsistent information, even on a few key citations, can trigger flags and delay the verification process. By correcting the outdated address on Yelp, YellowPages, and the data aggregators, Johnson & Sons Plumbing provided Google with the consistent data needed to complete the verification.

This Week: Immediate Actions to Take

If your GBP is stuck in review, take these steps immediately:

Verify your business name, address, and phone number are 100% accurate on your GBP.
Check your core citations (Yelp, Facebook, Apple Maps, Bing Places, YellowPages) for any inconsistencies.
Update your information with the major data aggregators (Factual, Neustar Localeze, Data Axle, Experian).

Use a tool like Moz Local ($14/month per location) or Yext ($499-$999/year per location) to automate aggregator updates.

Be patient. Aggregator updates can take time to propagate. Continue to monitor your citations and address any new inconsistencies that arise.

Don't Overlook Google's Documentation

Google provides extensive documentation on GBP verification and troubleshooting. Consult the Google Business Profile Help center for detailed guidance.

Pay close attention to the guidelines regarding address verification and prohibited business practices. Ensure your business complies with all applicable rules.

Citation Data Powers AI Search

AI-powered search relies heavily on consistent and accurate citation data. ChatGPT and Perplexity use citation data to determine which local businesses to recommend.

Inconsistent NAP data can negatively impact your visibility in AI search results. Make sure your citations are accurate and up-to-date to maximize your chances of being recommended.

Beyond Verification: Long-Term Citation Management

Citation management is not a one-time task. It's an ongoing process that requires regular monitoring and maintenance. New citations are created constantly, and existing citations can become outdated or inaccurate.

Implement a system for tracking your citations and addressing any inconsistencies that arise. This will help you maintain accurate NAP data and improve your local search visibility over the long term.

Consistency is Key

A Google Business Profile stuck in review often signals a data consistency problem. Correcting outdated citations, especially with data aggregators, can unlock the verification process.

Run a free citation checker to identify any inconsistencies in your business listings. Consistent NAP data is crucial for both GBP verification and overall local SEO success.

GBP Stuck in Review for 14+ Days? This Fix Worked for Me