I Added Special Hours and Google Suspended My Profile—Here's Why

I Added Special Hours and Google Suspended My Profile—Here's Why

You updated your Google Business Profile with special hours for a holiday. Now your profile is suspended. What happened? Google's automated systems flagged your profile, often due to inconsistencies or perceived policy violations triggered by the update.

Suspensions after adding special hours are common. This post explains why it happens and how to get your profile reinstated fast. We'll cover common triggers, reinstatement steps, and how to prevent future suspensions.

Why Special Hours Can Trigger Suspensions

Google's algorithm constantly monitors GBP listings. Changes, even seemingly minor ones like special hours, can trigger automated reviews. These reviews look for potential violations of Google's guidelines.

Inconsistencies between your GBP, website, and other online citations are red flags. Adding special hours can highlight these discrepancies, leading to a suspension. Google prioritizes accurate information; inconsistencies suggest untrustworthiness.

Common Triggers: Inconsistent NAP Data

NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number. If your GBP name, address, or phone number differs from other online listings, adding special hours can amplify the problem. Google sees conflicting information and suspends the profile to prevent misleading users.

Garcia's Garage Door in Dallas had this issue. They updated holiday hours, triggering a suspension. A citation audit revealed 11 NAP inconsistencies across 38 listings. Fixing these inconsistencies was crucial for reinstatement.

Incorrect Category or Attributes

Selecting the wrong business category or adding inaccurate attributes can also cause problems. If your special hours seem illogical for your listed category, Google might flag it. For example, a 24-hour bakery might raise suspicion.

Double-check your primary category and attributes. Ensure they accurately reflect your business. Remove any that are irrelevant or misleading.

Suspicious Activity

Sudden, drastic changes to your profile can appear suspicious. If you've never used special hours before, adding them for an extended period might raise a red flag. Especially if these hours contradict your regular hours of operation.

Avoid making multiple significant changes at once. Space out updates to minimize the risk of triggering a suspension. Monitor your profile closely after making any changes.

How to Reinstate Your Suspended Google Business Profile

Reinstating a suspended GBP requires patience and attention to detail. Follow these steps carefully to increase your chances of a successful appeal.

Step 1: Identify the Reason for Suspension

Check your email for a notification from Google. This email should provide some insight into the reason for the suspension. Look for specific policy violations mentioned.

If the email is vague, review Google's Google Business Profile Help for prohibited content and activities. Common violations include fake reviews, misleading information, and keyword stuffing.

Step 2: Correct Any Violations

Address any issues identified in the suspension notice or through your own investigation. This might involve updating your business information, removing prohibited content, or addressing fake reviews.

Pay close attention to NAP consistency. Run your business through our free citation checker to identify and correct any discrepancies across the web. BrightLocal ($29-$79/month) and Whitespark ($25-$300/month) offer comprehensive citation management tools.

Step 3: Submit a Reinstatement Request

Once you've corrected any violations, submit a reinstatement request through your Google Business Profile dashboard. Provide detailed information about the steps you've taken to resolve the issues.

Be polite and professional in your communication with Google. Acknowledge the suspension and demonstrate your commitment to adhering to their guidelines. Include any relevant documentation to support your case.

Step 4: Be Patient and Persistent

The reinstatement process can take several days or even weeks. Follow up with Google periodically to check on the status of your request. Be prepared to provide additional information or documentation if requested.

Don't create a new GBP while your original profile is suspended. Doing so can further complicate the process and potentially lead to a permanent ban.

Preventing Future Suspensions

Proactive measures can help prevent future suspensions. Implement these strategies to maintain a healthy and compliant Google Business Profile.

Maintain NAP Consistency

Ensure your business name, address, and phone number are consistent across all online platforms. Regularly audit your citations and correct any inaccuracies. Data aggregators like Factual, Neustar Localeze, and Data Axle feed information to hundreds of smaller sites.

Ace Plumbing in Phoenix ranked position 27 before focusing on citation management. They fixed aggregator errors, claimed core directories like Yelp and Facebook, and built new citations. 60 days later, they reached position 9 with a 35% increase in calls.

Monitor Your Profile Regularly

Check your GBP dashboard frequently for any notifications or alerts. Respond promptly to any issues that arise. Monitor your reviews and address any negative feedback professionally.

Set up alerts to notify you of any changes to your profile. This allows you to quickly identify and address any unauthorized modifications.

Adhere to Google's Guidelines

Familiarize yourself with Google's guidelines for representing your business on Google. Stay up-to-date on any changes to these guidelines. Avoid engaging in any prohibited activities, such as fake reviews or misleading information.

Moz Local ($14/month per location) and Yext ($499-$999/year per location) help manage listings and ensure compliance. Semrush Local ($50/month per location) also provides tools for monitoring and optimizing your online presence.

What To Do Right Now

Adding special hours shouldn't lead to a suspension. Inconsistent data and perceived policy violations trigger most suspensions. Correcting these issues is key to reinstatement.

Immediately scan your local listings to identify NAP inconsistencies. Fix any errors and submit a reinstatement request to Google. Proactive citation management prevents future problems.