7 Things That Will Get Your Google Business Profile Suspended (Avoid #4)

7 Things That Will Get Your Google Business Profile Suspended (Avoid #4)

A suspended Google Business Profile (GBP) can kill your local rankings. One wrong move and you vanish from search results. Don't let it happen to you.

Google suspends profiles for violating their guidelines. Some violations are obvious, others are sneaky. We'll cover seven common reasons for suspension and how to avoid them. Pay close attention to #4; it's a silent killer.

1. Inaccurate or Inconsistent NAP Information

NAP stands for Name, Address, and Phone number. Google uses this information to verify your business. Inconsistent information across the web raises red flags.

Ensure your GBP matches your website, citations, and other online listings. Even small discrepancies can trigger a suspension. Double-check everything.

2. Using a PO Box or Virtual Address

Google requires a physical, brick-and-mortar address. Using a PO Box or virtual office address is a direct violation. They want to verify that you actually operate at the listed location.

If you operate from home, consider hiding your street address. This allows you to show your service area without revealing your exact location. Just make sure you are eligible according to Google Business Profile Help.

3. Keyword Stuffing Your Business Name

Your business name should accurately reflect your real-world branding. Adding extra keywords to game the system can lead to suspension. Don't stuff keywords into your business name.

For example, "Joe's Plumbing - Best Plumber in Austin" is keyword stuffing. "Joe's Plumbing" is acceptable, assuming that is your actual business name.

4. Incorrect Website URL (The Silent Killer)

This is where many businesses get tripped up. Your website URL must be accurate and functional. A broken link or redirect to a generic page signals a problem to Google.

Worse, if the URL redirects to a completely unrelated site, Google will flag your profile immediately. Make sure your website URL works and accurately represents your business.

5. Violating Google's Prohibited Content Policies

Google prohibits certain types of content on GBPs. This includes fake reviews, spam, and misleading information. Promoting illegal products or services will also get you suspended.

Carefully review Google's guidelines on prohibited content. Ensure your profile complies with all policies. Avoid anything that could be considered deceptive or harmful.

6. Creating Multiple Listings for the Same Business

Each business location is eligible for one GBP. Creating multiple listings for the same location violates Google's guidelines. This is often done to try to dominate search results, but it backfires.

If you have multiple departments within your business, use categories to differentiate them. Don't create separate listings for each department at the same address.

7. Suspicious Activity or Sudden Changes

Google's algorithms monitor GBP activity for suspicious patterns. Making sudden, drastic changes to your profile can trigger a review. This includes changing your business name, address, or category without a valid reason.

If you need to make legitimate changes, do so gradually. Provide supporting documentation if requested by Google. Be prepared to verify your business information.

Case Study: How Ace Plumbing Recovered From a Suspension

Ace Plumbing in Phoenix had their GBP suspended due to NAP inconsistencies. A citation audit revealed 27 listings with outdated information. The wrong phone number was listed on several high-authority sites.

Week 1: Ace Plumbing claimed and corrected their core directory listings (Yelp, Facebook, Apple Maps). Week 2-3: They focused on updating their data aggregator profiles (Factual, Neustar Localeze, Data Axle, Experian). Week 4: They monitored their listings for accuracy.

Within 30 days, Ace Plumbing's GBP was reinstated. They saw a 20% increase in website traffic and a 15% boost in calls. The key was fixing the data aggregators, which propagated accurate data across the web.

What To Do If Your GBP Gets Suspended

If your GBP gets suspended, don't panic. First, carefully review Google's guidelines to identify the violation. Then, gather documentation to support your case.

Submit a reinstatement request through Google Business Profile Help. Be honest and transparent in your communication. Explain the steps you've taken to correct the issue. Patience is key; the reinstatement process can take time.

Regularly Audit Your Citations

Preventing suspension requires ongoing maintenance. Regularly audit your citations to ensure accuracy. Use a citation management tool like BrightLocal ($29-$79/month) or Whitespark ($25-$300/month) to streamline the process.

Claim and optimize your listings on core directories like Yelp, Facebook, and Apple Maps. Monitor your online reputation and respond to reviews promptly. Consistent maintenance keeps your GBP healthy and ranking high.

Don't Let Inconsistent Citations Hurt Your Rankings

Google Business Profile suspensions are a major headache. Inaccurate NAP information, incorrect website URLs, and keyword stuffing are common culprits. Avoid these mistakes to keep your profile active and visible.

Run a free citation audit to identify and fix any inconsistencies. It takes just 30 seconds to see where your business stands. Don't let citation errors tank your local SEO.