How to Recover a Suspended Google My Business Listing: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your Google My Business (GMB) listing has been suspended, you’re probably feeling frustrated and unsure of how to get it back. A suspended listing can severely affect your business’s visibility on Google Search and Maps, leading to fewer customers and less trust in your brand.

But don't worry, recovering your GMB listing isn’t impossible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get your listing reinstated as quickly as possible and help you understand why suspensions happen in the first place.

Types of Google My Business Suspensions

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Common Reasons for Google My Business Suspensions

Google takes its platform seriously, and violations of their guidelines can lead to suspensions. Here are some common reasons businesses face suspension:

• Listing Inaccuracies: If your business name, address, or phone number (NAP) is inconsistent with what’s listed on your website or other directories, it could raise flags.

• Violating Google’s Guidelines: Adding keywords to your business name, creating duplicate listings, or choosing incorrect business categories can all lead to suspensions.

• Spammy Behavior: Google is quick to suspend listings engaged in fake reviews, using virtual office spaces, or reporting false locations.

• Address Issues: If you’re using a PO Box, a virtual office, or don’t have a valid physical location, Google could suspend your listing. They require businesses to have a real, local presence.

If your listing falls into any of these categories, resolving the underlying issue is critical for reinstatement.

What to Do While Waiting for Reinstatement

Before you dive into fixing the issue, it’s important to understand the type of suspension you’re dealing with. There are two main types:

• Soft Suspension: Your listing is still visible to customers, but you’ve lost control of it in your GMB dashboard. You’ll need to take steps to regain access.

• Hard Suspension: This is more serious. Your entire listing is removed from Google, meaning it no longer appears in search results or Google Maps. Reinstatement is required to get your listing back online.

Knowing which type you’re dealing with will determine your next steps. A hard suspension, for example, requires a more thorough review process from Google.

Google typically takes 3-7 days to review reinstatement requests, but it could take longer depending on the complexity of your case. In the meantime, here’s what you can do:

• Stay active on other platforms: Maintain communication with your customers through your website, social media, and other local directories (Yelp, Bing, etc.).

• Optimize your website: If you’re not already, make sure your website is optimized for local search. This can help minimize the loss of traffic from your suspended GMB listing.

• Monitor your email: Google may send follow-up questions or requests for additional information, so keep an eye on your inbox.

How to Check if Your Listing Is Suspended

If you’re unsure whether your GMB listing is suspended or if it's hided, here’s how to check:

1. Log into your GMB dashboard: Sign in using your Google account associated with your business.

2. Check for notification banners: If your listing is suspended, a red or yellow notification banner will appear in your dashboard.

3. Search for your business on Google: Try searching for your business by name. If it doesn’t appear on Google Maps or in search results, it’s likely a hard suspension.

How to Appeal and Recover Your GMB Listing

Once you know why your listing was suspended, it’s time to start the recovery process.

Step 1: Review Google’s Guidelines

Before you appeal, make sure your business follows Google’s guidelines for representing your business on GMB. You can find the guidelines here.

Step 2: Fix the Issues

Take time to correct any inaccuracies or violations in your listing. Make sure your business name, address, and category are all accurate and consistent across all platforms. If you’ve engaged in practices like keyword stuffing, now’s the time to fix them.

Step 3: Gather Documentation

Google will likely request documentation to verify your business. This could include:

• Business license

• Utility bills or lease agreements

• Official tax documents or certifications

Ensure these documents clearly match the information in your GMB listing.

Step 4: Submit a Reinstatement Request

Once you’ve fixed the issues and gathered the necessary documentation, you can submit a reinstatement request. Here’s how:

1. Go to Google’s Reinstatement Form.

2. Fill out the form, including your business name, address, and relevant details.

3. Attach any supporting documentation that proves your business’s legitimacy.

4. Write a concise explanation of the issue, detailing how you’ve resolved any violations.
   

Pro Tip: Be as clear and honest as possible. Providing too little information could delay the process, while offering misleading or inaccurate info could result in permanent suspension.

Preventing Future Suspensions

To avoid future suspensions, follow these tips:

• Keep your information accurate and consistent: Regularly review your business name, address, and phone number to ensure they’re correct everywhere they appear online.

• Adhere to Google’s guidelines: Make sure your listing always complies with Google’s policies.

• Regularly monitor your listing: Stay proactive by checking your GMB listing periodically for any issues or notifications.

• Tip: Set up email alerts for suspicious activity or changes made to your listing.

By taking these preventive steps, you can protect your business from future suspensions and maintain steady visibility on Google.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the reinstatement process take?

On average, it takes 5-7 days for Google to review and reinstate your listing. However, it could take longer in complex cases.

Can I still receive reviews while suspended?

No, if your listing is suspended, customers won’t be able to leave reviews, and existing reviews may become invisible during the suspension.

What happens if my reinstatement request is denied?

If Google denies your request, it’s important to go back and ensure you’ve fully addressed the issues causing the suspension. You can reapply after making further corrections.

What if my business moves to a new location?

Make sure to update your address as soon as you relocate. Google may suspend your listing if the new address violates their guidelines, but a proper update can prevent this.

Recovering a suspended Google My Business listing might feel daunting, but with the right approach, you can get your listing back on track.

Follow these steps carefully, be patient with Google’s review process, and ensure your business always adheres to their guidelines.

Need professional assistance? Contact Smarktek for help reinstating your GMB listing and keeping your local SEO in top shape!