How to fix a Google My Business suspension?

Having your GMB suspended can feel like a major setback, especially when your visibility and local traffic take a hit. One day, you're showing up in search, and the next, you're gone. But don't worry, it’s more common than you think, and most suspensions can be fixed with the right steps. 

Whether it’s due to a guideline violation or something as simple as an address mismatch, the key is to stay totally calm and act fast. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to identify what went wrong, what type of suspension you’re dealing with, and how to request reinstatement successfully. 

And once you're back up and running, maintaining strong credibility sometimes with the help of strategies like choosing to buy Google reviews can give your business the boost it needs to rebuild faster.

But before that, let’s see what causes the GBP profile suspension.

Why do GBP Listings Get Suspended?

A suspension on your Google Business Profile (GBP) can feel sudden and confusing, especially if you’re not sure what triggered it. Below are the most common reasons for your suspension, so you can fix the issue and avoid future disruptions;

1. Misleading or Inaccurate Profile Details

Google wants accurate, trustworthy listings. If your business name, phone number, or website doesn’t match your real-world information, it can be flagged. Even minor inconsistencies can be seen as misleading. So, you should always ensure your profile details reflect your official business documentation to avoid unnecessary suspensions and maintain customer trust. If you need to update your business name, following the correct steps to change your name on Google My Business is essential to keep your listing compliant and visible.

2. Multiple Profiles for the Same Business Location

Creating more than one profile for the same physical location can confuse customers and violate Google’s policies. This includes duplicates made accidentally or intentionally. Therefore, stick to a single, verified listing per location and remove any extras. If your business has multiple branches, create individual profiles for each with unique addresses.

3. Violations of Google’s Content Guidelines

Your profile content must align with Google’s user guidelines. That means no offensive language, inappropriate images, or promotions of restricted services. If your content crosses the line, even unintentionally, Google may suspend your profile. So, regularly reviewing and cleaning up your listing helps keep your business visible and in good standing.

4. Keyword Stuffing in Business Name

Adding extra keywords like services, locations, or promotional phrases to your business name might seem like a smart SEO trick, but it goes against Google’s guidelines. Your GBP name should exactly match your registered business name. Keyword stuffing is a major red flag and one of the most common reasons for manual suspension by Google support. Instead, focus on legitimate ways to add keywords to your Google My Business profile like optimizing your business description, services, and posts without risking suspension.

5. Invalid Business Address

Using a virtual office, P.O. box, or shared workspace as your address without proper signage or legitimacy can get your profile suspended. Google needs to confirm that your business physically exists there. If your goal is to gain local visibility, it’s better to invest in review-building strategies from reputable sites rather than risk Google Business Profile suspension.

6. Fake or Bot Reviews

Fake or bot reviews might seem like a shortcut, but Google’s algorithm catches them quickly, and suspensions often follow. Instead of buying random reviews, work with trusted providers like BuyReviewz, who prioritize authenticity and compliance. Genuine, well-placed reviews from real people are not only safer but also more impactful for long-term growth.

How to Fix a Suspended Google My Business Profile?

Whether it’s a minor violation or something more serious, there’s usually a path to reinstatement. The key is understanding why it happened, correcting the issue, and carefully following the right steps to get your listing back up. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you fix a suspended Google Business Profile and get your business back on the map.

• Step 1: Identify the Suspension Type

Check if your suspension is soft (you can log in but not visible publicly) or hard (profile completely removed). Knowing the type of suspension helps you understand what actions are needed for getting your profile unsuspended.

• Step 2: Review Google’s Guidelines

Next, carefully read through Google’s Business Profile guidelines to understand what might have gone wrong. Familiarizing yourself with their policies helps you spot potential violations and avoid the same issues moving forward.

• Step 3: Audit and Correct Your Profile Information

Check your business name, address, category, phone number, and website for accuracy, and remove any keyword stuffing or incorrect info. Ensure everything matches your official documentation and complies with Google’s terms.

• Step 4: Prepare Documents (if needed)

For soft suspensions, fixing details may be enough. But for hard suspensions, you’ll likely need to upload official documents like utility bills, business licenses, or proof of address to verify your business’s legitimacy.

• Step 5: Submit a Reinstatement Request

Once your profile is cleaned up and ready, head to the reinstatement request form provided by Google. Fill it out carefully and honestly, including any required documentation to support your GBP listing suspension case.

• Step 6: Be Patient and Monitor Email

Google may take several days to review your request. Check your email daily (including spam folders) for any updates. If denied or there is any suspension support issues, don’t panic, you can revise and resubmit once you’ve addressed their concerns.

• Step 7: Avoid Repeat Offenses

Once reinstated, follow Google’s guidelines closely to avoid future hard or soft suspension. Keep your profile accurate, don’t keyword stuff, and monitor who manages your listing to prevent rule violations or suspicious behavior.

Conclusion

Navigating a suspension email from Google could feel like turbulent waves, but with the correct strategy, it’s a journey you can successfully complete. Think of transparency and accuracy as your only compass, so keep your company data honest, consistent, and clean to avoid problems down the road. 

If you want to improve your profile following reinstatement, consider boosting your credibility with actual client comments. BuyReviewz can be a reliable partner for improving your review game in a safe, strategic, and aligned with Google standards way.

You can also explore different methods to export Google Map reviews to analyze customer feedback, showcase testimonials, or back up your listing details when needed.

All set to have your profile in order? Start with step one and take control of your online visibility today.