What to Do When My Google Business Account Gets Suspended
Steps to Recover Your Profile and Get Back Online

In my line of work, having a Google Business Profile suspended is a far too frequent event. I have helped a lot of people recover. Take a deep breath! Understand that, while Google Reviews can often feel like a blackbox, everything is going to be alright. Now let's get that business profile back up.

If you’ve received a notice from Google that your profile has been suspended, it’s important to act quickly, but calmly.

Here’s exactly what to do next.

1. Understand the Type of Suspension

Google typically issues two types of suspensions:

• Soft Suspension: Your listing is still live, but you can’t manage or update it.

• Hard Suspension: Your listing is completely removed from Google Search and Maps.

Both require action, but a hard suspension is more serious and may take longer to resolve.

2. Check for Common Reasons Google Suspends Profiles

There are several common triggers:

• Using a virtual office address or P.O. box instead of a physical location

• Keyword stuffing in your business name (e.g., “Joe’s Plumbing – Best Affordable 24/7 Emergency Services”)

• Listing a service-area business with no clear service radius

• Multiple profiles for the same business or location

• Violations of Google’s Business Profile guidelines

If you’re not sure what caused your suspension, audit your profile for any irregularities.

3. Gather Documentation to Prove Legitimacy

Before submitting a reinstatement request, prepare the following:

• A business license

• Utility bill or lease showing the business address

• Photos of your storefront (including signage and branding)

• Proof of service area if you’re a mobile business

The more documentation you can provide, the better.

4. Request Reinstatement from Google

Use Google’s Business Profile reinstatement form to submit your case.

Be honest and precise:

• Explain that you believe your listing was suspended in error

• Describe any recent changes made to your listing

• Include all supporting documents

Most reinstatement requests are reviewed within 3–7 business days, but timelines can vary.

5. Avoid These Mistakes While Waiting

• Don’t create a new profile! It could make things worse

• Don’t flood Google with multiple reinstatement requests

• Don’t edit your profile again until Google has responded

Be patient and give their support team time to respond.

6. Prevent Future Suspensions

Once your listing is reinstated, follow best practices to stay compliant:

• Use only your legal business name

• Keep your hours, categories, and photos up to date

• Avoid aggressive or misleading language

• Encourage genuine reviews (but don’t incentivize them)

Google’s spam filters are always evolving, so play by the rules to avoid future issues.

Final Thought

Having your Google Business Profile suspended is frustrating, but it’s fixable.

If you follow the steps, provide the right documentation, and remain patient, you can usually recover your listing and regain control of your digital presence.

It may take a few days, but the long-term visibility and trust it brings your business is worth the effort.

Good luck!