Introduction Of
GMB
Google My Business (GMB) is a free arrangement from Google for businesses to oversee their online nearness all through Google, counting Look and Maps. Knowledge Panel is a must have for businesses that want to improve their visibility, interaction with customers and connect them with updated information about their services. That said, there are times when a suspension may occur on a business's GMB listing. Due to the suspended listing, there will be a massive loss of visibility on the internet and inability for business, to get new customers. This article will cover suspension in Google My Business what means, why does it happen and how to fix that.
What is Suspension in Google My Business?
Google My Business suspension is when a business listing is removed temporarily or permanently from Googles local search and Maps. When your business listing is suspended, your business information will stop appearing in Google search results, maps, and any other Google platform.
1.Soft Suspension:
These are actually listings that have been suspended, but rather than be completely hidden from Google Maps like hard suspension cases, they can still be found by the actual listing in searches. Google may even continue sending notifications to the business, however, listings will not be discovered by customers anymore.
2.Hard Suspension:
This is permanent removal of business listing from Google database. If suspended for a hard suspension, the business will need to go through the process of either getting that listing back or building another one.
Reasons for Suspension
1. Violation of Google’s Guidelines
Accuracy of business information
Misleading business names
Incorrect categories
Spammy or misleading photos.
Having multiple listings for the same physical location can result in suspension. Google only allows one listing per location to avoid confusion for users. Businesses that create several listings for the same address or use different variations of their business name may find their listing suspended. A suspended listing may also occur if the business's address violates Google’s guidelines. This includes:
Using a virtual office or PO box instead of a physical location. Listing an address that doesn’t correspond to the actual business location. Listing a home address for a business that operates from a different location. Google requires businesses to verify their listing by responding to a verification postcard or using other verification methods. If a listing remains unverified for a long time or lacks any activity, it might be suspended. Customer reports and complaints can also trigger a suspension if a listing is flagged for suspicious behavior or if users believe the business is violating Google’s guidelines. Google My Business is intended for actual businesses, and listings that are created for personal use, for events, or to promote non-business-related purposes may be flagged and suspended.2. Multiple Listings for the Same Business
3. Address Issues
4. Inactive or Unverified Listings
5. Customer Complaints
6. Using Google My Business for Non-Business Purposes
Google My Business Suspension:How to Fix
Recognize the Form of Suspension
The first step here is to understand whether your listing has been soft suspended or hard suspended. So you can understand the gravity of the situation and make a decision about what to do next.
Review Google’s Guidelines
Ensure that your business listing is in accordance with the guidelines set forth by Google. Review the guidelines for:
Accurate business name
Correct Address and Telephone Number
Proper business category
Real pictures and contents Ensure you comply with all of Google rules to prevent future suspensions on your listing.
Confirm Your Business Information
Make sure all your GMB profile information is 100% correct This includes:
Business name
Physical address (not a P.O. Box)
Phone number
URL of the website If you have recently made changes against Google guidelines, such as gradually changing your name or address, do so in accordance with official documents.
Fix Duplicate Listings
Remove any duplicate listings if your business has several listings. Then do a search with Google, looking for identical addresses or phone numbers to find duplicates.
Be Patient
It can take a couple of days for someone to reply back as once the reinstatement request or query is sent to support teams. Google may ask for more information from their Google Support to verify your business.
Tips to Help You Prevent Being Suspended Again
And if you want to avoid suspensions in the future and keep your GMB listing for good, you need to follow these best practices:
Make sure that your contact information, timing, and services are up to date every time. Your business information may change/updated quite often, so keep checking for changes. comply with all of Google’s policies (all images and content provided, as well as business practices).
Very important when you have major changes in the business. Ensure your listing by channels of verification. There will be a huge effect on your visibility and the ability of your business to generate customers due to a suspension in Google My Business. Knowing the most common reasons for suspension and following the steps above can ensure that you act quickly to rectify what is wrong and, hopefully, learn how to avoid getting suspended again. In today digitized world, one of the most important things to have is a GMB list that is accurate, active and compliant.Update your business information:
Check your listing regularly:
Do not include any prohibited content:
Checks on your listings:
Conclusion