Getting your Google Business Profile (GBP) suspended can feel like the digital version of having your shop’s sign ripped down. One day you’re showing up in local searches, getting calls, and building trust—then suddenly, you’re gone.
If this happened to you, don’t panic. Suspensions are more common than ever, especially with Google’s stricter verification policies in 2024 and 2025. The good news? You can recover. But it takes the right steps, patience, and proof.
Let’s break down exactly what to do next.
Step 1: Understand the Type of Suspension
There are two main types of suspensions:
1. Soft Suspension
Your profile is still visible on Google, but you can’t manage it or make edits. Usually tied to ownership or verification issues.
2. Hard Suspension
Your profile is completely removed from search and maps. This is the more serious kind—and the one that requires an official appeal.
If you log into your Google Business dashboard and see a red bar that says your listing has been suspended, you’re dealing with one of these two.
Step 2: Review Common Reasons for Suspension
Google doesn’t always tell you exactly why your profile was suspended. But based on recent trends, here are the most common triggers in 2025:
- Using a P.O. Box, virtual office, or mailbox service as your address
- Inconsistent or misleading business name (e.g. keyword stuffing)
- Too many recent changes (name, categories, phone number, etc.)
- Uploading a flood of reviews in a short time (especially if they seem fake or were solicited improperly)
- Multiple profiles from the same location or for the same business
- Lack of proper signage or storefront photos
- Violating service-area business rules (especially for home-based businesses)
If any of these apply to you, make a note—you’ll need to address it in your appeal.
Step 3: Gather Documents Before Appealing
Before jumping to the appeal form, make sure you have evidence that proves your business is real and operates where it claims to. This usually includes:
- Business license or registration (matching your GBP name and address)
- Utility bills or official correspondence tied to your business location
- Photos of your storefront (with permanent signage), vehicle branding, or interior
- Website link and domain email
- If you go to clients: pictures of your equipment and branded vehicle, invoices or receipts from real jobs
Step 4: File a Reinstatement Request
Once you’re ready, head to this official form:
https://support.google.com/business/troubleshooter/2690129
Be honest and clear. In the notes, explain what you believe may have caused the suspension, and what you’ve done to fix or clarify it. Don’t get defensive—just focus on showing Google that your business is legitimate and eligible under their current guidelines.
After submitting, responses typically take 3–7 business days. If you’re asked for more documentation, respond quickly and thoroughly.
Step 5: Be Patient (and Don’t Re-Submit)
One of the most common mistakes is resubmitting the appeal or creating a new listing before getting a response. This can delay your case—or worse, get your account flagged.
Stick to one appeal at a time. If it’s been over 7 business days with no update, you can follow up through the same form or reach out via Google Business support channels (chat or Twitter/X).
Bonus: What to Do While You Wait
- Make sure your website and other online listings (Yelp, Facebook, Apple Maps, etc.) are consistent and active
- Encourage clients to search you by name (brand searches still help!)
- Keep posting updates to your social media to stay visible
P.S. At Deft Digital, we’ve helped clients recover suspended profiles by preparing strong appeals and correcting the issues that led to them. While you can absolutely handle this yourself, getting it right the first time can make a big difference.
Want a second set of eyes on your profile before appealing? We’re happy to help.