How to recover a suspended Google listing

A Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is your business's digital calling card. When it's suspended, visibility plummets, your customers can't find you, and your hard-earned reviews disappear. If you're facing this problem, don't worry. In this guide, we explain, step by step, how to recover a suspended Google Business Profile effectively and straightforwardly.

Understanding Suspension: Why Does It Happen?

The first thing is to understand the reason for the suspension. Google doesn't randomly suspend profiles. Behind every action lies a violation of its quality guidelines. Identifying the cause is 50% of the solution.

The most common reasons include:

• Misleading or inaccurate information: Name, address, or phone number that doesn't match the reality of your business.
  
  
• Multiple listings for the same location: Create multiple profiles for the same business at the same address.
  
  
• Forced keywords in your name: Add search terms to your business name (e.g., "Electrician Madrid 24h" if your business name is "Juan Pérez").
  
  
• Virtual service addresses: Using postal addresses without a physical presence of the company.
  
  
• Incorrect business category: Choosing a category that does not represent the core service you offer.

Step 1: Detect and correct the cause of the suspension

Before starting the appeal process, it's crucial that you thoroughly review your profile to identify the violation.

1. Check your data:

• Company Name: This must be the legal name, without any additional slogans or keywords.

• Address : Make sure it's the exact physical address where clients can visit you. If you offer home delivery services, don't display your address.

• Categories : Choose the category that best describes your business.

2. Check your website: Google often compares the information in your profile with that on your website. If there are discrepancies, correct them.

3. Check for duplicates: Do you have another Google listing with the same address or phone number? Delete it to avoid conflicts.

Important: Correct only what's necessary and don't make massive changes. Excessive modifications can be seen as a sign of spam by Google.

Step 2: Start the appeal process

Once the errors have been corrected, it's time to ask Google to review your profile again. The appeals process is the official and quickest way.

1. Access the reinstatement form : Go to the Google Business Profile reinstatement request form. You can find the link in the Google Help Center.

2. Complete the form: Provide all the requested information accurately.

• Listing ID: This is your profile's unique identifier. You'll find it in your suspended profile's URL.

• Brief explanation: Describe the changes you've made to comply with the guidelines. Be concise and honest.

What happens next? Google will send you an email confirming receipt of your request. Response time can vary, from a few days to several weeks. Please be patient.

Step 3: Provide additional evidence (if requested)

In some cases, Google may ask you for additional evidence to prove your business is legitimate and compliant. Be prepared to provide:

• Photographs of the premises : Interior and exterior of your business, with visible signage.
• Licenses or permits: Official documents that demonstrate the legality of your business.
• Utility Bills : Recent water, electricity, or telephone bills confirming the address.
• Company Vehicle Test Drive: Photos of company cars with the logo visible (useful for home delivery businesses).

Expert Tip: Make sure all tests are high quality and clearly display the information.

Step 4: Fix the problem and prevent future suspensions

Once your listing is back, it's vital to keep it in good standing. If one day your profile is suspended and you lose your valuable 5-star reviews, you'll feel unprotected.

A proactive strategy is to have a system in place to collect quality reviews and ensure they're always online. Did you know you can easily and automatically generate positive reviews?

Do you want to protect your reputation and get more reviews to help you grow?

• Get 5-Star Reviews: Our service helps you generate authentic and valuable reviews for your profile.
  
  
• Digitize your reviews with NFC: With our NFC cards , your customers just have to hold their phone close to you to leave a review—it's that easy!

Don't leave your reputation to chance. Invest in the visibility you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take Google to review an appeal?

Review time may vary. It generally takes between 2 and 3 weeks, but in complex cases it may take longer.

What do I do if my appeal is denied?

If your appeal is denied, review your information and Google's guidelines again. You can try to appeal a second time, but it's important to correct any outstanding errors beforehand.

Is it possible to recover reviews from a suspended listing?

Yes, once the listing is restored, all associated reviews (positive and negative) will be visible again. The reviews are not permanently lost; they are simply hidden.

Should I contact Google support directly?

The appeal form is the official and most effective channel. However, if you have a very specific and documented problem, you can contact support, although the response time is usually slower.