If you have logged into your Google My Business account and noticed a large red “suspended” notification at the top of the page, the first step to remediate this issue is to not panic. Google provides an extensive list of Do’s and Dont’s when it comes to how you build, manage and run your Google My Business page.
Usually, Google will provide a notification letting the Administrator know that the account has been suspended. This means that the administrator has lost the ability to manage the listing. For more serious offenders, Google will remove the business listing altogether including all reviews and photos. Here are the top reasons why Google would suspend your local listing.
Website & Phone:
Make sure that the Website URL links directly to your website and not a landing page. The business page should provide phone numbers and URLs that redirects or refer the user to the website of the actual business.
Business Name:
The business name should reflect your business “real-world name” as used on your storefront, website, and as known to customers. Do not add any additional information to your business name.
Business Address:
Only show your business address if customers are able to go to your business address. Business owners of a service area business must verify their listing. Non-verified listings that appear on Google Maps for a service area business can be removed.
Multiple Verified Listings:
Do not create more than one page for each location of your business. Google has been known to suspend both listings.
Regulated Goods & Services:
Google is sensitive when it comes to businesses that are heavily regulated such as alcohol, gambling, pharmaceuticals, unapproved supplements, tobacco, fireworks, weapons or medical devices. If the content is targeting the wrong demographic, Google may remove or restrict the account.
Listings Using a Virtual Mailbox:
Businesses using several virtual mailboxes to increase their ranking in multiple towns are subject to a suspension of permanent removal.
Listings for an Online Business:
For online businesses, a Google Brand page must be created instead of a Google Local page. This would mean that the business will not show up in the Google Local 3 Pack or Google Maps.
Ineligible Businesses:
Businesses that are considered ineligible to have a Google local business page includes an “ongoing service, class, or meeting at a location that you don’t own or have the authority to represent.”