Appealing Google Business Suspension (A Quick Guide )
Google Business Profiles Suspension Appeal Process: A Comprehensive Guide
Google Business Profiles (GBP) have proven to be the primary online marketing tool for countless local businesses. Their importance is impossible to overstate as some small businesses rely solely on their GBP for online visibility and capturing leads. But what happens when a Google business listing gets suspended? Often, that translates into a dismal loss of business. In extreme cases, it can even drive a company out of business. For years, the suspension reinstatement process was nebulous, leaving business owners in the dark about why their GBP was suspended. That’s all about to change. A new GBP suspension appeal process has been launched in the European Union (EU), with plans for global coverage in the pipeline.
This article dives into the specifics of the revamped GBP suspension appeal process and provides you with guidance on how to prepare for it.
The Evolution of the GBP suspension Appeal Process
The remarkable change in the appeal process is that Google now provides the underlying reasons behind a business’s GBP suspension. While the details are often general, they offer a critical clue on where businesses missed the mark and how they can amend their GBP listing to fall within Google’s compliance guidelines.
Let’s be clear: the new appeal process does not introduce any innovative guidelines or rules. It merely refines existing rules and makes them more evident to aid companies in avoiding suspensions altogether. As with most of Google’s systems, this one will evolve over time based on user feedback. That means you should anticipate slight alterations in the steps and graphics presented here.
Learning about the Suspension of your Google Business Profile
Businesses are notified of the suspension of their Google Business Profile through a notification on their Business Profile merchant dashboard and an email from Google. This first communication will contain crucial information such as the ‘Violation type’. The violation type discloses the specific policy or guideline that the GBP listing violated, thereby leading to the suspension.
To understand the specific policy violation and identify areas of amendment, click the ‘suspension policy’ link. Once you’ve made the necessary corrections on your GBP in compliance with Google’s guidelines, ensure you’re logged into the managing email of the suspended GBP. Then click ‘Appeal’ in the email to navigate to the Appeals platform.
Navigating the New Google Business Profile Appeal Process
The new appeal process is simple but requires thorough preparation. It is for this reason that a deep understanding of the process is essential. The Appeals tool acts as the nerve center for filing and tracking appeals.
After accessing the Appeals tool, double-check the email displayed on the appeal screen to confirm it matches the one linked to the suspended GBP account. Confirming will take you to a screen displaying all the businesses up for appeal. Choose the suspended listing for which you want to submit an appeal.
The subsequent screen will present you with three pieces of information:
1. The date the Business Profile was suspended.
2. The general cause of suspension.
3. The Details/Status of the appeal.
The Details/status display either of two statuses: ‘Can’t be appealed’ and ‘Eligible for Appeal’. Click ‘Next’ to proceed with the appeal process if the status reads ‘Eligible for Appeal’.
Submitting the Appeal
After providing general details, businesses get an hour to upload relevant official documents to prove the authenticity of their business. These may include official business registration, a business license, a tax certificate, and a utility bill.
Official Business Registration/License and utility bills should display the business name and address identical to that appearing in the Business Profile under appeal. To make the most of the process, submit as many relevant items as possible. Seeking the assistance of a product expert is advisable if you feel unsure about the process or the adequacy of your evidence.
Appeal Evidence Upload and Submission
Upon preparing all the necessary documents, click the ‘Submit’ button, which triggers a one-hour window to submit the evidence. Click ‘Add Evidence’ to display the form for uploading your documents. This is an essential step to consider since a lack of evidence substantially diminishes the chances of your GBP getting reinstated.
Pre-populated fields on the form include your email address, business name, address, and Google Business Profile ID. You can upload multiple files by zipping them into one file. A textbox is included where you can provide a narrative as to why your profile should be reinstated and what you did to rectify the violation, ensuring future compliance with Google Business Profile Guidelines. Stick to the facts and avoid rants about lost business or desperation to have the GBP reinstated.
After successfully uploading your documents and completing the form, click ‘Submit’. The Details/Status in your Appeals tool will then update to ‘Submitted’. Regularly check the Appeals tool to see if the Details/Status switches to ‘Approved’ or ‘Not Approved’.
After Submitting the Appeal
The Google Support team will go through your evidence within several days to verify its authenticity and recheck your Business Profile for compliance. Once this review is complete, you will receive one of two emails. If your appeal is successful, you’ll receive an email notifying you that your suspension has been lifted. If your compliance efforts were not sufficient to satisfy Google’s requirements, you will receive an email denying your appeal. The Details section in the Appeals tool will display ‘Not approved’ in that case. Nonetheless, you may be able to “re-appeal” the decision.
This new process gears towards better transparency and a more streamlined appeal process. It not only offers an understanding of why a GBP gets suspended but also guides merchants through the appeal process in a simpler and easy-to-follow manner. It challenges businesses to correct their Google Business Profile before initiating the appeal process, ensuring compliance with Google’s guidelines while convincing Google of the legitimacy of their business. It’s advisable for businesses to hire a product expert if they feel unsure about the process.
SEO and Web Design
Boost your business’s online presence by leveraging MKTG Plan’s tailored SEO and web design services. Here at MKTG Plan, we help businesses comply with Google’s stringent guidelines that ensure only legitimate businesses are listed on GBP. Count on our SEO and web design professionals to take your online presence to new, unprecedented heights.
The post Google Business Profiles: The New Suspension Appeal Process by Search Engine Land dives into the changes brought about by Google in the GBP suspension appeal process. It highlights the new features that will make it easier for businesses to reclaim their GBP following a suspension. The article embodies our commitment to keeping you informed of the latest trends and changes in the world of SEO and web design.
Aiding businesses with Website Design and SEO services
At MKTG Plan, our mission is to ensure that businesses have a fighting chance in the digital landscape. Our experience has taught us how consequential a GBP suspension can be for a business that relies heavily upon it to generate leads and visibility online, especially within Miami’s competitive business environment. It’s for these reasons that we offer robust services in Website Design and SEO to foster a strong online presence for businesses regardless of the state of their GBP.
Final thoughts
The revamped GBP suspension appeal process is a much-needed advancement in the realm of Google marketing tools. It pushes for transparency by providing business owners with the reasons behind their GBP suspensions, hence allowing them to take the necessary steps towards compliance and reinstatement. However, it is imperative for businesses to remember that the suspension appeal process is just part of their online visibility strategy. Businesses should also focus on establishing robust online presences outside of their GBP listings through credible Website design and SEO strategies. Luckily for businesses, they can turn to MKTG Plan for assistance on these fronts.
FAQ
1. What is a Google Business Profile (GBP)?
A Google Business Profile (GBP) is a pivotal online marketing tool for local businesses. It helps businesses gain online visibility and capture leads. Businesses use GBP to promote their offerings on Google Maps and Google Search.
2. What happens when a GBP is suspended?
When a GBP gets suspended, the business may significantly lose its online visibility and may subsequently lose business. In extreme cases, it can even lead a business to go out of business. This is especially true for businesses that rely primarily on their GBP for online marketing.
3. How can MKTG Plan aid businesses dealing with suspended GBPs?
MKTG Plan offers a range of SEO and website design services to strengthen a business’s online presence whether their GBP is active or suspended. We help businesses understand and comply with Google’s guidelines that ensure only legitimate businesses get listed on GBP. In addition, we build custom SEO strategies and website designs that enhance a business’s visibility online, thus minimizing reliance on GBPs alone.
