Troubleshooting Issues of Suspension
For listing your business live in the Google search isn’t easy. There are many difficulties that one may face; it can feel like jumping through hoops. Sometimes it may result in your channel getting suspended. There are two types of suspensions soft suspension and hard suspension, In the former since you broke Google’s guidelines you no longer have the ability to manage the listing but your ranking does not decline.
The other is hard suspension means your entire listing has been removed including all reviews, photos, and content. Here are the violations that can leave your account suspended-
Wrong Forward links or Phone Numbers
Tempted to redirect to some other URL or business not owned by you? No, you should not. Google’s guidelines, state, “Do not provide phone numbers or URLs that redirect users to landing pages or phone numbers other than those of the actual business, including pages created on social media sites otherwise it leads to suspension.
NO Listing for Virtual Offices
If you are planning to list your business online make sure you have in contact person and a physical storefront to serve your customers. The location should be staffed by your team during stated business hours. If not and still listed is considered as deceptive practice and your listing will get suspended.
Though there are some exceptions-
- Express mail drop boxes, ATM’s and video rental kiosks are exceptions but they need to add contact information for providing help to customers.
- Seasonal businesses are also eligible for listings but they have to display permanent signage year-round the location.
Providing Wrong Information
Information is something which is basic by which searchers got to know about you. Make sure NPA i.e. name, phone number, and address which are crucial must be correct. Apart from it, website URL, website category should be accurate and consistent. Even the tiniest variation can lead to losing your customers.
Primary Category comes in a high-risk industry
There are certain regulated goods such as fireworks, gun merchants, nicotine, etc. or in some way are sensitive or controversial. There are some of the businesses that are risky in the eyes of Google. In their guidelines, Google states that regulated businesses and services are permissible as long as business sets an age and geographic restrictions.
Multiple Listing for Same Business
If you have more than one page i.e. duplicate listing for the same business, it’s better to remove the duplicate one. Otherwise, Google can ban both the listings.
Ownership
Any type of business which doesn’t use its own property or uses such location does not have the authority to represent (like social/hobbyist classes in a community center). These types of listings are ineligible as per Google guidelines.
How to avoid suspension then?
It is pretty easy and obvious for the above reasons. To go ahead in business by providing false information or using deceptive practices will not help you to go too far. You need to be honest to keep your listing safe from suspension.
How to get GMB listing reinstated?
When GMB listing is suspended, the business representative remains confused as in accordance with Google’s policy they will not state the reason for suspension and only state that it is due to policy violations. The only thing the owner can do is to re-verify the listing with a fine-tooth comb no matter how obscure. If your listing has several violations it may take numerous rounds of suspension to fix all the issues. It is better to re-verify thoroughly so as not to get into trouble with repetitive suspensions again and again.
If going through hard suspension it’s better to take help from Google My Business Forum. Be prepared to prove that you are in 100 percent compliance with all GMB listing guidelines.
