In recent months, a growing number of businesses have reported suspensions of their Google Business Profiles (GBPs), with appeal processes experiencing significant delays. This trend has raised concerns among small and medium-sized enterprises that rely heavily on their online presence to attract and retain customers.

The Rising Tide of Suspensions

Since the beginning of the year, there has been a noticeable increase in GBP suspensions. While Google has not officially disclosed the reasons behind this surge, industry experts suggest that even minor edits to a business profile—such as updating business hours or adding new photos—can trigger a suspension. This has led to frustration among business owners who find their profiles suspended without clear explanations.

Appeal Delays: A Growing Concern

Compounding the issue is the extended time it takes for appeals to be processed. Previously, businesses could expect a resolution within a few days. Now, the appeal process can take several weeks, leaving businesses in a state of limbo. This delay can have tangible impacts, including loss of visibility in search results and decreased customer engagement.

Best Practices to Avoid Google My Business Profile Suspension

To minimize the risk of suspension, businesses should consider the following:

• Limit Profile Changes: Avoid making unnecessary edits to your GBP, especially during this period of increased scrutiny.
• Ensure Consistency: Make sure that your business information is consistent across all online platforms.
• Avoid Keyword Stuffing: Use your actual business name without adding extra keywords or location details.
• Use Accurate Addresses: Ensure that your listed address is a physical location where customers can visit.

What Should I Do If My Google Ads Account Is Suspended?

If your GBP is suspended:

1. Review Google’s Guidelines: Understand the potential reasons for suspension by reviewing Google’s policies.
2. Gather Documentation: Prepare necessary documents such as business licenses or utility bills to support your appeal.
3. Submit an Appeal: Use the Google Business Profile appeals tool to submit your case.
4. Be Patient: Given the current delays, it may take several weeks to receive a response.

Alternative Strategies During Suspension

While awaiting resolution:

• Optimize Your Website: Enhance your site’s SEO to maintain online visibility.
• Leverage Social Media: Engage with customers through platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
• List on Other Directories: Ensure your business is listed on platforms like Bing Places and Yelp.

Don’t Make Changes

We strongly recommend not making any updates or changes to your Google Business listing currently.

Currently, Google appears to be facing ongoing issues that are causing an increase in listing suspensions and re-verification requests. Unfortunately, the support system is also struggling to keep up with the high volume of appeals, leading to significant delays in reinstatement.

To avoid the risk of suspension or prolonged downtime, we advise pausing any changes—whether you’re managing your listing individually, via API, or in bulk—until Google provides clearer guidance or works through the current support backlog.