Google Business Profile suspended: how to fix it fast for trades (step-by-step)
Google Business Profile suspended: how to fix it fast for trades (step-by-step)
UK tradesperson holding a phone showing a Google Business Profile suspended notice, with proof documents on a desk
Contents
- Quick answer
- Who this is for
- Why profiles get suspended
- Fix it fast: 7-step reinstatement checklist
- Evidence pack: what to upload
- Service-area vs storefront rules
- Verification video tips
- If your appeal is denied
- Useful links
- What are people saying on Reddit?
- FAQ
Quick answer
Most suspensions are triggered by name stuffing, address issues or duplicate profiles. Clean up your profile, prep proof documents, then appeal in the Google Business Profile appeals tool. Upload evidence within 60 minutes if asked. Typical decisions take 3 to 7 business days.
Who this is for
- Owners and managers of small construction trades businesses: builders, plumbers, electricians, roofers, HVAC, locksmiths, landscapers.
- Anyone whose profile shows Suspended or Disabled and needs a fast, compliant reinstatement.
Why profiles get suspended
Common triggers and the fast fix:
| Reason | What Google flags | Fix before you appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Business name stuffing | Extra keywords in the name like Best Plumber Manchester 24 Hour | Change name to the real trading name from invoices and Companies House |
| Address problems | PO box, virtual office, mailboxes, or showing a home address for a service-area business | Hide the address if you do not serve customers at that location. Use service areas instead |
| Duplicate profiles | Two profiles for the same business or location | Keep one. Request merge or delete duplicates after reinstatement |
| Category mismatch | Wrong or misleading primary category | Set the main trade as primary, keep secondaries lean |
| Suspicious edits or ownership | Sudden changes, odd manager accounts | Revert to accurate info. Remove unknown managers |
| Signage and staffing (storefronts) | No permanent signage or not staffed during hours | Add photos showing signage and staffed entrance during business hours |
Fix it fast: 7-step reinstatement checklist
- Check Google’s email and in-product notice for the reason.
- Fix the obvious violations now:
- Name must match your trading name exactly on invoices and Companies House.
- If customers do not visit you, clear the address field and set service areas.
- Remove duplicate profiles. If you cannot delete, note the URLs to request a merge later.
- Choose the right categories and remove extras that do not fit.
- Gather an evidence pack that matches the profile details.
- Open the appeals tool, select your suspended profile, and submit. You can track status there.
- If prompted, upload evidence within 60 minutes. Do not miss this window.
- Wait 3 to 7 business days. Do not keep editing the profile while under review.
- If denied, correct anything you missed and submit one, improved re-appeal.
Flowchart showing reinstatement steps for a suspended Google Business Profile
Evidence pack: what to upload
Only upload what proves you are a real, eligible business at the details shown on your profile.
- Photos
- Storefront businesses: exterior photos that clearly show permanent signage, business name on the fascia, door, or window, and the entrance during business hours.
- Service-area businesses: photos of branded vans, equipment, and any yard or unit if you have one. Do not show a home address publicly; focus on proof you really operate in the area.
- Documents (match profile name and address)
- Utility bill or business rates bill
- Companies House registration or a business bank statement with name and address
- Insurance certificate or VAT certificate
- Optional
- Short verification-style video: walk from street sign to entrance, show signage, inside workspace, tools, and a business card.
Service-area vs storefront rules
- Service-area business (SAB): you visit customers and do not serve them at your address. Hide the address and set up to 20 service areas. Do not claim multiple profiles for overlapping areas.
- Hybrid: you serve customers at a staffed, signed location and also travel to them. Show the address and set service areas.
- Storefront: customers come to you only. Show the address, no service areas. Permanent signage and staffed hours are required.
See Google’s guidelines on representing your business and service areas:
- Guidelines for representing your business on Google: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177
- Manage service areas: https://support.google.com/business/answer/9157481
Verification video tips
If Google switches you to video verification, record a single continuous clip that shows:
- Street sign or number, then your entrance and signage
- Inside the workspace with tools or specialist equipment
- A branded vehicle or inventory
- A business card, invoice pad, or certificate with your name
Keep it steady, clear, and under a couple of minutes.
If your appeal is denied
- Read the denial email carefully. It usually hints at what is still wrong.
- Fix everything called out. Common misses: still showing a residential address for a SAB; name still has extra keywords; signage not visible.
- Submit one improved re-appeal with new, stronger evidence. Do not create a new profile. Duplicates cause more problems and can lose your reviews.
Useful links
- Google Business Profile appeals tool: https://support.google.com/business/workflow/13569690
- Fix suspended or disabled profiles: https://support.google.com/business/answer/4569145
- Guidelines for representing your business: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3038177
- Manage service areas: https://support.google.com/business/answer/9157481
Related TrainAR Academy guides:
- How to add WhatsApp to Google Business Profile: https://academy.trainar.ai/add-whatsapp-to-google-business-profile-stepbystep-for-trades-plus-text-and-autoreplies
- Missed call text back for trades: https://academy.trainar.ai/missed-call-text-back-for-trades-setup-scripts-roi-and-uk-rules-pecr-whatsapp
- WhatsApp-first lead triage for trades: https://academy.trainar.ai/whatsappfirst-lead-triage-for-trades-autoreplies-that-book-surveys-in-10-minutes
What are people saying on Reddit?
- Google suspended our legit business profile: https://www.reddit.com/r/GoogleMyBusiness/comments/1ntxhs4/google_suspended_our_legit_business_profile/
- Should I just make a new Business Profile? Appeal denied: https://www.reddit.com/r/GoogleMyBusiness/comments/1mtt5ec/should_i_just_make_a_new_business_profile/
- GBP suspension and verification issues (expert AMA): https://www.reddit.com/r/localsearch/comments/1nn4yz8/gbp_suspension_verification_issues_ben_fisher/
- Profile suspended due to content: https://www.reddit.com/r/GoogleMyBusiness/comments/1nsl31k/profile_suspended_due_to_content/
FAQ
How long does reinstatement take?
Most cases are reviewed in 3 to 7 business days. Complex cases or those needing extra checks can take longer.
Can I just make a new profile instead?
No. New profiles for the same business usually get suspended and can risk losing reviews. Fix the original and appeal.
Do I need a shopfront to be on Google?
No. Service-area businesses can be listed without showing an address. You must visit customers in person and set service areas accurately.
What evidence is best for storefronts?
Exterior photos showing permanent signage, entrance, door number, and hours. Add a utility bill or business rates bill and a Companies House or VAT document with the same name and address.
What evidence is best for service-area businesses?
Branded vehicles, equipment, a short video in your yard or unit if you have one, and documents that match your business name. Do not show a home address publicly.
My address changed. What should I do?
Update your legal docs first, then change the address in GBP. If you no longer serve customers at the new address, hide it and switch to service areas.
I was suspended for deceptive content. What does that mean?
Usually name stuffing, wrong address, or misrepresentation. Strip the name to the real trading name, fix the address rules, and re-appeal with solid evidence.
Where is the appeals tool?
Use the official appeals workflow: https://support.google.com/business/workflow/13569690