Answers · Google Business Profile

Why do Google Business Profiles get suspended?

Short answer: Google suspends or disables Business Profiles that don't follow its guidelines for representing a business, most often because of the address, the business name, a duplicate profile, or a recent edit that made the profile look like a different business. Google's notice usually doesn't spell out the exact reason, so you compare your profile against the guidelines to find it.

The common causes, from Google's own rules

Address problems. Google doesn't allow P.O. boxes, remote mailboxes or virtual offices. A coworking office only qualifies with clear signage, staff and customers during business hours.
Home address shown as a storefront. If you travel to customers, Google says to hide your address and set a service area. Its example is a plumber working from home.
Extra words in the business name. Taglines, service keywords, locations or phone numbers in the name aren't permitted and "could result in the suspension" of the profile.
Duplicate profiles. Google allows one profile per business location.
Phone or website that isn't yours. The number must be under the business's direct control, and links can't redirect to someone else's page.
Big edits at once. Changing the address, name or category can send a profile back into review or re-verification.

What to do first

Read the exact notice on your profile and in the owner's email.
Don't create a new profile. Google says not to.
Compare each field with Google's guidelines for representing your business.
Fix the problem, gather documents, then appeal once.

Our free GBP suspension check asks 12 questions and shows your top 2 likely issues for free.

Start the free suspension check

FAQ

Does Google tell you why a profile was suspended?

Often not in detail. Google's appeals tool shows the decision, its date and a link to the policy involved, which points you to the area to check.

Can a service business list a home address?

It can use the address to verify, but Google says a service-area business that doesn't serve customers there should hide the address and set service areas.

Should I make a new profile?

No. Google says not to create a new Business Profile for the same business. Fix and appeal the original.

Sources: Google: Guidelines for representing your business; Google: Fix suspended or disabled profiles. Top Methods Business Systems is not affiliated with or endorsed by Google.