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You search for your business name.
Nothing.
No map listing. No reviews. No calls. Just competitors sitting where you used to be.
If your Google Business Profile has vanished or shows as “suspended”, you’re not alone — and you’re not necessarily in trouble. But what you do next matters more than whatever caused it in the first place.
Let’s walk through what’s actually happening, why it happens so often, and how to fix it without making things worse.
First: Is It Really Suspended — or Just Not Showing?
Not all problems are equal, even though they feel the same when leads stop.
1. “Not showing” (no warning, no email)
Your profile still exists, but Google has stopped displaying it publicly.
This usually means something doesn’t line up with Google’s rules — but it hasn’t triggered a formal suspension.
2. Soft suspension (the quiet one)
You can log in, but:
- Your profile doesn’t appear on Maps
- You might see “Suspended” in the dashboard
- No clear explanation is given
These are common — and very fixable.
3. Hard suspension (the obvious one)
You’ll usually get an email from Google stating your profile is suspended and requires an appeal.
This happens when Google believes the profile seriously violates its guidelines.
The fix depends entirely on why it happened.
The Top 5 Causes (Seen Over and Over Again)
After dealing with dozens of these, patterns emerge.
1. Address issues (the #1 cause)
This includes:
- Using a home address when you shouldn’t
- Showing an address for a service-area business
- Shared offices, virtual offices, or co-working spaces
If customers can’t actually walk in during business hours, Google doesn’t want that address shown.
2. Business name stuffing
Adding suburbs, services, or slogans to your business name might feel clever — until Google removes your entire listing.
Your name must match real-world branding, not keywords.
3. Changing key details too fast
Rapid edits to:
- Address
- Category
- Business name
- Service areas
can trigger Google’s fraud detection, even if everything is legitimate.
4. Category mismatch
If your primary category doesn’t accurately reflect what you do, Google can suppress or suspend the profile — especially in competitive niches.
5. Verification conflicts
Multiple profiles, old listings, or previous owners can quietly undermine your current one.
Why Appealing Too Early Makes Things Worse
This is the part most people get wrong.
When Google suspends a profile, they expect that:
- The underlying issue has already been fixed
- Your appeal proves compliance
If you appeal while the problem still exists — even accidentally — Google often:
- Rejects the appeal
- Flags the profile for closer review
- Makes future appeals harder
Think of it like arguing a parking fine while your car is still parked illegally.
Fix first. Appeal second.
What Proof Google Usually Wants
Google won’t always say what they need — but their expectations are consistent.
Commonly accepted proof includes:
- Utility bills (electricity, water, internet)
- Business registration documents
- Invoices showing your business name and address
- Clear photos of signage and premises (if applicable)
Everything must:
- Match the exact business name
- Match the address (if shown)
- Be current and legitimate
If you’re a service-area business, proof usually focuses on business legitimacy, not location signage.
The Correct Fix-First Process (High-Level)
Before appealing, the safe order is:
- Correct address visibility (or remove it entirely if required)
- Ensure the business name is 100% compliant
- Confirm categories reflect real services
- Remove or clean up conflicting listings
- Gather proof before submitting anything
Only then should you appeal through Google’s official process.
Done properly, most suspensions are resolved without drama.
Final Reality Check
Google Business Profile suspensions feel personal — but they’re almost always technical or compliance-based.
What keeps them broken is:
- Guessing
- Rushing
- Appealing before fixing
What gets them reinstated is calm, methodical correction.
If your business should be showing but isn’t, something is misconfigured — not doomed.
Need Help Untangling It?
If your profile is suspended, missing, or stuck in appeal limbo, this is exactly the sort of thing that benefits from experienced eyes. Start a Website Rescue, or check out all my services here.
Suspensions are fixable — guessing is what keeps them broken.
If you’d like help fixing your site’s visibility so your Google Business Profile works as it should, I can help via a Website Rescue.