If your Google Business Profile (GBP) has been suspended, it can be devastating. Your phone may stop ringing, customers may stop visiting, and revenue may take a hit.

Your first instinct might be to panic and rush through the Appeals tool, but that’s a mistake. Before you start, you need to understand why your listing was suspended and how to properly appeal.

This guide walks you through how to appeal a GBP suspension and what to do if your appeal is denied.

Why Your Google Business Profile Might Be Suspended

Google suspends business listings for several reasons. Some of the most common include:

Keyword stuffing your business name
Using a P.O. Box or UPS store address
Setting up a listing at a virtual office or co-working space
Displaying a physical address for a Service Area Business (SAB)
Operating an online-only business
Being in a high-risk category, like locksmiths, lawyers, HVAC, or rehab centers
Sharing an address with another business, especially a residential one
Making multiple changes to your profile at once
Redirecting your website URL to another site or a social media page
Changing your listing type from Storefront to SAB (or vice versa)
Having multiple GBPs in overlapping service areas
Inconsistent address or hours across your GBP, website, and directories
Listing business hours as 24/7
A suspended manager’s account linked to your listing
Creating duplicate listings at the same address
Violating other Google service policies
An account-related violation, such as a suspended email

In some cases, you may not have violated a guideline at all.
Google may simply want to verify your business, especially if you operate in a high-risk category.

Before appealing, fix any potential violations on your listing.

How to Appeal a Google Business Profile Suspension

When businesses get suspended, many panic and click on the Appeals tool without preparation. Don’t make this mistake.

Here’s what to do instead:

Read Google’s Help Support Document – It contains crucial information on the appeals process.
Consult a Google Business Profile Product Expert – If you’re unsure about your violation or documents, get expert guidance.
Submit the right documents – If you appeal with incorrect information, you risk being permanently denied.
Be patient – Rushing through the process incorrectly is worse than taking your time to do it right.
Warning: If your appeal is denied, you may lose the chance to reinstate your Google Business Profile.

What to Do If Your Appeal Is Denied

If your appeal is denied, don’t lose hope. You can request an additional review by submitting supporting documents.

What documents can you submit ?

Business registration documents

Business license

Tax certificates

Utility bills (electricity, phone, water, internet)

To strengthen your case, submit additional documents you didn’t provide in your original appeal.

For example:

If you didn’t include a Tax Certificate, add it. If you have a storefront, submit photos of permanent signage. If you have a service area business, submit photos of branded vehicles. Tip: Ensure your business name and address exactly match across all documents and your Google Business Profile.

How to Request an Additional Review

Log into the email you use to manage your GBP. Go to the request additional review form.
Fill out all required fields, including:

Explanation of what you fixed List of documents and photos provided Direct links to your Secretary of State business listing or Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile (if available)

Note: Any owner or manager on your GBP can submit the form—it doesn’t have
to be the same person who filed the original appeal.

What happens next?

Google takes up to five days to review your case. The Appeals tool won’t update, but you’ll receive an email with the results.
The email will state if your appeal has been approved or denied.

One Final Chance to Reinstate Your GBP

This is your last opportunity to prove to Google that your business is legitimate.

To increase your chances of reinstatement:

Submit the correct documents
Fix any GBP violations
Ensure all business information is accurate.

You only have two chances to reinstate your Google Business Profile. Do it correctly the first time.

By following these steps, you maximize your chances of getting your GBP reinstated and back on Google Maps and local search.

Need help navigating GBP suspensions and appeals? Working with experts can make a difference in ensuring your profile gets reinstated the right way.