If your business relies on local search visibility, this may be one of the most important updates you hear all year. Over the past few months, a growing number of businesses have been blindsided by sudden Google Business Profile (GBP) suspensions–and if it happens to you, you could be waiting over a month to get your listing back!
Your digital presence depends on your Google Business Profile, and it is important to understand what is happening. Here is what we know so far:
An Increase in Suspensions
Starting early this year, reports of GBP suspensions have spiked. What used to be a fairly quick five-day appeal process is now stretching into five weeks or longer. Business owners and marketers are flooding support forums, trying to figure out what went wrong. These suspensions typically follow harmless listing edits or small updates, like:
- Changing a business description
- Uploading a new photo
- Adjusting service areas
What is Going On?
So, what is causing these suspensions? Unfortunately, we do not have an answer. Many suspect that it is linked to a backend algorithm update designed to increase trust in local listings, but the result has been an uptick in flags, suspensions, and mandatory re-verifications.
Bulk and API accounts are not safe either. Large organizations managing multiple locations are also experiencing suspension, with many being forced to re-verify locations manually.
What You Should Do
How do you avoid a suspension? Our advice would be not to touch your listing unless absolutely necessary! Now is not the time to update hours, photos, categories, or even business descriptions. Until Google resolves this backlog and clarifies its policies, the safest approach is to keep everything as-is!
At American Creative, we understand how critical your online presence is. That is why we are committed to keeping you informed about major platform changes and helping you navigate digital disruptions with confidence. If your listing is at risk or already suspended, we are here to support you every step of the way. Need help with your Google Business Profile? Contact us today to keep your GBP stable and visible.
