How to Get Your Google Business Profile Back Fast

Why Your Google Business Profile is Essential

Your Google Business Profile is an invaluable tool for generating free, high-quality leads. A well-maintained GBP helps you build trust and credibility, showcasing reviews, updates, and active engagement that warm up prospects before they contact you. However, suspensions can put a stop to these benefits. Here’s what you need to know to keep your profile active and effective.

1. Displaying a Physical Address

A major reason for suspension is displaying a physical address in your profile. Google requires that businesses showing a physical location have proof such as a lease or utility bill in the business name. Most real estate agents use their broker’s address, which can trigger a red flag. If the lease is not in your name, avoid displaying the address.

Solution: Hide the address in your profile and indicate that you provide services at client locations. This simple change can prevent future suspensions and help with reinstatement.

2. Profile Name Mismatch

Google mandates that the name on your profile matches what’s on your business license or official documentation. However, many agents are independent contractors and may not have a business license, making this rule tricky.

Solution: Keep your profile name straightforward, using your first and last name followed by “real estate” or “real estate agent.” This matches your real estate license and avoids discrepancies. If you need to explain why you don’t have a formal business license, I’ll provide a template below.

3. Inactivity

An inactive profile can result in suspension. Simply creating your profile and adding basic information isn’t enough. Google favors profiles that remain updated and active.

Solution: Post updates, respond to reviews, add photos, videos, and use the Q&A section regularly. Treat your profile like social media—keep it active to maintain visibility and avoid suspension.

4. Inconsistent Information

If the information on your profile (name, phone number, website) does not match the details on your other online platforms, it can lead to suspension.

Solution: Ensure all your business information matches across your website, social media profiles, and other online listings.

5. Keyword Stuffing

Adding excessive keywords to your profile name, services, or descriptions can trigger Google’s spam filters.

Solution: Use relevant keywords naturally. If your profile reads awkwardly or unnaturally, it needs revision.

6. Fake Reviews

If you or someone managing your profile generates fake reviews from newly created or inactive Google accounts, this can result in suspension.

Solution: Solicit reviews from real clients or contacts who can speak to your character and work ethic. Make sure their profiles have a photo and real names.

7. Profile Management Issues

Having a profile manager with a history of suspended accounts can be problematic.

Solution: Ensure that whoever manages your profile has a clean track record. If your profile is suspended, avoid creating a new one under the same account as it will likely be flagged.

1. Displaying a Physical Address

A major reason for suspension is displaying a physical address in your profile. Google requires that businesses showing a physical location have proof such as a lease or utility bill in the business name. Most real estate agents use their broker’s address, which can trigger a red flag. If the lease is not in your name, avoid displaying the address.

Solution: Hide the address in your profile and indicate that you provide services at client locations. This simple change can prevent future suspensions and help with reinstatement.

2. Profile Name Mismatch

Google mandates that the name on your profile matches what’s on your business license or official documentation. However, many agents are independent contractors and may not have a business license, making this rule tricky.

Solution: Keep your profile name straightforward, using your first and last name followed by “real estate” or “real estate agent.” This matches your real estate license and avoids discrepancies. If you need to explain why you don’t have a formal business license, I’ll provide a template below.

3. Inactivity

An inactive profile can result in suspension. Simply creating your profile and adding basic information isn’t enough. Google favors profiles that remain updated and active.

Solution: Post updates, respond to reviews, add photos, videos, and use the Q&A section regularly. Treat your profile like social media—keep it active to maintain visibility and avoid suspension.

4. Inconsistent Information

If the information on your profile (name, phone number, website) does not match the details on your other online platforms, it can lead to suspension.

Solution: Ensure all your business information matches across your website, social media profiles, and other online listings.

5. Keyword Stuffing

Adding excessive keywords to your profile name, services, or descriptions can trigger Google’s spam filters.

Solution: Use relevant keywords naturally. If your profile reads awkwardly or unnaturally, it needs revision.

6. Fake Reviews

If you or someone managing your profile generates fake reviews from newly created or inactive Google accounts, this can result in suspension.

Solution: Solicit reviews from real clients or contacts who can speak to your character and work ethic. Make sure their profiles have a photo and real names.

7. Profile Management Issues

Having a profile manager with a history of suspended accounts can be problematic.

Solution: Ensure that whoever manages your profile has a clean track record. If your profile is suspended, avoid creating a new one under the same account as it will likely be flagged.

Steps to Appeal a Suspension

If your profile has been suspended, don’t panic. Here’s how to approach the reinstatement process:

1. Check the Notification: Log in to your account and confirm the suspension. Ensure that any necessary updates to your profile are made.
2. Edit Your Information: Make sure your business name, service areas, and profile details meet Google’s guidelines.
3. Submit an Appeal: Click on the “Learn More” button and follow the steps to submit an appeal. Provide any requested documentation, such as your real estate license or proof of operation.
4. Provide a Clear Explanation: Use specific verbiage to explain your situation. Below is a template:
   

   I am requesting the reinstatement of my Google Business Profile for [Your Name]. I am an independent contractor affiliated with [Brokerage Name]. My profile adheres to all community guidelines. I operate without a physical office, meeting clients at their locations as specified in my service area.

5. Attach Supporting Documents: Print the explanation as a PDF and attach your real estate license and any relevant information.
6. Communicate with Google: Once you submit your appeal, you’ll receive an email response. Use this as an opportunity to provide any additional clarification.

Final Tips

• Be persistent—some appeals take multiple attempts.
• Avoid creating new profiles to bypass suspensions; this will likely lead to future issues.
• Keep your profile active and relevant to prevent suspensions in the future.