All about the new Google Business Profile reinstatement steps

As of January 2024, Google has introduced a revamped process for reinstating suspended Google Business Profiles (GBPs). These changes, first observed in the EU and now in the US, aim to streamline the process and enhance transparency.

This guide provides a comprehensive understanding of these changes and practical tips for successful reinstatement of GBPs.

A quick snapshot of the Google Business Profile reinstatement/appeal process: 

1. One-chance application: Businesses now have only one opportunity to apply for reinstatement.

2. Appeal process: There might be an appeal process for incorrectly suspended profiles.

3. Transparency: The new process offers more transparency about policy violations.

4. 60-minute window: Businesses have 60 minutes to provide proof of legitimacy upon starting the reinstatement process.

5. Evidence submission: Evidence can be submitted via an online form, and businesses can check the status of their reinstatement application.

Join Justin Meredith as he sits down with Local SEO and Google Business Profile Diamond Product Expert, Ben Fisher, to learn about the new reinstatement process for suspended Google Business Profiles in Birdeye LIVE!

Top 10 reasons why Google might suspend your GBP account 

Once you’ve logged into your Google Business Profile and accessed your account details, you should be aware of the common reasons for account suspension. Understanding these will help you adhere to Google’s guidelines and address any potential issues that could lead to GBP account suspension. 

Here are why Google might suspend your GBP account: 

1. Providing false or misleading information about the business
2. Engaging in spam-like practices or using prohibited content
3. Creating multiple listings for the same business location
4. Misrepresenting the business or its services
5. Posting or encouraging fake reviews to manipulate ratings
6. Conducting or promoting illegal activities through the profile
7. Posting offensive, irrelevant, or inappropriate content
8. Breaching privacy or confidentiality agreements
9. Making unauthorized changes to the business name, address, or other critical details
10. Listing a business that is permanently closed

Must read: Explore the reasons and fix your suspended Google Business Profile

Businesses need to adhere to Google’s guidelines to avoid suspension. It’s best to consult Google’s official guidelines or help resources for more specific details on each reason.

When you check your listing, an error like this shows:

Or you even get an automated email like this:

What was the old process for reinstating a suspended Google Business Profile? 

The old process for reinstating a suspended Google Business Profile was less structured and transparent. Businesses could submit a reinstatement request multiple times, and there wasn’t a strict time limit for providing evidence. 

Moreover, there was less clarity on why profiles were suspended and what specific documentation was required for reinstatement. This often resulted in confusion and multiple attempts by businesses to comply with unclear guidelines, prolonging the reinstatement process. 

The previous process lacked a streamlined approach and clear communication. 

Must read: Get booking requests from your Google Business Profile with Birdeye

Understanding the new changes to the GBP reinstatement process

The new reinstatement process for suspended Google Business Profiles is more structured and transparent. 

Here’s a step-by-step workflow of how the new GBP reinstatement process will be: 

Step 1: You receive an email notifying you of your suspension. This hints at the guidelines you may have breached. 

The email includes a link to the relevant section of the existing guidelines. It allows only one chance for businesses to apply for reinstatement. 

Step 2: Upon starting the appeal process, there’s a 60-minute window to submit necessary evidence of legitimacy, such as business registration or utility bills. 

Step 3: Once you click the link to ‘add evidence,’ the form will automatically add the business name, your email, and your profile ID.

Here’s the direct Google Business Profile local business reinstatement request link.  

What does the GBP suspension reinstatement appeals form look like?

Here’s what the updated GBP suspension reinstatement appeals form looks like:

How does the reinstatement form work?

The reinstatement form for a suspended Google Business Profile is an online form Google provides. 

When you fill out this form, you must provide specific information about your business, including its name, address, and contact details. You must explain why you believe your profile was incorrectly suspended and provide evidence to support your claim. 

This could include business registration documents, photos of your storefront, or other relevant materials. The form is designed to collect all necessary information for Google to review and decide on your reinstatement request.

This process aims to clarify policy violations and ensure that businesses submit complete and accurate information in their first attempt for reinstatement. After submitting the evidence form, you can check the status of your appeal application. 

What to do after you submit your appeal application? 

After submitting your appeal application for a suspended Google Business Profile, you should:

1. Monitor your email: Google sends an automated email to confirm it has registered your appeal. 

2. Be patient: The review process can take time, so be prepared to wait for a response.

3. Prepare for follow-up: In some cases, Google may request additional information or clarification, so be ready to provide it promptly.

4. Avoid making changes: Do not make further changes to your Business Profile during the review process.

It’s important to wait for Google’s decision and respond to their inquiries promptly.

Key things to know before you apply for reinstatement/appeal 

Don’t panic after reading the suspension email. Stay calm and analyze why Google might have sent you this notice. The following are a few suggestions that we guide you through so that you’re well prepared: 

1. Understand the reason for the suspension, as indicated in the email.
2. Prepare documentation, such as business registration, tax information, and proof of location.
3. Review Google’s guidelines to ensure your business complies.
4. Address any violations or inaccuracies in your business profile before applying.
5. In your reinstatement request, provide clear, concise information to increase the chances of a successful appeal.

Guardians of trust: How fake review checkers shape your online reputation 

7 pro tips to not let your GBP account get suspended 

To prevent your GBP from getting suspended, consider these pro tips:

1. Adhere to Google’s Guidelines meticulously.
2. Provide accurate information and up-to-date if you’ve any new changes. 
3. Avoid keyword stuffing. Use your actual business name without adding unnecessary keywords.
4. Respond to reviews. Engage with customer reviews professionally. 

Here’s a list of 30+ positive review examples you can use.

5. Do not create a new listing. You might lose your original listing and your reviews.

6. If you have an online business, don’t consider the working hours ‘24-hours.’ Update to regular working hours, like 9-8 or something. It should be realistic.

7. Upload authentic photos related to your business, avoiding stock images.

FAQs about Google Business Profile reinstatement/appeal process

Manage your GBP with Birdeye Listings

Coupling Birdeye’s Listing management with your CRM integration system significantly enhances your business’s online presence and customer interaction. 

Listing streamlines the management of Google Business Profile accounts, ensuring consistent and accurate business information across the web. This synchronization makes sure you show up where your customers search and helps you to: 

• Manage multiple GBP accounts from a single dashboard.
• Quickly update business information across all locations.
• Efficiently monitor and respond to reviews.
• Informed business decisions based on customer insights.
• Track performance metrics to understand customer engagement better.

Birdeye’s enhanced AI capability and its impact on the business

Birdeye’s platforms are powered by BirdAI, which propels businesses to achieve unprecedented growth. 

• The Review platform automates responses to customer reviews, providing timely and personalized interaction. 

• AI-powered Social media management software generates posts, monitors engagement, and manages your profile locations on a single dashboard.

• The AI-driven Insights contribute to making informed decisions, enhancing customer satisfaction, and ultimately driving business growth.

Connect with our team today to help rank your GBP higher and attract more customers with Listings.