Do you need to reactivate your suspended Google Business Profile? A profile that isn’t working properly can seriously impact the amount of enquiries you receive for your business. And this is especially true if your business model is based on services provided locally or on the High Street. The shock when you first find out about it can make you lose your breath.
The main reason a Google Business Profile is Suspended
Google are not being purposefully awkward. They are undertaking due diligence. After all, anyone could say they have set up a business and put it on Google Maps but not really be operating out of that address. Someone could put a fake business at an address. So Google want people to prove they have a real business.
Google Want People To Trust Them
Trust is the core issue. We all search Google, especially to find a roofer, a plumber, a hairdresser, a typist, a web designer or an accountant, so Google take that responsibility seriously. You need to prove you work where you say you do.
They are more fussy if you have given an address where customers can visit you.
I Resolved This And Now I Get More Work
This happened to me. I was so busy with work at the time I kept putting it off, but work coming through my website to Liz The Whiz began to drop off.
So I fixed it.
And now I get work through my website again.
How To Reactivate Your Google Business Profile
Sometimes the most straight forward way is to log into your Google Business Profile. If you use a Chrome browser it is really easy, there is a group of nine dots in the top right hand corner and you find it there. Next click onto edit profile, then location, then change your service address to show no visitors come to your address. If you do not have customers coming to your property this is the setting Google want you to use. Hopefully this will then result in Google reinstating your profile, although you will no longer be visible on Google Maps.
Make An Appeal
You may be directed to make an appeal. If so click through the instructions and fill in the form. You will need your Business Profile ID. You can find it under the three dots of your Business Profile, then under Business Profile Settings, then Business ID.
How To Verify Your Google Business Address
If you have a property you want customers to visit and Google ask you to verify your address, this is slightly more tricky. Google want to see the following:
You unlocking your property
A sign outside your property
It is easy and cheap to get a sign from Vistaprint. I stuck mine to my wall with Gorilla tabs and so far it has survived very well.
You having access to business assets in your property
So a cash register, a locked cupboard, or using your computer and showing your access to your emails or other programmes that you need to be within the business to use.
You need to verify using your mobile phone
Why? This is another part of the Google procedure. They will send you an email so you can record and upload a video. It cannot be a video you already have in your library. It must be done there and then. And as the video is a walk through, it is naturally easier on your mobile phone.
Support Email
What If The Thing is Completely Disabled and You Can’t Get Onto It At All?
As a last resort. You can contact Google Customer Services about your suspended Google Business profile by email. They are extremely helpful. Their address is googlebusinessprofile-support@google.com
They need your business profile ID. You can find it under the three dots of your Business Profile, then under Business Profile Settings, then Business ID.
Give information to show you have a valid business, ie how long you have been trading, why customers need to be able to find you on Google Maps and anything else you think relevant.
It All Sounds Very Complicated
But it isn’t. Log into your business profile and see what Google want you to do?
Change the service address to not shown.
Verify the service address with a video.
Make an appeal.
If none of the above are available contact them by email.
Ask Me To Sort This Out For You
I will do all the work for you and if you live near me I will take the verification video for you to save you the hassel.
I manage a number of Google Business Profiles for my clients. If you are unfamiliar with the setup it can seem really difficult to deal with, but to me they are straight forward.
Contact Me Today
You can email me at liz@lizthewhiz.co.uk or call me on 07974 701526. I am a great person to have in your corner, whether it’s for some typing, website building, online visibility or tender support, I am an excellent ‘generalist’ who doesn’t charge the earth.