Your GBP is suspended and your calls dropped 60% overnight. Here's what to do, in order, and what to expect.
Full disclosure: I run a reinstatement service for GBP suspensions. But even if you don't use me, the steps below are the same ones any good agency will follow.
1. Figure out why it was suspended
Google usually sends an email to the GBP owner account. If you don't see one, check your GBP dashboard - the “Suspension” notice usually explains the category. The most common:
- Quality issues - virtual address, virtual office, or PO box
- Keyword stuffing - business name has “best plumber Bristol cheap”
- Multiple profiles - you have a duplicate GBP you forgot about
- Address inconsistency - GBP address doesn't match your website
- Website issues - your website is down or marked suspicious
2. Gather your evidence
Before filing the reinstatement form, gather:
- Utility bills (gas, electric, water, council tax) showing your business name at the GBP address
- Photos of your business signage at the address
- Pictures of the inside of your premises
- A photo of you holding a newspaper at the address (Google sometimes wants this)
- Vehicle registration if you're a service-area business
- Insurance documents with the address
3. Fix the underlying issue
Before filing the appeal, fix whatever caused the suspension in the first place. Filing an appeal for a quality-issue profile without changing the address gets a fast rejection. Don't waste the appeal.
4. File the reinstatement request
Go to your GBP dashboard → Manage this listing → Info → Request reinstatement. You'll see a form. Keep it short and factual. Don't explain at length - just state what you fixed.
5. Wait (and what to expect)
Google says 3-5 business days. In practice it's usually 7-14. The dashboard I built tracks the appeal status automatically so you know exactly where you are.
6. If you're denied
You can re-appeal immediately. Most denials are because the evidence wasn't enough, not because Google won't reinstate. Add more evidence, file again.
Honest scope
I can't guarantee reinstatement - Google makes the final call, and they're not always consistent. What I can do is give it the highest possible chance of success by getting the evidence right and addressing the actual cause.
Tell me what happened and I'll tell you what I think is the right next step. If I can't help, I'll tell you that too.