OnEBoard Chat: Google Business Profile Policies, Suspensions and Reinstatements

This week Molly Youngblood joined OnEBoard to talk about policies that trip up small business owners and cause suspensions, and the steps that businesses need to follow to get their profile reinstated and appear in Google Search and Maps.

Topics

In Episode 185 of OnEBoard Chat, the discussion touched on common reasons for Google Business Profile suspensions, what's needed to get a Business Profile reinstated and steps local businesses can take to make sure their Profile remains in good standing. Some of the key topics:

The difference between a service-area business and hybrid business, and why service-area businesses are often suspended.
Google's scrutiny of businesses in high risk verticals such as locksmiths, garage door repair and roofing.
How the video verification process works.
Documentation required for businesses to get their profile reinstated.
How long it takes for your Business Profile to be reviewed.
The role of Local Guide-submitted profile edits, and how malicious people can harm a business listing.
Why Business Profiles need to be actively managed and updated.
The future of Business Profile reinstatements.

Takeaways

As a business owner, make sure your listing complies with the Google Business Profile policies, especially if it is a service area business.
Local businesses should actively monitor, maintain and update their Google Business Profile (or hire someone to help them do that).
To request reinstatement, businesses will need to submit official documents such as a business license or DBA registration, and registration on a state or county website. It can sometimes also be helpful to submit media articles about the business.
If Google requires video verification, be sure to review the requirements and plan what you will show before starting to record.
If you think Google should provide a short list of common technical mistakes to prevent newcomers from running into problems, be sure to send feedback!
Business owners can get assistance in the official Google Business Profile help Community.

Also see our previous OnEBoard Chat discussion about recovering from Google Business Profile suspensions for more tips and takeaways.