Being a dog breeder means you need a strong online presence to get your kennel the attention it deserves. Google My Business is a go-to tool for this, helping you show up in local searches. But what if your profile gets suspended? In this article, we'll dive into why Google My Business profiles get suspended, how to avoid it, and what to do if you find yourself in this sticky situation.
Table of Contents
Use the quick links below to jump to the corresponding sections.
- What is Google My Business
- Why Would Google Suspend My Business Account?
- How to Recover a Suspended Google My Business Account
- Google My Business Suspensions and Reinstatements
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a free tool from Google that helps dog breeders like you boost your kennel's visibility online. It's a key part of a Local SEO strategy making your breeder program visible in Google Search, Google Maps, and Google Assistant. It can also get your kennel featured in a special section called the "Local Pack," which can help you stand out and improve your website's search ranking.
Why Would Google Suspend My Business Account?
Your Google My Business profile can be suspended for a variety of reasons, from providing misleading information to breaking Google's rules. Reasons for suspension might include
- Using fake or inaccurate information
- Having multiple listings for the same kennel
- Posting reviews that violate Google's guidelines
- Engaging in spammy or fraudulent behavior, like fake reviews
- Violating Google's profile policies and guidelines
- Misrepresenting your business category
- Using irrelevant keywords in your business name
- Posting self-serving or promotional reviews
- Trying to manipulate search rankings
- Receiving a large number of negative reviews
If you find out you've accidentally broken any of Google My Business's policies, it's important to update your profile accordingly.
How to Recover a Suspended Google My Business Account
In September 2023, Google updated how to recover a suspended Google My Business account. The old way involved filling out a form that would then get responded to by a support technician. If you were denied, you had a chance to appeal. Now, you only get one shot at reinstatement, and you have a 60-minute window to provide the needed proof.
Here's a simplified guide to the new process:
- You'll get an email notifying you of your suspension, which guideline you broke, and a link to the related guideline.
- Before taking action, collect all documents you might need to prove your business is legit.
- Log into your business profile and choose the suspended business profile.
- Once you initiate the appeal, you’ll have 60 minutes to upload the proof Google asks for. There is no timer, so pay attention to how long it’s taking you. If you take too long, the proof you upload won't count.
You'll get an email saying you're reinstated if you're successful. If you don't get reinstated, you can seek help from a Google Product Expert or the Google Business Profile Help Community. Currently, there is no formal appeal process via Google Support.
Google My Business Suspensions and Reinstatements
Google My Business is a must-have tool for dog breeders wanting better online visibility. It's a key element in both your SEO and Local SEO strategies, helping your kennel show up in local searches and broader online searches too.
Be careful, though. Breaking Google's rules can lead to suspension, and the new process gives you just one chance and 60 minutes to appeal the suspension. For a deeper dive, check out Steady Demand's article The New Reinstatement Process for Suspended Google Business Profiles: Improvements and Dangers.
