Getting a notification that your Google profile has been suspended is a real headache. For many local businesses, this profile is like a digital shop window—it is often how more than half of your customers find you.
At Site Design Squad, we believe in making professional web design and marketing easy and accessible. We want to help you avoid these technical hurdles so your business can keep growing without the fuss.
Here are some simple mistakes that can get you banned and how to keep your profile safe.
1. Adding Extra Words to Your Name
This is the number one reason we see profiles get flagged. It is so tempting to change your name to something like “John’s Cars – Best Used Cars in Somerset,” but Google calls this “keyword stuffing”.
- Why it happens: Google wants the name on the screen to match the sign on your door or the name on your invoices exactly.
- The fix: Use your real-world business name only. If your business is called “John’s Cars,” that is all you should write.
2. Using a Fake or “Virtual” Address
Google is very strict about where you are actually located. If you use a P.O. Box or a “virtual” office address you bought just to have a local presence, you are likely to be suspended.
- Why it happens: Google wants to show real local shops and services on the map, not just a mailing address.
- The fix: Use your real physical shop or office address. If you work from home and go to your customers, you must hide your home address and set a “service area” instead.
3. Having More Than One Profile
You might think having different profiles for “Plumbing” and “Heating” will help you get more calls, but Google sees this as “spam”.
- Why it happens: One business should only have one listing to keep the maps clear and helpful.
- The fix: Have one strong profile and list all your different services inside it. We can help you organize this so people find everything you offer in one place.
4. Changing Too Much at Once
If you move, change your phone number, and update your business name all on the same day, Google’s “security alarm” might go off.
- Why it happens: Making lots of big changes in one go looks suspicious to an automated system, which might think you’ve been hacked.
- The fix: Change one thing at a time. Wait a few days for Google to verify the first change before you move to the next one.
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5. Using a Mobile Number as Your Main Line
While many of us run our businesses from our mobiles, Google sometimes flags them if they don’t match other records it finds online. It can sometimes trigger a “security check” if not managed carefully.
Here’s how to safely use your mobile phone number:
- Direct Control: The number you use must be under your direct control so you can answer it whenever a customer calls.
- Avoid using personal numbers: Use a number that is only used for business use. Using your private personal number can make it harder for Google to verify that the line belongs solely to a professional company. If you need a business number, check out our guide on virtual business lines here that allow you to use your phone for both personal and business use.
- Be Consistent: Use the exact same mobile number everywhere, including your website and social media. Mismatched numbers across the web can lead to “NAP” (Name, Address, Phone) issues that confuse Google.
- Avoid Redirects: While it might be handy, try to avoid using numbers that automatically forward to another line, as this can sometimes violate Google’s guidelines.
- Local over Toll-Free: Google prefers a number that feels local to your area rather than a 0800 or centralized call center number.
- The Formatting Trick: When you enter your number on your profile, use the international format (like +44 for the UK) to help prevent any verification errors.
6. Letting Other People Manage Your Profile
If you give “manager” access to someone who has a history of breaking Google’s rules, your profile could be suspended by association.
- Why it happens: Google keeps a record of “bad actors”. If they are linked to your profile, you are considered a risk too.
- The fix: Only give access to people or squads you trust. We handle this professionally and securely to keep your listing safe.
How We Keep You Online
We know that keeping your business details consistent is a lot to manage while you are out on site.
Our web design packages and Local SEO packages include ongoing management where we ensure your “NAP” details are identical across your whole site, helping you build trust with both Google and your customers.
