More than 70% of customers use location-based searches to find brick-and-mortar businesses. If your Google Business Profile gets suspended, the impact on visibility — and revenue — can be severe. Below are the most common mistakes that lead to suspensions and how to avoid them. Make sure you stay compliant with Google’s official policies.
Naming Issues
At the top of the list are naming problems. These are the most frequent mistakes that can trigger a suspension:
- “XYZ Restaurant – The best restaurant” → You can’t include promotional phrases.
- “XYZ Restaurant – Restaurant in New York” → Unless you operate a verified multi-location chain, you can’t add the location name.
- “XYZ Restaurant – Tacos, Gyros…” → You can’t list services or offerings in your business name.
Complying with the naming rule is actually quite simple — use exactly what’s written on your storefront/signage.
Hours
Your business hours must match your real-world schedule. If customers arrive based on your listed hours and find you closed, many will report it to Google, and a high volume of these reports can flag your profile for suspension. Update your hours immediately for holidays or temporary closures to stay safe.
Incentivized or Fake Reviews
Asking customers to leave a Google review in exchange for discounts, gifts, or other benefits is a direct violation of Google’s review policies. Offering rewards or promotions tied to positive feedback can lead to review removal — or even account suspension. Instead, encourage honest, voluntary reviews based on genuine customer experiences.
Location Mismatch
Your listed address must match your actual physical location. Adding multiple listings for one location or creating profiles for non-existent branches is a direct violation and can lead to losing your listing altogether.
Keep All Information Accurate & Relevant
Beyond these issues, make sure all your profile details — including photos, descriptions, and posts — are accurate and relevant. Remember, your Google Business Profile is a valuable digital asset. Keep it updated, truthful, and consistent across all platforms to protect your visibility.
You can review the complete policy guidelines in Google’s official Business Profile policy documentation .