It happened; you received the email "Your business profile has been suspended."
When you check your Google Business Profile dashboard, it says "Your business is not visible to customers."
It is stressful, but stay calm. What you do next determines whether you get your listing back or lose it permanently.
Google gives you very limited chances to appeal a suspension. Most businesses get one or two appeals, and once you start the process, you only have 60 minutes to upload all required documents. That is why you should prepare everything before starting. That is exactly why we wrote this guide, so you know what to do before touching the appeal button.
How to appeal for Google Business Profile suspension?
The suspension email includes a Violation type, but here is what many business owners miss. You may have additional violations Google did not list. When you submit an appeal, Google reviews your entire listing, not just the stated issue. So while fixing the main violation, make sure your whole profile complies with all Google Business Profile policies. Review the restriction policy in the email and read through Google's full guidelines before doing anything else.
Next, sign in with the correct GBP owner account and click "Appeal" in the suspension email. We are not appealing yet; we just want to confirm that Google is giving you the option.
You will see your suspended listing with one of two statuses:
Cannot appeal
Eligible for appeal
If it says Cannot appeal, there is no way to restore the listing through the appeals process. You would need to create a new Google Business Profile.
If it says Eligible for appeal, stop here. Do not start the appeal yet.
What is needed for appealing a Google Business Profile suspension?
First, bring your GBP listing in line with the violation and fix any other potential policy issues. Then prepare your documents, because the 60 minute timer starts as soon as the form opens.
You will need:
- Official business registration
- Business license
- Tax certificate
- Utility bill, ideally the one matching the address on your listing
When everything is ready, begin the appeal, fill out the form, and upload the evidence. After submission, you will see your appeal status in the Appeals section; it should be marked as Submitted.
How to track the appeal process?
You will receive email updates about your appeal status. In addition, you can check the status in your Google Business Profile dashboard under the Appeals section. If it is Approved, your profile will return and become visible again in Google Search and Maps. If it is Not approved, you may still have a chance with a second appeal. But we strongly recommend to working with an expert on it. We would be happy to help.
One last note. If Google support casually suggests "just create a new listing", avoid that unless you have absolutely no alternative. A new listing means losing all reviews, rankings, and historical authority. As long as your profile and account follow Google's guidelines, you can usually recover your original listing.