Stand out on
Google with a Business Profile

Convert people who find you on Google Search and Maps into new customers with a free Business Profile for your storefront or service area. Customize your profile with photos, offers, posts, and more.

Skilled Trade Marketing,  116, Triq Tal-Mensija, San Ġwann, Malta
Support Centre : Call +356 9982 8299. 

Based on the information you provide to Google, Google’s AI will determine the type of verification required to approve your account. Depending on the information found on your website and social media platforms, Google AI may choose from several verification options. It will verify phone numbers and other details, and if everything matches, your account may be verified within a week without requiring a postcard.

Google AI is also cracking down on fake businesses and reviews. If your account is flagged, it may take up to six months to resolve the issue.

Video Verification
This has become the most common method for businesses to get verified. Ensure you have everything prepared before you start recording.

Postcard Verification (Example image postcard with CODE) Google want to make sure the address match with your business. 
This option is available to all businesses. A postcard will be mailed to the business address, usually arriving within 30 days days.
The postcard will include a code that must be entered in the appropriate section of your GBP account. If you don’t receive the postcard, you can request a replacement.

Phone Verification
Some businesses may be eligible for phone verification, though this option is not available to everyone. If eligible, this option will appear on the verification page.
With this method, you will receive a code via an automated phone call.

Email Verification
Similar to phone verification, email verification is not available to all businesses.
If eligible, you can request a verification code sent to the email address linked to your GBP account.

What can trigger suspensions in google business profile?

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) suspensions can be triggered by a variety of factors, often related to violations of Google’s guidelines. Here are some of the common reasons:

1. Misrepresentation or False Information
Inaccurate Business Information: If your business name, address, phone number, or category doesn’t match your real-world presence, it can trigger a suspension.
Keyword Stuffing: Adding keywords or descriptors that are not part of your legal business name.
Virtual Offices/PO Boxes: Listing a virtual office or PO Box as your business location when you’re not physically present there.
Service Area Business Violations: Listing a physical address for a business that only serves customers in a service area.

2. Prohibited Content or Activity
Inappropriate Categories: Choosing incorrect or misleading categories for your business.
Illegal Activities: Promoting products or services that are illegal in your region or against Google’s policies (e.g., counterfeit goods).
Fake Reviews: Posting fake reviews for your business or incentivizing customers to leave positive reviews can lead to suspension.
Spam: Creating multiple listings for the same business, or spammy practices such as excessive keyword stuffing.

3. Ownership and Verification Issues
Ownership Conflicts: If there’s a dispute over the ownership of the Google Business Profile, Google may suspend the listing until the issue is resolved.
Unverified Business: If you fail to verify your business through Google’s verification methods (e.g., phone, postcard, email).
Multiple Accounts for One Business: Managing the same business through multiple accounts can trigger suspensions.

4. Policy Violations
Violating Google’s Terms of Service: Any violation of Google’s terms, including posting inappropriate content, violating local laws, or misleading users, can trigger a suspension.
Prohibited Business Types: Certain businesses, such as those that operate online-only (without a physical location where customers can visit), are not eligible for a Google Business Profile and could be suspended.

5. Address or Location Manipulation
Listing Ineligible Locations: Creating listings for places where your business doesn’t exist, such as shared workspaces where you don’t regularly meet clients.
Multiple Locations: If you’re caught listing multiple locations for the same business when you don’t have a physical presence in each of those locations.

6. User-Generated Content Violations
Abuse of Photos or Posts: Sharing images, videos, or posts that violate Google’s guidelines, including content that is inappropriate, offensive, or irrelevant to the business.
Inappropriate Engagement with Reviews: Responding to reviews in a way that violates Google’s community guidelines (e.g., abusive language).

7. Suspicious Activity or Fraudulent Behavior
Sudden Listing Changes: Making frequent and significant changes to your business information (like the name or location) in a short period of time.
Fake Listings: Creating fake business listings or pretending to be a business you’re not.

8. Inactivity
Lack of Activity: If a business profile has been inactive for a long time, Google may suspend it for inactivity.

Types of Suspensions:
Soft Suspension: Your profile is unverified, and it is removed from search results until verified again.
Hard Suspension: Your profile is completely removed from Google Search and Maps.

To avoid suspensions, it’s important to follow Google’s guidelines strictly and ensure your business information is accurate and truthful.

Skilled Trade Marketing,  116, Triq Tal-Mensija, San Ġwann, Malta
Support Centre : Call +356 9982 8299.