How a Google My Business Suspension Impacts a Business
A suspended GMB listing diminishes customer trust by hiding critical business information like hours and reviews, potentially leading customers to doubt the business's legitimacy and reliability.
A suspended Google My Business (GMB) listing can significantly impact a business, disrupting its online presence and hindering customer engagement. This digital tool is crucial for local businesses, offering visibility on Google Search and Maps, often potential customers’ first contact points. Understanding the ramifications of a suspended GMB account underscores the importance of maintaining compliance with Google’s guidelines.
Invisibility
One of the most immediate consequences of a suspended GMB listing is the loss of online visibility. When a business listing is suspended, it no longer appears in local search results or Google Maps. This invisibility can drastically reduce the number of new customers discovering the business online. This digital presence is a primary driver of foot traffic and inquiries for many local businesses. Without it, potential customers may turn to competitors whose listings remain active and visible.
Lost trust
A suspended GMB listing can also significantly affect customer trust. An active and well-maintained GMB profile conveys legitimacy and professionalism. It provides critical information such as business hours, contact details, and customer reviews. When a listing is suspended, this information becomes inaccessible, leading to confusion and mistrust among existing and potential customers. They may question the status or reliability of the business, opting instead for businesses with active and detailed listings.
Lost reviews
A suspension also impacts customer reviews, an essential component of a business’s online reputation. New customer reviews cannot be added during a suspension, and existing reviews become hidden. Reviews are crucial in influencing purchasing decisions, with many customers relying heavily on them to gauge a business’s quality and reliability. The absence of reviews can make it difficult for potential customers to make informed decisions, further reducing the business’s attractiveness.
Lost calls
The disruption caused by a suspended GMB listing also extends to operational aspects. GMB listings often serve as a primary point of contact, with features that allow customers to call directly from the listing, get directions, or visit the business’s website. The suspension removes these conveniences, making it harder for customers to connect with the business. It can lead to missed opportunities, reduced customer engagement, and a decline in sales and revenue.
Help is available
Restoring a suspended GMB listing can be a time-consuming process. Google’s reinstatement procedures involve verifying that the business complies with all relevant guidelines. This process can take several days to weeks, depending on the issue’s complexity and the information’s accuracy. During this period, the business continues to suffer from reduced visibility and accessibility, exacerbating the negative impact on customer acquisition and retention.
Decline in sales
The financial implications of a suspended GMB listing are also significant. For businesses that rely on search traffic from local users, the drop in visibility can lead to a noticeable decline in sales. Reduced customer inquiries, fewer bookings, and lower foot traffic can result in substantial revenue losses, particularly for small businesses with tight margins. The cost of regaining lost ground in search rankings and rebuilding customer trust adds to the financial burden.
Competition is fierce
Moreover, the competitive landscape is unforgiving. Competitors with active and well-optimized GMB listings will likely capture the market share left vacant by the suspended business. These competitors can leverage their uninterrupted visibility to attract new customers, further entrenching their position in the market. The suspended business, meanwhile, must work hard to reclaim its lost visibility and customer base once the listing is reinstated.
Prevention
Preventing a GMB suspension involves adhering strictly to Google’s guidelines and regularly monitoring the listing for compliance issues. Business owners must post accurate business information, avoid prohibited content, and respond promptly to any alerts or warnings from Google. Regular audits of the GMB profile can help identify and address issues before the business finds its account suspended.
Help when needed
Seeking assistance from experts can be invaluable when facing a suspended Google My Business (GMB) listing. These professionals possess the expertise and experience to navigate Google’s reinstatement process efficiently. They can thoroughly review the listing to identify and rectify any compliance issues, ensuring that all necessary information is accurate and up-to-date. Additionally, such an entity can provide strategic advice on maintaining a robust online presence while the listing is being reinstated, helping to mitigate the impact on visibility and customer engagement. By leveraging their knowledge and resources, marketing companies can streamline the reinstatement process and help a business quickly regain its vital online presence.
A suspended Google My Business listing can have severe and far-reaching effects on a business. From lost visibility and customer trust to operational disruptions and financial losses, the impact underscores the importance of maintaining compliance with Google’s guidelines and seeking expert help. Proactive management and vigilance can help prevent suspensions, preserving the crucial benefits that an active GMB listing provides.
Green Thumb Local creates powerful online advertising and brand management for your local business. If you want a fully customized web presence without the hassle, call 480-360-0101 today!
