Over the years, Google Business Profile has become much more complex. Over time, I have answered numerous questions on the Google Business Profile Help Forum from business owners who needed assistance with their profiles. Below are some frequently asked questions from users like you.
### 1. Can random people really make changes to my Google Business Profile listing?
Yes. Even though it may not seem fair, anyone can suggest a change or edit to your business listing. User-generated changes, such as updates to your location or phone number, can go live without you being notified. It’s a best practice to log into your Google Business Profile dashboard regularly to ensure no incorrect changes have occurred.
If you notice updates, it could be because Google has modified your listing based on new information from other directories, a trusted third-party source, a change on Google Maps, or an edit submitted by a trusted Google user. While Google is supposed to send notifications for changes, these alerts are not always reliable. Regularly checking your listing is crucial for maintaining accuracy.
### 2. My Google Business Profile is suspended. I’ve appealed the suspension, and all my appeals were denied. Is there anything more I can do?
If your Google Business Profile appeals have been denied, you may not have further options to regain your listing. Creating a new profile is not advisable according to Google guidelines. However, if you are in a European Economic Area member state, you may have additional redress options.
Before appealing, ensure your Business Profile follows all guidelines. Make necessary changes to adhere to these policies and gather evidence to support your appeal, such as business licenses or utility bills that match the business details on your listing. Once compliant, use the Appeals tool for your submission.
### 3. I recently moved my Service Area Business and changed my GBP listing to my new address, but it’s still showing up in my old service area. How do I fix this problem?
This issue may occasionally occur due to system glitches. To resolve it, revert the current GBP listing to the old address and create a new listing in the same account with the new address. For a Service Area Business, ensure the address is toggled off to avoid display. Then contact GBP support to merge the profiles, providing them with the Business Profile IDs, old and new addresses, and specifying which profile should display the current address. Note that this solution is only for Service Area Businesses, not storefronts.
### 4. I have some fake reviews on my Google Business Profile listing. How can I get them removed?
First, consider whether these reviews actually violate Google’s guidelines or simply aren’t favorable. If they violate policies, respond politely to the reviewer to show you care about customer feedback. Google offers tips on responding to reviews.
Next, log into your Google Business Profile dashboard, locate the offending review, and flag it. Describe the policy violation and send your report to Google. Wait three to five days for a response. If unresolved, use the Reviews Management tool for further action.
### 5. I have many Google Business Profile questions. Where can I get answers?
For specific questions or issues, the Google Business Profile Help forum is a valuable resource. Look for responses from users with the “Product Expert” designation, as they are recognized by Google for their expertise.
Managing your Google Business Profile effectively requires vigilance and an understanding of the system’s complexities. Stay proactive by checking your profile regularly, gathering necessary evidence for appeals, and utilizing resources like the Google Business Profile Help Forum to maintain the accuracy of your business listing.
