Client Acquired Another GBP and Was Suspended by Google

[solive]

I recently had a client who acquired another business and that business' GBP. The client changed the name on the old GBP to their own, and the profile was subsequently suspended. I submitted an appeal to Google with the client's business license and a utility bill, both showing the client name with the old business' address. However, Google denied this appeal, saying "We checked your account and it appears like your Business Profile isn’t eligible to display on Google because it violates the GBP quality guidelines."

Does anyone have any advice on next steps to take in this situation?

 

[fisicx]

Google are correct.

One business = one GBP

Change the name on the profile and it's no longer the same verified business so will get suspended.

 

[Professor M]

I recently had a client who acquired another business and that business' GBP. The client changed the name on the old GBP to their own, and the profile was subsequently suspended. I submitted an appeal to Google with the client's business license and a utility bill, both showing the client name with the old business' address. However, Google denied this appeal, saying "We checked your account and it appears like your Business Profile isn’t eligible to display on Google because it violates the GBP quality guidelines."

Does anyone have any advice on next steps to take in this situation?

What is the type of business? Is it a storefront or a service area business?

 

[solive]

What is the type of business? Is it a storefront or a service area business?

It is a service area business.

 

[fisicx]

You changed the name on the GBP. That breaks the rules and why you got suspended.

 

[Professor M]

It is a service area business.

Ok, was the business's address a home address? or did your client take over an office and staff?

 

[solive]

Ok, was the business's address a home address? or did your client take over an office and staff?

There is a business address and the client took over an office and staff. It's a home services business

 

[fisicx]

There is a business address and the client took over an office and staff. It's a home services business

Makes no difference. You changed the name of the business in the GBP. This means the profile is now null and void.

This is to stop someone creating a fantastic profile, getting loads of reviews and then selling it on to another business. It's not allowed.

 

[solive]

Makes no difference. You changed the name of the business in the GBP. This means the profile is now null and void.

This is to stop someone creating a fantastic profile, getting loads of reviews and then selling it on to another business. It's not allowed.

That makes sense. Is there any way to get it transferred over if it's a true acquisition or would this need a completely new GBP?

 

[fisicx]

A completely new GBP.

Or keep the name of the acquisition the same - it has a local reputation so use this to your advantage.

 

[Professor M]

There is a business address and the client took over an office and staff. It's a home services business

If it’s an office location with staff, reinstating the profile should be fine. However, since the business is now at a different office address, you’ll need to provide evidence for the new address rather than the old one.

As for the rebranding, whether it’s possible will depend on whether the new business name represents a minor change from the previous name or a significant one. Here are the guidelines to consider:

Your Business Profile may be eligible for rebranding (defined as an eligible name change without creating a new Business Profile) if you make a minor name change, in which the proper nouns and services described in the business name remain unchanged and the business category remains unchanged.

You may also be eligible for rebranding if you have multiple locations and the business name changes.

If your business meets the rebranding criteria above, you can update your business name when you edit your business information.

If your business changes its name but doesn't meet the criteria above, then it's considered a new business. You must mark the existing Business Profile as closed and then create a new Business Profile with your new business name

 

[fisicx]

If it’s an office location with staff, reinstating the profile should be fine. However, since the business is now at a different office address, you’ll need to provide evidence for the new address rather than the old one.

It's a different business. ABC has a GBP. ABC acquired XYZ which is at a different location. ABC renamed XYZ to ABC (or a variant thereof) and probably other profile details. As XYZ no longer exists all the reviews and other markers no longer apply so Google suspended the profile.