Multi-unit franchise with excess of suspensions

[Liz V]

Hi there!

I’ve noticed quite a few posts about the recent uptick in Google Business Profile suspensions. We’re a multi-unit franchise, and over the past four+ months, nearly every new listing we create has been suspended almost immediately for “deceptive content.”

What’s tripping us up is that our setup and verification process hasn’t changed, yet these suspensions are happening consistently and without a clear explanation of what exactly is being flagged as deceptive. When this first started, we had been able to successfully appeal and reinstate several listings, with an average turnaround of about two weeks. However, we also have some profiles that have been stuck in the “appeal submitted” status for nearly three months, which as you can imagine has been incredibly frustrating for new owners just trying to get their businesses off the ground.

Almost all of these locations are set up as SAB.

So my questions are:

• Has anyone identified what Google is interpreting as “deceptive” in their listings? We’re launching 4–6 new locations per month and would appreciate any insight that might help us adjust our process moving forward.
• Is there a way to get an actual representative to work with on the resolution? We've got over 350 locations and arent slowing down from a growth standpoint. I'd love to get our new owners launched on the right foot.

Thanks!

 

[AndreaBerens]

Hey Liz,

Google suspensions have been frustrating for everyone lately. They are currently backlogged and doing their best to get through them all in a timely manner. However, once this current situation is resolved, it will go back to being more of a predictable time period like previously. Until then, there isn't much any of us can do to help get any of them pushed through faster.

As far as getting a representative from Google to look at your process, unfortunately, that is not something that they do. What could be causing the problem initially is hard to tell without seeing an example or knowing more about your process. Deceptive content could mean a lot of things, so it's hard to narrow that down. Some common problems are:

1. Is the phone number unique to that location?
2. Is the business listed on the Secretary of State website or the BBB?
3. Does your company website mention the GBP that you are trying to get verified?

These are just a couple of examples, but if you would like, I could take a look at one of your listings and see if there is anything that stands out that could be causing the problem.

Thanks,
Andrea

 

[Liz V]

Hi Andrea,

Thank you for your response. I'd love the help if you are able to look at a profile and help us to potentially identify the issue. Please let me know how to best provide this information.

1. Is the phone number unique to that location? Yes, each location has their own local number, however this does go through a call center.
2. Is the business listed on the Secretary of State website or the BBB? this varies by location, but is something we could sort out with owners
3. Does your company website mention the GBP that you are trying to get verified? not until the page is verified

Thanks!