Multiple Suspended GBP Profiles – Possible Conflict with SAB?

[Nika13]

Hey everyone,

I’m managing GBP listings for an appliance repair company with several physical locations and one long-standing SAB profile. Everything worked fine for years, but recently a few local profiles — and the SAB — were suspended. Some branches are still active. After multiple denied appeals (standard and via the local appeals form), we suspect the issue is the SAB overlapping service areas with the local profiles — which now seems to violate GBP policy, even though it wasn’t a problem before.

Quick summary:

• The SAB has hundreds of reviews and a strong history, so the client doesn’t want to lose it.
• Each local branch has proper signage, address, and documents (leases, bills, etc.).
• We’ve submitted appeals with all standard docs but only get vague “deceptive content” responses.
• Support hasn’t given clear guidance, and gathering photo/video evidence has been slow.

We’re now considering:

• Converting the SAB to a storefront/hybrid using a new physical address (not already in GBP). Will this retain reviews and ranking strength?
• Merging the SAB with a local profile — is this even possible without losing reviews?
• Any other approaches to recover both the SAB and suspended local profiles?

Would love to hear from anyone who’s handled something similar. Any advice on the safest way forward would be hugely appreciated!

 

[keyserholiday]

Since the SAB is suspended, that won’t deny the reinstatement of the other GBPs. I wonder if the description is what’s blocking the reinstatement.

 

[Nika13]

Since the SAB is suspended, that won’t deny the reinstatement of the other GBPs. I wonder if the description is what’s blocking the reinstatement.

We have rewritten the descriptions multiple times when submitting appeals, and there should be nothing in them that could have contributed to the suspension

 

[keyserholiday]

We have rewritten the descriptions multiple times when submitting appeals, and there should be nothing in them that could have contributed to the suspension

I clear them before applying for reinstatement.

 

[Nika13]

I clear them before applying for reinstatement.

Thanks for the tip! I’ll try it out

 

[MKing55]

Any luck @Nika13?

 

[GMBapi.com]

Hi @Nika13

You've described a complex but increasingly common GBP suspension scenario involving overlapping service areas between a Service Area Business (SAB) and storefront locations. Based on my knowledge, here’s a clear breakdown of your options and what’s likely to work:

​

1. Converting the SAB to a Hybrid/Storefront​

Yes, converting the SAB to a storefront or hybrid business can retain reviews and ranking strength — but only under specific conditions:

• The new address must be eligible (staffed, has signage, not shared/co-working).
• Google Support may require proof for the new address, including photos, signage, and utility bills.
• Review history and ranking are usually retained if the edit is approved instead of creating a new profile.

However, if you use the "Add Business" flow instead of editing the suspended listing, Google may treat it as a new entity — and you could lose reviews.

Best practice: Contact GBP support and request an address change to convert the SAB into a storefront using the existing profile.

2. Merging the SAB with a Local Storefront​

Merging is technically possible but risky in your case:

• Google only allows a merge when businesses are at the same address and represent the same entity.
• You cannot merge an SAB with a storefront in a different location and expect to retain all reviews.
• In most cases, Google will reject such a merge or treat it as a duplicate removal, and you will likely lose SAB reviews.

Not recommended unless the SAB and the storefront are the same business at the same physical location.

3. Additional Recommendations to Recover Suspended Profiles​

• Reinstate SAB with a compliant address: If the current SAB setup is no longer allowed, provide a new physical address that meets guidelines. Then request reinstatement.
• Avoid overlapping service areas: This is now a known suspension trigger. Make sure each profile’s service area is distinct.
• Include full documentation: Especially for reinstatement appeals, include photos of signage, business cards, staff at location, interior/exterior, and utility bills.
• If still denied, follow insider tips: Use the advice from former Google staff like in the support guide to escalate smartly.

If all options fail and you still face repeated rejections with vague “deceptive content” responses, the safest route is likely to:

• Create a storefront version of the SAB, ensuring it's fully compliant.
• Then redirect all marketing and link signals (from citations, website, etc.) to the new storefront.

Let me know if you’d like help drafting a reinstatement request.