Hidden From the SERP
Google has recently published some alarming information about its local SEO tool Google My Business. If your GMB account is managed by a person that had previously had a Google My Business account banned, your account could be in danger too.
If your account is managed by a third party, or you yourself have previously had problems with Google’s guidelines while running another business, your account may be risking suspension.
Should You Care?
First impressions count. And for many businesses, especially SMBs, Google My Business is often the first thing a potential customer sees when they search for your company online. Having a well optimized GMB account is a brilliant way to give customers basic information about your services, location, opening hours and much more.
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If your GMB is suspended you lose all of that. In some cases your business will also be delisted from Google Maps. For businesses that rely on foot traffic, GMB suspension is catastrophic.
What Can You Do?
Vetting your agency is important. If they — or their clientele — have a spotty history with Google in the past, they are not the best person to manage your account.
One way to assess your marketing agency’s bona fides is to see if they are a Google Partner. Google Partners have to pass several certification tests. It’s unlikely a certified agency would engage in questionable tactics that could harm your listing.
An Agency Warning
A short note to any marketing agency staff reading this post; the street goes both ways. If you are attached to a GMB page of an old client, and that page is mis-managed after you have stopped working for them, then you may see repercussions on other accounts you manage.
Be sure to remove yourself from any accounts that you no longer have an active role in managing, just in case.
It’s Too Late to Avoid a Google My Business Suspension
But what should you do if your account has already been suspended? The short answer is: reach out to Google. If you can prove that your account has been suspended incorrectly, you should eventually regain your account. But the process is not quick; it can be complicated especially if you’re not used to working with Google.
Would You Like to Work With a Google Partner?
If you’re worried a Google My Business suspension, reach out to us. As Google Partners and Local SEO experts, we would be happy to provide advice on how you can protect your online reputation.
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