Troubleshoot Google Business Profile Issues Like a Pro
Google Business Profile (GBP) Can Be a Game-Changer (and a Headache)
- Anirban Guha
- August 21, 2025
- 8:10 pm
You’ve set up your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business), uploaded vibrant photos, and collected glowing reviews—then overnight your profile vanishes, gets suspended, or refuses to update. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. In competitive hubs like Kolkata, where local search visibility is everything, GBP headaches can derail your business growth. But with this actionable guide, you’ll resolve the most common GBP issues—fast, and with zero jargon.
5 Common Google Business Profile Troubleshoots
Why This Happens:
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Your business is new or not verified.
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Details on your profile and website don’t match.
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Google flagged possible spam or auto-removal triggers.
Actions to Take:
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Match all profile details (Name, Address, Phone) with your website and other listings.
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Complete all GBP verification steps (postcard, phone, or email).
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Review and comply with Google’s Business Profile guidelines.
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If you’re still missing, contact Google Business Support and request a manual review.
Tejom Insight Tip: If you run a home-based business or have no storefront, set your profile as a “Service Area Business.” This avoids listing removals.
2. Profile Suspended? Here’s How to Recover
Why This Happens:
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Too many changes too fast (edits, address, business type).
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Reports by users or competitors.
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Use of prohibited or misleading categories.
Actions to Take:
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Go to GBP Dashboard > Account Issues > “Learn more” for suspension reasons.
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Submit a reinstatement request with documents that prove your business legitimacy.
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Limit frequent edits; avoid major profile changes in short periods.
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Always use a business email for your GBP account.
3. Business Info Wrong? Hours or Address Incorrect?
Why This Happens:
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Google auto-approved a third-party suggestion.
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Address is not formatted correctly.
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Someone (customer or competitor) suggested changes.
Actions to Take:
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Log in regularly and double-check all business info.
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Standardize your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) across the web.
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Report incorrect details promptly through GBP Support > “Fix Incorrect Information.”
Tejom Insight Tips: For businesses with multiple offices or branches (e.g., Salt Lake, Garia), create a separate GBP listing for each location under the same Google account. Group and manage these listings inside your Google Business Profile dashboard.
4. Customer Reviews Not Showing or Disappearing
Why This Happens:
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Rapid influx of positive reviews triggers spam filters.
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Reviews include prohibited language or links.
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Google’s algorithms randomly filter out some submissions.
Actions to Take:
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Encourage detailed, authentic reviews—avoid incentives!
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If a real review disappears, ask the customer to resubmit or edit.
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Monitor and report obviously fake or policy-violating reviews.
5. Lost Access to Your Google Business Profile?
Why This Happens:
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Lost login credentials.
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Profile claimed by a previous employee.
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You’re trying to access a business already verified.
Actions to Take:
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Use the “Forgot Password” feature on Google.
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If you need transfer of ownership, request access via GBP Dashboard.
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If you hit a wall, gather business ownership proof and contact Google Support directly.
Google Business Profile (GBP) Checklist
A verified, regularly updated, and error-free Google Business Profile can dramatically improve local search traffic—whether you’re a café in Park Street, a retailer in South City Mall, or an agency like Tejom Digital. Tackle GBP problems head-on for steady leads and better ranking.
Persistent GBP headaches? Let Tejom Digital handle your local SEO and Google Business Profile management—while you focus on growth!
📞 Contact us: contact@tejomdigital.com
Google Business Profile (GBP) Checklist
1. Claim or Create Your Google Business Profile
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Search for your business on Google or Google Maps.
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If unlisted, create a new profile.
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If listed but unclaimed, claim ownership.
2. Verify Your Business Profile
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Choose your verification method based on availability:
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Video verification (recommended in 2025 for most new or updated profiles).
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Phone call verification.
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Email verification.
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Postcard verification (less common or unavailable now).
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Gather required documents for verification, such as:
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Photos of your business premises showing signage and equipment.
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Utility bills or lease agreements proving your business address.
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Business license or Secretary of State documentation.
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Complete verification by entering your received code or submitting the video.
3. Optimize Your Profile After Verification
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Ensure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all listings.
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Add detailed business hours and update them regularly.
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Upload high-quality photos showing your storefront, products, or services.
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Respond promptly and professionally to customer reviews.
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Use relevant local keywords in your business description and posts.
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Create posts on GBP to highlight offers, events, or updates.
4. Maintain and Monitor Your Profile
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Regularly check your business info for accuracy and update as necessary.
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Monitor for incorrect user suggestions or competitor edits and report/fix them.
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Keep an eye on reviews to address any disappearing ones or spam.
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Stay compliant with Google’s Business Profile guidelines.
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Use Google Business Profile Insights to track views, searches, and engagement.
This checklist will keep your GBP verified, optimized, and driving local search traffic effectively.
If you want a detailed step-by-step or specialized help, experts like Tejom Digital can assist with profile setup, verification, and ongoing management.
Quick FAQ for Google Business Profile Troubleshooting
Q1. Why isn’t my Google Business Profile appearing in search?
Your profile may be unverified, too new, or not meeting Google’s guidelines. Make sure to complete verification and check for any policy compliance issues.
Q2. How long does it take for a new GBP listing to appear?
Typically, it takes 3 to 7 days for new listings to be indexed, but verification steps or issues may extend the time.
Q3. Why was my GBP profile suspended?
Suspensions usually happen due to violations of Google’s policies, making too many changes too quickly, or reports by users or competitors. You need to submit a reinstatement request with proof of your business’s legitimacy.
Q4. How do I recover my GBP account if I lose access?
Try the “Forgot Password” option or request ownership transfer through the Google Business Profile dashboard.
Q5. Can I have multiple locations under one GBP listing?
No. Each business location must have its unique listing for best SEO and visibility.
Q6. Why are my customer reviews disappearing?
Google filters out reviews that appear spammy, incentivized, or violate content policies. Ask customers to rewrite and resubmit genuine reviews.
Q7. How do I report incorrect business information on Google?
You can manually correct details via your Google Business Profile dashboard or contact Google Support to fix wrong information.
Q8. Can I use a P.O. Box as my business address?
No, Google requires a physical address or you must set your profile as a service area business.
Q9. How do I improve my GBP ranking?
Regularly update your profile, add quality photos, respond to reviews, and incorporate local keywords.
Q10. Why does my GBP listing say “Temporarily Closed”?
Google may flag your business as temporarily closed due to inactivity or incorrect hours. Update your business hours and submit corrections.
Q11. Can I delete a negative review on my GBP profile?
No, you cannot delete reviews, but you can report reviews that violate Google’s guidelines.
Q12. How often should I update my GBP profile?
At least once a month to keep your profile fresh and relevant.
Q13. What is Google Business Profile Insights?
It’s a tool that tracks how customers find your profile, including views, searches, and interactions.
Q14. How do I verify my GBP profile quickly?
Phone, email, or video verification methods tend to be faster than postal mail.
Q15. What’s the best way to manage Google Business Profile issues?
Consider hiring local SEO experts like Tejom Digital to handle troubleshooting and optimization smoothly.
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Anirban Guha
Anirban Guha is the creative mind behind Tejom Digital! With a deep passion for digital marketing and graphic design, he brings a wealth of experience in media and brand communication to the table. Anirban kick-started his career at the Times of India Group after earning his MBA in Marketing and Finance from Amity University. Besides his professional journey, he's also a talented painter in the Stuckist genre. When he’s not working, you can find him happily diving into a good read, exploring history, binge-watching movies, or indulging in gastronomy!