In today’s digital world, having a verified Google Business Profile is crucial for businesses looking to attract local customers. An active and thriving Google Business Profile is the Life and Blood of a Local Business.
Whether you’re a plumber, electrician, or any other service-area-based business, your profile can be a powerful tool to increase visibility and trust. But how can you do that if you are providing services at the Customer’s location and your business does not require a physical address?
In that case, getting your profile approved—especially if you don’t have a physical storefront—can be tricky. Here’s a guide on how to properly set up and maintain a service-area-based business profile to avoid getting suspensions in the first place.
In this article, we will try to answer some common questions about how verification works for a “Service-area”-based Google Business Profile and what to do if your profile is suspended.
Keep reading for a backdoor to get Google’s attention after multiple suspensions.
1. Set up your Google Business Profile correctly in the first place.
For businesses that provide services at customer locations, Google allows you to create a “service-area business profile.” This is perfect for businesses like plumbers, HVAC contractors, Roofers, Landscapers, Remodelers, Water Damage cleaners, or delivery services that don’t have a physical storefront but serve customers in specific geographic areas.
DO NOT use a P.O. Box for Verification, Instead…
If you don’t have a physical business address, it might be tempting to use a P.O. box number for verification. However, this can cause problems down the line. Google does not allow P.O. boxes as valid addresses for businesses. Don’t be surprised if the profile is suspended within a week’s time of using the PO box number in your address.
In the case of “Service Area”-based businesses, in order to verify your profile, Google will ask for a mailing address and a Video of the premises. In that case, it is best to use your home address or any physical location registered as your business address that appears on government documentation like IRS Documents, Insurance Documents, Business Licenses, etc.
When shooting a video of your premises, make sure the clarity of the video is optimal, it is taken at the physical address (even if it is your home), and includes your service equipment, personnel (wearing your company’s uniform showing logos), vans (with company logos), your work desk, etc.
To get brownie points with Google:
Have the business owner shoot the video himself, at the end of which he can appear in the frame, identifying himself and stating that
“This is [Business Owner’s Name]. I am the owner of [Business Name]. We are [plumbers/HVAC contractors etc]. We provide services at our customer’s locations. Ours is a service-area-based business covering [Service areas], and we operate out of our home, where this video is being shot.”
Have the business owner shoot the video himself, at the end of which he can appear in the frame, identifying himself and stating that
“This is [Business Owner’s Name]. I am the owner of [Business Name]. We are [plumbers/HVAC contractors etc]. We provide services at our customer’s locations. Ours is a service-area-based business covering [Service areas], and we operate out of our home, where this video is being shot.”
Use a Service Area, Not a Physical Address:
When setting up the profile, define your service areas based on the locations you serve, such as cities, postal codes, or regions, rather than providing a physical address. This is essential for businesses that don’t have a storefront.
Don’t forget to TURN OFF the Toggle. “Show Business Address to Customers”
2. Avoid Common Pitfalls That Could Lead to Suspension
Even if you follow the guidelines above, there’s a chance that your profile might be flagged or suspended if the information you provide isn’t consistent or accurate across your Google Business Profile and other online listings.
A common mistake that businesses make is trying to change their service-area profile into a profile that looks like a storefront business. For example, if you provide a P.O. box address to verify your business but later try to list a physical address for Local Service Ads or other citations, it could lead to suspension.
3. Appeal Process: What to Do If Your Profile Is Suspended
If your business profile gets suspended, don’t panic. Here’s how to appeal the suspension and get your profile reinstated by following the steps below:
Try to Understand the Reason for Suspension:
Many times, the email notification of suspension will include the link for Google’s policies. It is rare for Google to provide an exact, accurate reason for suspension. All they do is direct you to the same support article about their policies.
In that case, there are 2 things you can consider:
- Audit your entire profile for inaccuracies. Here’s a checklist you can Copy & Use
- Compare your profile with a competitor’s profile in your area to analyze the gaps in your profile
Gather the Right Documentation
Submitting the correct documentation is key when appealing a suspension. Google requires proof that your business is legitimate and that your service area or verification address is accurate.
Assume that your profile is as if you’re applying for the first time, and provide as many supporting documents as possible to establish the legitimacy of the business.
IMP: to make sure the NAP (i.e., Business Name, Address and Phone Number) are consistent across all these documents.
Here’s an exhaustive list of documents that can come in handy for “service-area-based” local businesses
- Business Incorporation showing EIN
- IRS Tax Documents
- Business Utility Bills
- Business Service Licenses (screenshots from govt websites)
- Personnel Payroll Documentation
- Invoices issued to the customers in your Service Area
- Video Testimonials of the Client
- Video of the business location, same as the one used for verification (refer to the initial Setup section of this article)
- Images of the equipment, vans, personnel
- Before & After pictures of your job
These documents should reflect the address or service area you listed on your profile, helping to confirm the legitimacy of your business.
REMEMBER:
- Collect the documents before you submit the appeal. Google allows you to provide “Additional Evidence” within 60 minutes of submitting the appeal.
- Google allows only 2 places for uploading documents. In most cases, if you submit more than 2 documents, they need to be combined into one file.
Update Your Profile
If your initial profile setup wasn’t correct (e.g., listing a P.O. box when it should have been a service area), update your profile. For service-area businesses, provide additional documentation, such as invoices from customers located within your service area, to help validate your operations.
Submit the Appeal
Once everything is corrected and all necessary documents are gathered, submit your appeal. With the right adjustments and documentation. In case there were mistakes on your Profile below, admit to those while submitting your appeal in the box allotted for “Additional Context.”
Here’s an example template for you to Follow:
Dear Google,
I am reaching out to request the reinstatement of our business profile for [Business Name]. We are a [business category] business with a service area of [mention your service area] in the [State, Country].
Since our suspension, we have identified and corrected the issue with our listing related to [mention the updates done to the profile].
I am reaching out to request the reinstatement of our business profile for [Business Name]. We are a [business category] business with a service area of [mention your service area] in the [State, Country].
Since our suspension, we have identified and corrected the issue with our listing related to [mention the updates done to the profile].
In support of our request to review, we are attaching the below official documents:
- [Document 1] includes [Names of all the documents that are combined]
- [Document 2] includes [Names of all the documents that are combined]
We kindly request that you review these documents and reinstate our business, as we are now in compliance with Google’s guidelines.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Best regards,
Best regards,
[Your Name as it appears on your Chrome Profile from where you are submitting this appeal]
Google will often reinstate your profile within a few days to a week.
Key Takeaways for Getting Your Service Area Business Approved
Service-Area Business Profiles:
If you don’t have a physical address, make sure to use a service-area-based profile from the start. This will prevent future issues and ensure you’re compliant with Google’s guidelines.
If you don’t have a physical address, make sure to use a service-area-based profile from the start. This will prevent future issues and ensure you’re compliant with Google’s guidelines.
Accurate Information Is Crucial
Double-check that the information you list on your profile matches your actual business details. This includes your service area, business type, and the documents you submit.
Double-check that the information you list on your profile matches your actual business details. This includes your service area, business type, and the documents you submit.
Submit Comprehensive Documentation
When appealing a suspension, make sure you have all the required documentation to support your claim accurately. The more detailed and precise your submission, the more likely Google will restore your profile.
Multiple Suspensions & How to Get Heard by Google
Usually, suspensions can be managed, and Appeals can be submitted via the “Manage Appeals” Portal HERE. Once you switch to the correct profile, you will be able to see the suspension and the reason for suspension, and you will be able to submit an appeal.
However, after two appeals, this portal will not allow any more appeals, and the “Continue” button will be greyed out.
To submit the appeal for the third time, here’s a backdoor entry form to get Google’s attention. However, this is available for one-time use only. If the profile is not approved after this 3rd attempt, it is almost beyond your hands. So, be prepared with all documentation prior to reaching this Step.
Final Thoughts
Getting your service-area-based Google Business Profile approved might take some extra steps, but it’s a worthwhile investment in your online presence. By following these best practices, ensuring accurate information, and carefully navigating the appeal process, you’ll be able to set up a fully functional and verified business profile. This will ultimately help attract more local customers and increase your business’s credibility online.
Do you need help navigating Google Business Profile setups or suspensions? OR If you need help getting more calls by improving your online presence, feel free to reach out to us HERE.
