Complete Google Business Profile Support for UK Businesses

Google Business Profile, sometimes still called GMB or Google My Business, is Google's free listing for local businesses. It controls how your business appears in Google Search and Google Maps, including your name, address or service area, opening hours, phone number, photos and reviews. For many local businesses it is one of the main ways new customers find them, which is why problems with it can be so disruptive.

Google suspends profiles when it believes they may not meet its Business Profile guidelines. Common triggers include keywords or locations added to the business name, an address customers cannot visit being shown publicly, virtual or shared offices, sudden changes to key details, or duplicate listings. Sometimes genuine businesses are caught by automated checks. Google does not always explain the exact reason, so a careful review of the profile and its history is usually the first step.

In many cases, yes, where the business is genuine and eligible. Reinstatement usually involves correcting anything that conflicts with the guidelines, then submitting an appeal through Google's Business Profile appeals tool with suitable evidence. Whether an appeal succeeds depends on the circumstances and the evidence provided, and the final decision rests with Google. If a business is not eligible in its current form, reinstatement may not be possible.

A rejected appeal does not always mean the end of the road, but it is a signal to step back. It may be that the underlying issue was not corrected, or that the evidence did not show clearly enough how the business operates. We can review what was submitted, identify gaps and advise whether a further submission is sensible. In some cases, we may conclude that the profile is unlikely to be reinstated.

Google may ask a business to reverify after significant edits, such as changing the business name, address, category or service area. It can also happen when Google's systems want more confidence that the business is genuine, or after a period of inactivity. Reverification often involves a video showing your location, equipment and proof of management. Preparing properly before you record can make the process smoother.

Yes, if your business makes in person contact with customers. Businesses that travel to customers, such as plumbers, cleaners or mobile mechanics, can set up as service-area businesses. They hide their address and show the areas they serve instead. Businesses that operate only online, or never meet customers in person, are generally not eligible for a Business Profile under Google's guidelines.

You can use your home address to verify a genuine business that you run from home. If customers do not visit you there, you should hide the address and set up service areas instead. If customers do visit your home, for example for appointments, the address may be shown. What you cannot do is use an address where the business does not genuinely operate.

It varies. Some businesses verify within minutes through an instant method, while others are asked for a video or other evidence that Google then reviews. Reviews can take anything from a few days to several weeks, depending on the circumstances and how busy Google's teams are. We cannot speed up Google's process, but we can help you prepare so the submission is clear and complete.

No. We cannot guarantee reinstatement, verification or any other outcome, and nobody independent of Google honestly can. Google reviews every case and makes the final decision. What we can do is review your situation carefully, help you correct any issues and prepare a clear, accurate, well evidenced submission. If we think your case is unlikely to succeed, we will tell you before you spend money on further work.

To start, we need your business name, a link to your Business Profile if you have one, and a short description of what has happened and when. Copies or screenshots of any messages from Google are very helpful, as is a note of any recent changes to the profile or business. We may later ask for supporting documents. We will never ask for your Google password.

Yes. We are based in London, but we work with businesses across the United Kingdom. Most of our work is carried out remotely, using manager access to your profile, screen-share sessions, email, phone and WhatsApp, so where you are located does not usually matter. If your business operates outside the UK, please get in touch and we will let you know whether we can help.

No. GMB Profile Solutions is an independent service provider and is not affiliated with Google. We are not a Google Partner or an official support channel, and we have no special access to Google's teams or systems. We help businesses understand their situation and prepare accurate submissions. Decisions on suspensions, appeals and verification are made by Google alone.