By Abigail Leow
If you manage a Google Business Profile (GBP), you probably noticed an email in your inbox on July 31st that made your coffee go cold. Google announced a fresh batch of guidelines and policies, and let’s be real—whenever Google updates anything, it’s like they’ve thrown a new obstacle course into your daily grind.
The Lowdown: What’s New?
Google’s latest email was titled, "We’re simplifying our policies and guidelines," but let’s just say "simplifying" might be a bit of a stretch. The email links to an “Overview of Google Business Profile policies,” which gives you a pretty solid rundown of what can get your GBP restricted or suspended.
Here’s the kicker: Google is now spelling out violations in a bit more detail, which is a relief if you’ve ever found yourself on the wrong end of a vague suspension notice. But don’t get too comfy—they’re clear that this overview is just the tip of the iceberg. The real meat is in their full list of GBP policies and guidelines, and trust me, that’s where you’ll want to dig in.
Account-Level Restrictions: What You Need to Know
One of the biggest changes? Google’s now putting more emphasis on account-level restrictions. What does that mean for you? If your Google account isn’t in “good standing,” your GBP could be at risk. And it’s not just about your business profile—violations elsewhere in your Google world (think YouTube, Ads, etc.) can come back to haunt you.
Google’s message is pretty clear: keep your entire Google presence squeaky clean, or you could see your GBP hit with restrictions or even suspension. That’s not the kind of surprise you want showing up on a Monday morning.
Eligibility and Ownership: No More Guessing
Google also took this opportunity to get specific about who can and can’t have a GBP. If you’re running an online-only business or using a P.O. box as your business address, you might want to sit down. Google has officially declared that businesses must have in-person contact with customers during their stated hours to qualify for a GBP.
Here’s what Google considers ineligible:
A class or meeting at a location you don’t own or have authority to represent.
Lead generation companies.
Brands, artists, and online-only businesses.
Rental or for-sale properties like vacation homes, model homes, or vacant apartments.
So, if your business doesn’t physically interact with customers, your GBP could be at risk. This clarification is a game-changer for businesses that have been operating in the grey area of Google’s policies.
Posting Restrictions: Tread Lightly
On the content front, Google re-emphasized its prohibited and restricted content policies. If you’re using GBP posts to drive engagement, you’ve got to stay on the right side of these rules. That means no spamming, no offensive content, and certainly no false information.
While this might seem like a minor update, it’s actually a significant step in Google’s ongoing effort to clean up its platform. The rules might be more explicit now, but it’s up to you to make sure your GBP stays in line.
Final Thoughts
Look, I get it—keeping up with Google’s ever-evolving policies can feel like trying to hit a moving target. But here’s the bottom line: staying informed and compliant is your best defense against sudden suspensions or restrictions.
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