How to protect your business and why Google My Business is essential
In today’s digital world, online presence is a fundamental pillar for any company, large or small. Google, with its many services, plays a central role in this presence. Whether it’s for search, advertising or managing your local visibility, Google is indispensable. However, a recent wave of account suspensions has caused concern among many SMEs and entrepreneurs. These suspensions, often unexpected and without clear warning, can have disastrous consequences, from loss of visibility to cutting off communications with customers.
At Arcane Evolution, we understand that, for many of you, digital marketing isn’t your cup of tea. You’re experts in your field, and don’t necessarily have the time or resources for an in-house marketing department. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate this complex landscape and protect your business.
Understanding the wave of Google account suspensions
In recent months, a growing number of business owners have found themselves faced with a discouraging message: “Your account has been suspended”. This suspension can affect various Google services, including Google Ads, Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business), or even Google Workspace accounts. The reasons behind these suspensions are varied and often hard to pin down for unsuspecting users, adding to the frustration and sense of helplessness.
Why does Google suspend accounts?
Google implements strict policies to ensure a safe and reliable online environment for all its users. The aim is to prevent fraudulent activity, spam, misinformation and deceptive practices. Here are the most common reasons why an account may be suspended:
- Non-compliance with advertising policies (Google Ads): If you use Google Ads, any breach of advertising policies may result in suspension. This includes advertising prohibited products or services, using misleading advertising practices (e.g. catchy headlines that do not reflect the content of the landing page), circumventing Google’s systems (attempting to bypass restrictions), or promoting low-quality content.
- Incorrect or misleading information on Google Business Profile: Your Google Business Profile listing should be an accurate reflection of your business. Any false information, such as an address that doesn’t exist, incorrect opening hours, or the use of excessive keywords in your business name to manipulate rankings, may result in suspension. Google actively fights against spam and fake profiles that harm the user experience.
- Suspicious or fraudulent activity: Google closely monitors activity that could indicate attempted account hacking, spamming activity, or other malicious behavior. This may include logins from unusual locations, phishing attempts, or unauthorized changes to security settings.
- Non-compliant content: Whether on YouTube, Google Drive, or other platforms, publishing illegal, hateful, violent, or sexually explicit content is a clear violation of Google’s terms of use.
- Multiple accounts for the same entity: In some cases, having multiple Google Ads accounts for the same company without clear justification can be seen as an attempt to circumvent policies, leading to suspensions.
- Payment problems: Recurring problems with payments (declined cards, fraud) on Google Ads can also lead to suspension.
The consequences of suspension
The repercussions of a Google account suspension are often devastating for a small business or entrepreneur:
- Loss of visibility: Your business may disappear from Google search results, Google Maps, and all other services associated with your suspended account. This means fewer potential customers finding you.
- Stopping advertising campaigns: If your Google Ads account is suspended, all your campaigns are interrupted, cutting off a vital customer acquisition channel.
- Impact on reputation: A suspension can affect your company’s credibility, especially if customers can no longer find your profile or information online.
- Data loss: In the most serious cases, you could lose access to important data stored in Google services, such as emails or documents.
- Difficulties reinstating the account: The process of claiming and reinstating a suspended account can be long, complex and frustrating, often requiring detailed evidence and a thorough understanding of Google’s policies.
How can you protect your business?
The best defense is prevention. Here are some key measures to minimize the risk of your Google account being suspended:
- Read Google’s policies carefully: Take the time to understand the terms of use of each Google service you use, as well as the specific rules of Google Ads or Google Business Profile. This is the first step in avoiding mistakes.
- Check and update your information regularly: Make sure that all your company information on Google Business Profile is accurate, up-to-date and complete. This includes your company name, address, telephone number, opening hours and website.
- Be transparent and honest: Never try to deceive Google or your customers. Avoid “black hat SEO” tactics or misleading advertising. Honesty is always the best long-term policy.
- Monitor your account activity: Check your Google accounts regularly for any suspicious activity. Enable two-step verification for enhanced security.
- Use valid and up-to-date payment methods: For Google Ads, make sure your payment details are correct and that you have no overdue payments.
- Avoid prohibited content: Be vigilant about the content you publish on Google platforms.
- Get training or support: If Google’s policies seem too complex, invest in training or, better still, get support from digital marketing experts who understand these nuances.
If your account has been suspended, don ‘t panic – we’re here to help. The recovery process is often possible, and we can guide you to understand the reason for the suspension, prepare a solid case with all the necessary evidence, and increase your chances of recovery.
Google My Business: Your passport to local visibility
Now that we’ve covered the dangers of suspensions, let’s talk about an often underrated but incredibly powerful tool for SMEs and entrepreneurs: Google My Business (now Google Business Profile). This free service from Google is absolutely essential for any business wanting to be found by local customers.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a platform that lets you manage and optimize your business listing on Google. This listing appears when people search for your business or the products/services you offer, whether on Google Search or Google Maps. It contains crucial information such as your address, phone number, opening hours, website, photos, customer reviews and much more.
Why is Google My Business so important?
For SMEs and entrepreneurs without a marketing department, Google My Business is a real asset, offering unrivalled visibility and a direct connection with your potential customers.
- Increased local visibility: This is the most effective way to appear in local search results and on Google Maps. When a customer searches for “restaurant near me” or “plumber Laval”, your optimized listing has a much better chance of appearing. 46% of all Google searches are local. If you’re not on Google Maps, you’re missing out on a huge share of potential customers.
- Credibility and trust: A complete, verified Google Business Profile inspires confidence. Photos, positive reviews and clear information reassure potential customers and encourage them to choose your company over others. Customer reviews play a major role: 93% of consumers read online reviews before visiting a company.
- Complete source of information for customers: Your listing acts as a mini digital storefront. Customers can quickly find everything they need to contact you, visit your establishment or visit your website, without even having to rummage around.
- Direct communication with customers: Google Business Profile lets customers call you directly, send you messages, ask questions and even book appointments (if enabled). You can also respond to reviews, showing that you care about your customers.
- Performance analysis: The platform offers valuable statistics on how customers find your company (by direct search, by discovery), how often they call, visit your website, or request directions. This data is essential for understanding your audience and adjusting your strategies.
- Competitive edge: Many small businesses don’t optimize their Google Business Profile properly, or even have one at all. By having a complete, well-managed listing, you’ll be one step ahead of your competitors.
- Complementing other marketing efforts: Google Business Profile doesn’t replace your website or advertising campaigns, but complements them harmoniously, strengthening your overall online presence.
Optimize your Google My Business listing: Our tips
To get the most out of Google My Business, simply creating a listing isn’t enough. Optimization is key:
- Check your listing: This is the first crucial step in taking control of your online presence. Without verification, your listing is limited.
- Fill in all the information 100%: Don’t leave any field blank. The more complete your listing, the more information Google will have to present it to the right people.
- Add high-quality photos: Photos of your business, your products and your team create a professional, attractive image.
- Collect and respond to reviews: Encourage your satisfied customers to leave reviews. Respond to all reviews, whether positive or negative, in a professional and respectful manner.
- Publish regular “Posts”: Use the “Posts” feature to share news, special offers, events or important updates. This keeps your listing active and relevant.
- Use “Questions & Answers”: Monitor and answer the questions that visitors ask about your listing. You can even add your own frequently asked questions.
- Choose the right categories: Select the most precise and relevant categories for your business.
- Ensure NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency: Your name, address and phone number must be identical everywhere your company is mentioned online (website, directories, social networks).
Arcane Evolution : Your partner in digital marketing
Managing your online presence, protecting your Google accounts and optimizing your Google Business Profile can seem overwhelming, especially if it’s not your area of expertise. That’s where Arcane Evolution comes in.
We specialize in helping SMEs and entrepreneurs who, like you, don’t have an in-house marketing department. Our mission is to simplify digital marketing for you, providing clear, accessible and effective strategies that let you focus on what you do best: running your business.
Whether you need help with :
- Understand why your Google account has been suspended and how to get it back.
- Optimize your Google Business Profile to maximize your local visibility.
- Manage your SEO efficiently, taking into account new artificial intelligence data (LLM)
- Develop a content strategy for your blog.
- Manage your social networks.
We’re here to support you. We speak your language and implement practical solutions to help you thrive online. Don’t let the complexities of digital marketing hold you back.
Ready to discuss your digital marketing strategy and protect your business from the unexpected?
Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation! You can also make an appointment directly to discuss your specific needs.
