What’s the Best Way to Remove an Address from a Google Business Profile Without Getting Suspended?
Short Answer: There is no guaranteed way to change the address on your Google Business Profile without risking suspension. One possible approach is to have an external party or outsourced source suggest the new address, then accept these changes rather than making the change directly yourself. However, this method does not ensure your account remains safe, especially if your business is in sensitive industries like locksmith or garage door services.
Full Explanation
Google Business Profile addresses are sensitive pieces of information because they contribute to the authenticity and credibility of a business listing. Altering an address can sometimes trigger Google’s verification processes or even raise flags that may lead to account suspension. Directly changing your address is therefore risky.
An alternative method involves relying on outside sources—either individuals or outsourced services—to recommend the address change. With Google Maps and Business Profiles, if multiple independent accounts suggest an update to the address, the profile may reflect this change after review. By accepting these community-suggested changes, you indirectly modify the address without making the update yourself.
Despite this workaround, it is important to note there is no guarantee that Google won’t suspend your profile—especially if your business operates in industries that are more closely scrutinized, such as locksmith or garage door services. Google often applies stricter rules and verifications to protect users from fraudulent or inaccurate listings in these types of sectors.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
- Identify a trustworthy outsider or hire a reliable outsourced service willing to recommend a new address for your business profile.
- Have these independent accounts submit recommendations to Google suggesting the address update rather than making changes yourself.
- Monitor your Google Business Profile for suggested changes to appear.
- Review and accept the recommended address changes through your profile dashboard.
- Stay aware of your listing’s status and watch for any notifications or warnings from Google about suspension risks.
Real Examples
This approach has been noted as a potential solution by business owners wanting to avoid direct edits that might immediately trigger suspicion from Google. While specific documented cases are scarce, this method operates under the principle that multiple external recommendations carry less risk of retaliatory suspension than a single direct update.
Common Mistakes
- Directly changing the address yourself without using community recommendations, which may increase the risk of suspension.
- Choosing unreliable or non-independent parties to suggest the new address, possibly leading Google to detect manipulative behavior.
- Ignoring the unique risks associated with certain industries, like locksmith or garage door services, where Google monitors changes more strictly.
- Failing to review suggested changes carefully before acceptance.
FAQs
Q: Can I safely change my address on Google Business Profile myself?
There is no foolproof way to do this without risking suspension, especially in sensitive industries.
Q: Why is my business industry a factor?
Some industries tend to be targeted more frequently by fraudulent listings, so Google applies stricter moderation.
Q: Will using community recommendations always work?
No, it is a method that might help reduce risk but does not guarantee suspension will be avoided.
Key Takeaways
- Changing your Google Business Profile address carries inherent risks of suspension.
- The safest method is to have external parties recommend the address update rather than modifying it yourself.
- This indirect method offers a possible workaround but is not guaranteed to prevent suspension.
- Certain industries face greater risks when updating profile information due to stricter Google oversight.