Will Applying for Reinstatement Harm My Current GMB?

Short Answer: There is a risk involved in applying for reinstatement directly; however, you can avoid harming your current Google My Business (GMB) by transferring the suspended listing to a new Gmail account and then submitting the appeal from there. This approach keeps both listings separate, using different accounts with distinct phone numbers, addresses, and messages, preventing Google from linking the two.

Full Explanation

When a Google My Business listing becomes suspended, the natural course of action is to appeal or apply for reinstatement. However, this process carries some risk for your existing active GMB profile. Google’s systems might link the suspended account to your current one, potentially putting your active listing at risk.

To mitigate this risk, you should transfer the suspended GMB listing to a new Gmail account dedicated solely for the appeal. Since this new account uses different contact information such as phone numbers and addresses, it remains isolated from your active GMB profile. Because of this separation, Google cannot associate the new appeal with the existing profile, thereby protecting your active business listing from any negative impact.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Identify the suspended GMB listing: Confirm which Google My Business account has been suspended.
2. Set up a new Gmail account: Create a new Google account that is distinct from your current business Gmail.
3. Transfer the suspended GMB listing: Move the ownership or management of the suspended listing to the new Gmail account.
4. Update contact details: Ensure the listing associated with the new account uses different phone numbers, addresses, and messaging details to maintain separation.
5. Submit your reinstatement appeal: File your appeal through the new Gmail account, minimizing the chance that Google links this process back to your current GMB.

Real Examples

While specific examples were not provided, the key principle is that Google cannot connect two GMB listings that are maintained under separate Google accounts with distinct contact details. When done properly, this method shields your active business profile from the risks associated with appealing a suspended listing.

Common Mistakes

• Appealing with the same Google account: Using the same account for appeal can risk linking both listings and endangering the active GMB profile.
• Not changing contact information: If phone numbers, addresses, or messages remain identical across accounts, Google’s system may link them together.
• Failing to transfer ownership: Attempting to appeal without fully transferring the suspended GMB to a new account may increase risks.

FAQs

Q: Can Google link my suspended GMB to my current one if I appeal directly?
Yes, if the appeal is made through the same account and with similar contact details, there is a risk Google will connect the two.

Q: Will transferring my suspended GMB to a new email protect my current listing?
Yes, by using a new Gmail account with different contact information, you isolate the suspended listing, reducing the risk to your current GMB.

Q: Do I need to change my phone number and address when transferring the listing?
Yes, different phone numbers, addresses, and messaging help prevent Google from linking the accounts.

Key Takeaways

• Directly appealing a suspended GMB using your current account may put your active listing at risk.
• Transferring the suspended listing to a new Gmail account is a safer way to apply for reinstatement.
• Maintaining separate contact information for each account is essential to prevent Google from linking the two listings.
• This method helps protect your active Google My Business listing while you pursue reinstatement of the suspended one.