Why was my Google business profile removed?

Short Answer: Your Google business profile was likely removed because it was set up with a physical address that isn’t a proper storefront. If you operate as a mobile service, listing a fixed physical location like a home address can lead to removal, often triggered when competitors report the location as fake.

Full Explanation

Google requires that business profiles must represent legitimate, physical storefronts when a physical address is listed. If your profile shows a physical location but does not operate as a storefront—such as when you provide mobile services only—Google may consider this inaccurate. Listing a home address as your business location can be problematic, because it doesn’t qualify as a public business location. When competitors notice this discrepancy, they can report your address as fake, which often results in Google removing your profile to maintain the integrity of their listings.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

You set up a Google business profile and enter a physical address.
Your business operates as a mobile service without a storefront.
The address you list is actually your home or an incorrect location that does not serve customers publicly.
Competitors or users spot this and report your profile as having a fake location.
Google reviews the report and, finding the address invalid for a business storefront, removes your profile.

Real Examples

Imagine you own a mobile cleaning service and use your home address as your business location on Google. Because you don’t have an actual storefront, customers don’t visit your home, making your profile misleading. If a competing cleaning company finds this, they may report your profile as a fake location, causing Google to remove it.

Common Mistakes

Listing a home address as a physical storefront when you only provide mobile services.
Failing to clarify that your business operates without a public location.
Ignoring Google’s guidelines about service area businesses and physical addresses.
Not monitoring your profile to catch reports or issues related to your listing.

FAQs

Can I use my home address for my mobile business?
It’s not recommended to list your home address as a physical location if you operate solely as a mobile service. Instead, avoid listing an address to prevent potential removal.

What happens if a competitor reports my profile?
If the report is valid and your profile is found not to meet Google’s location requirements, your business profile can be removed.

How can I avoid removal?
Ensure your profile accurately reflects whether you have a proper storefront or if you are a mobile service, and do not list an inappropriate physical address.

Key Takeaways

Google profiles must have accurate physical addresses only if you have a public storefront.
Mobile service businesses should not list a physical business address.
Misrepresenting your business location can lead to removal due to reports by competitors or users.
Always ensure your business profile complies with Google’s criteria to maintain your listing.