We get it—ranking higher on Google is everything for a local business. Your Google Business Profile is one of the most powerful tools for driving traffic, getting reviews, and showing up when someone searches for what you offer. But here’s the kicker: if you’re not careful, you could lose it all.
At Modular Orange, we’ve helped tons of small businesses manage their online presence. We’ve also seen firsthand what happens when someone tries to cut corners or game the system. Spoiler: Google doesn’t play around. And once your profile is suspended or shut down, it can take weeks—sometimes months—to recover.
So, let’s walk through 7 common tactics that can actually hurt you more than help.
Trying to use a P.O. Box, UPS store, or a made-up address? Google will catch it. And once they do, your profile could be removed without warning.
Do this instead: If you work from home or offer services at customers’ locations, set your profile as a service-area business—it’s legit and safe.
Your name is “Bob’s Plumbing,” but your profile says “Bob’s Plumbing - Best Emergency 24/7 Plumber in Bentonville”? That’s a violation.
Play it straight: Your Google Business name should match your real-world business name. Keep keywords in your description, not your title.
It might seem smart to create a profile for every service you offer or every city you work in—but that’s a fast track to suspension.
Stick to one listing per location. If you cover multiple areas, list them in your service area settings.
Tempted to pay someone on Fiverr to leave glowing reviews? Don’t. Google has gotten very good at spotting fake feedback—and it could take your whole profile down. This can even happen if you ask your employees to write reviews for your business.
Earn reviews the right way: Ask real customers to leave honest feedback (Review Orange can help with that).
Photos with text overlays, offensive language in posts, or even just overly promotional content can trigger a suspension.
Keep it clean: Stick to helpful, relevant content that reflects your brand and serves your audience.
Trying to get ahead by creating a Google profile before you’ve opened your doors (or even picked a name)? Risky move.
Wait until you’re operational. Google wants to verify real, functioning businesses. Jumping the gun can get you flagged.
If Google flags your listing or asks for re-verification and you ignore it, your profile could vanish overnight.
Stay on top of it: Always respond to emails or alerts from Google. One missed request can cost you your visibility.
Your Google Business Profile is way too valuable to risk. Set up your profile the right way to ensure that you get quality reviews and don’t get blacklisted. When you’re ready to get more positive reviews (legitimately), Review Orange can help. Our customers asked us for over a year for a tool like this. Check it out for yourself and let us know if you’d like to start acquiring more legitimate, positive customer reviews on Google!