A critical risk situation with challenging outlook for appeal.
Content and media violations involve inappropriate, misleading, or policy-violating images, descriptions, or other content on your profile. This includes stock photos, irrelevant images, or descriptions that don't accurately represent your business. Home-based businesses often face challenges because Google has strict policies about residential addresses. You may need to hide your address while still proving your business operates legitimately. This is a critical situation requiring immediate attention. Your profile is at high risk of suspension or may already be suspended.
For home-based business operations, common triggers include:
Your current appeal outlook is: Challenging Outlook. Before proceeding, consider these critical points:
Gather the following documentation to support your case. Focus on professional licenses, insurance, and customer correspondence.
Follow these steps to address your content & media violations. Estimated time: 2-5 weeks. Difficulty: Difficult.
Review all photos and content on your listing
Start immediatelyRemove any stock photos or irrelevant images
Upload authentic photos of your business
Update descriptions to accurately represent your services
Ensure all content complies with Google's policies
Resolution time varies based on the complexity of your situation and how quickly you can gather required evidence. Most cases can be resolved within 2-4 weeks with proper preparation.
Yes, you can submit a reinstatement request through Google Business Profile support. However, appeals are typically considered only once, so it's crucial to address all issues and gather complete evidence before submitting.
Service area businesses should focus on service records, customer correspondence, professional licenses, and branded vehicle photos. Address verification documents are also important.
Avoid making multiple changes at once, submitting incomplete evidence, or contacting Google support repeatedly. Each interaction should be purposeful and well-documented.
Run a diagnostic scan on your Google Business Profile to get a personalized assessment and step-by-step remediation plan.
Start Free DiagnosticThis guide is based on Google's published Business Profile guidelines and is provided for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, consult with a qualified professional. Last updated: 1/7/2026