A high risk situation with moderate outlook for appeal.
Ownership violations relate to disputes over who controls the GBP listing, potential hijacking, or conflicts when multiple parties claim the same business. These issues require careful documentation to resolve. As a storefront business, you have a physical location that customers visit. This means you'll need to provide evidence of your physical presence, including storefront photos, signage, and address verification documents. Your profile faces significant risk. Multiple issues need to be addressed to improve your standing with Google.
For storefront business operations, common triggers include:
Your current appeal outlook is: Moderate Outlook. Before proceeding, consider these critical points:
Gather the following documentation to support your case. Include clear photos of your storefront with visible signage and street address.
Follow these steps to address your ownership problems. Estimated time: 1-3 weeks. Difficulty: Moderate.
Document your ownership or authority to manage the listing
Start immediatelyGather business registration or incorporation documents
If there's a dispute, collect evidence of your claim
Contact Google support to report unauthorized access
Complete the ownership verification process
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.
Storefront businesses should prioritize photos showing their physical location, signage, and interior. Official documents like utility bills and business licenses that confirm the address are essential.
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