Google Maps listings are a lifeline for HVAC companies and other home service businesses. They help connect businesses with local customers actively searching for repair, replacement, or installation services.
For HVAC companies, being visible on Google Maps is critical because most people searching for heating or cooling services need quick solutions. A well-maintained Google Business Profile (GBP) ensures you show up in these searches, helping you generate consistent leads and grow your business.
Google Needs to Trust Your Business
A strong Google Maps presence also establishes trust. Being visible for your brand and word-of-mouth referrals is critically important to capture your highest potential converting leads.
When customers see your business with reviews, photos, and accurate information, they’re more likely to call or schedule a service. A suspended GBP, however, can cause your listing to disappear from search results, cutting off this important flow of leads.
That’s why it’s essential to follow Google’s guidelines and avoid actions that can result in suspension.
Let’s dive into some reasons why a Google Business Profile may get suspended that are less obvious and not as well known within the home service industry.
- Listing Business Hours as 24/7: While some HVAC companies genuinely operate around the clock, listing your hours as 24/7 when this isn’t true can mislead customers. Google may suspend your profile if it suspects false information, as accuracy is key to their platform. If your business doesn’t offer 24/7 service, it’s better to stick with your actual hours of operation to avoid suspension.
- Manager Account Suspension: If someone managing your GBP like a marketing agency or employee has their Google account suspended, your business profile could also be affected. Google often ties account activity together for security purposes. To avoid this, ensure managers linked to your profile follow Google’s terms and use their accounts responsibly.
- Creating Multiple Listings for the Same Business: Some businesses try to create multiple profiles for the same address to dominate search results, but this is against Google’s rules. Duplicate listings confuse customers and clutter search results, which is why Google takes this violation seriously. Stick to one accurate profile for your business to avoid suspension and maintain trust with customers.
- Displaying a Physical Address for a Service Area Business (SAB): If your HVAC company operates as a Service Area Business meaning you don’t serve customers at a physical location you must hide your address on your GBP. Displaying an address for an SAB is against Google’s guidelines and can lead to suspension. Focus on accurately listing your service areas instead.
- Violating Terms of Service or Account Rules: Google’s ecosystem has strict policies, and violating the terms of any Google tool such as Google Ads or Gmail can affect your GBP. For example, if your email account is suspended for breaking Google’s rules, your business profile might also face suspension. To stay safe, always follow Google’s terms across all their platforms.
HLM Can Help Your HVAC Company Recover From a Google Business Suspension
For many heating and cooling companies, the visibility of their Google Business Profile is a huge contributing factor to the success of their business operation. There are dozens of potential reasons why a GBP may get suspended by Google.
If you are struggling to recover your Google Business Profile or are dissatisfied with your visibility online, contact HLM for a free marketing consultation.
HLM has a proven track record of helping HVAC companies manager the Google Business Listing and optimize their marketing performance across multiple channels.