Understanding Business Eligibility
Not every business is eligible for a Google Business Profile. Google has specific eligibility requirements based on business type, customer interaction model, and service delivery method. If your business doesn't meet these requirements, your profile can be suspended or rejected.
Understanding eligibility requirements is crucial before creating a profile. Some business models that seem legitimate may not qualify for a Google Business Profile under current policies.
Ineligible Business Types
Explicitly Prohibited:
- Rental or for-sale properties (vacation rentals, short-term rentals, for-sale homes)
- Lead generation businesses (businesses that primarily collect leads and sell them)
- Businesses that exclusively operate online or via phone without customer interaction at a location
- Brand pages or organizational pages without a specific location
- Seasonal or temporary businesses that operate only a few months per year (with exceptions)
Service-Based Restrictions:
- Drop shipping businesses without physical product handling
- Affiliate marketing sites without actual service delivery
- Directory or listing services
- Businesses that exclusively provide services via mail without face-to-face interaction
Restricted Categories:
- Ongoing special deals or offers
- ATMs, video rental kiosks, or other equipment-only locations (unless staffed)
- Common area phone numbers or locations within another business (unless separately operated)
- Businesses operating from residential addresses without proper licensing/zoning
Why Eligibility Matters
Google's Purpose for Business Profiles: Google Business Profiles exist to help customers find and interact with businesses that have a physical presence or that provide face-to-face services in a service area. The profile should represent an actual place customers can visit or where a business physically operates.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Real-time interaction with customers (in person, by phone, or on-site service)
- Operational business location or legitimate service area
- Licensed and legally operating business
- Face-to-face customer service or on-location service delivery
Common Eligibility Misunderstandings
Virtual Businesses: Many legitimate businesses operate virtually but still qualify for Google Business Profiles if they:
- Provide in-person services at customer locations (SAB model)
- Meet with clients in person at their office location
- Have a staffed location even if most services are delivered remotely
Example: A virtual assistant who only works online doesn't qualify. A business consultant who meets clients at their location or office qualifies as a service area business.
Home-Based Businesses: Operating from home doesn't automatically disqualify you. Many legitimate service area businesses operate from home addresses. Requirements:
- Proper business licensing
- Service provided at customer locations (not just phone/email)
- Compliant with local zoning regulations
- Profile configured as service area business (SAB) with address hidden
Online Businesses: Pure e-commerce or online-only businesses generally don't qualify unless:
- They have a physical retail location customers can visit
- They provide in-person services in addition to online offerings
- They have a physical warehouse or showroom open to customers
If Your Legitimate Business Was Suspended
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility Review Google's eligibility requirements honestly. Does your business:
- Provide face-to-face services or have a physical location customers visit?
- Operate with proper licensing and zoning approval?
- Make in-person contact with customers either at your location or theirs?
Step 2: Document Your Business Model Prepare evidence showing:
- Business license showing authorized business type
- Customer contracts or invoices showing in-person services
- Calendar of customer appointments at their locations
- Photos showing business operations
- Service area documentation
Step 3: Clarify Your Category and Services Ensure your business category and services accurately reflect what you actually do. Mismatched categories can trigger eligibility concerns.
Step 4: Submit a Detailed Appeal Explain your business model clearly:
"[Business Name] is a [business type] that provides [services] to customers in [area]. We operate as a service area business, visiting customers at their locations to provide [specific services]. We're licensed [license number] and have been operating since [year]. I've attached our business license, sample customer contracts, and photos of our equipment/team providing services. We meet Google's eligibility requirements for [category] as we provide face-to-face services at customer locations."
Borderline Business Types
Consulting Businesses: Eligible if: You meet clients in person (at their office, yours, or neutral location) Not eligible if: All consulting is phone/email/video only
Coaching/Training: Eligible if: You provide in-person training or coaching sessions Not eligible if: All coaching is online/video only
Online Retail with Pickup: Eligible if: You have a physical location where customers pick up orders Not eligible if: Exclusively ship products with no customer visitation
Event Services: Eligible if: You're a service area business that travels to customer event locations Not eligible if: You only coordinate events remotely without on-site presence
Alternative Options for Ineligible Businesses
If Your Business Truly Isn't Eligible:
- Focus on organic search optimization for your website
- Use Google Ads to appear in local searches
- Build presence on relevant directories and review sites
- Leverage social media for local visibility
- Consider restructuring business model to include in-person elements
Building Local Presence Without GBP:
- Create comprehensive website with local content
- Get listed on industry-specific directories
- Build citations on general business directories
- Engage with local community and organizations
- Develop content targeting local keywords
FAQ
Can I create a profile for my online store if I have a warehouse? Only if the warehouse is open for customer visits (pickup, showroom, etc.). A warehouse only used for fulfillment doesn't qualify.
What if I only meet customers virtually due to COVID? If your business previously met customers in person and plans to resume, you may maintain your profile. If you've always been online-only, you likely don't qualify.
Can I list my home address as my business location? Only if you're properly licensed, zoned, and either welcome customers at your home or operate as a service area business with your address hidden.
What about seasonal businesses that operate 3-6 months per year? Some seasonal businesses qualify if they have a physical location during the season. Clearly mark your seasonal hours in your profile.
Next Steps
If you believe your business is eligible but was incorrectly suspended, run our free diagnostic tool to identify any policy issues that might be affecting your appeal. The tool helps clarify eligibility and identify documentation needs.
Need Expert Assessment? Unsure if your business qualifies? Our Reinstatement Review service ($200) includes an eligibility assessment and guidance on the strongest approach for borderline business types.