Google updated its Google Business Profile guidelines at the end of November. This comes after Google carried out mass profile suspensions back in September which targeted a range of industries.
The recent guideline change means businesses associated with minimum-age goods, such as alcohol, must now have a physical storefront where customers can shop in person. But, will the update impact your business?
Google Sets New Rules
Google updated its wording for service-area businesses:
“Businesses associated with products or services that require the customer to be a certain minimum age, like alcohol, cannabis, or weapons, aren’t permitted as service-area businesses without a storefront.”
This means that businesses selling these types of products must have a physical space where customers can have their age verified by staff before making a purchase.
Is Your Business Affected?
If your business sells products that require a minimum age check, you must follow these revised Google Business Profile guidelines or risk suspension. Without a physical storefront or the ability to travel to meet customers, your business cannot be listed as a service-area business.
The phrasing Google uses is “Businesses associated with,” not just businesses selling. SEO analyst, Stefan Somborac, flagged that this language choice keeps things broad and captures more businesses than you’d expect. For example, if you’re selling alcohol online, such as a wine delivery or subscription service, you’ll have to follow this new Google Business Profile rule.
To create a Google Business Profile, your business must adhere to the following rules:
- Your business must have a physical location or travel to meet customers
- Accurately describe your business in your profile
- Follow content guidelines
- Avoid selling prohibited products
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