‘It’s like you don’t exist’: Camano Island business owner battles Google over wrongful suspension

Washington business profiles are being mistakenly removed from the Google search engines, leaving owners frustrated and deeply worried about their future.

Ryan Williams owns Epic Finish Painting on Camano Island. He said Google delisted his company last year. If you searched for painting services in or around Camano Island, his business wouldn’t be listed. Williams said he received an email from Google that said his business was no longer eligible.

“I got an email from Google last August telling me that my business had been suspended, and they cited the reason initially as the business is not eligible for a business profile. And since that time, they’ve given me several other reasons,” Williams said. “It’s been really hard to determine exactly what the problem has been.”

A months-long struggle to get back on Google

Williams complained how difficult it is to go through an appeals process to have his business reinstated. He uploaded numerous business documents to Google to prove his painting services were legitimate and not some of the bad actors that the search giant is targeting. But despite the documentation, nothing happened for months.

“So you’re really going in circles. A little frustrating, but you know, it’s your business, you’re gonna fight for it, and you’re going to try to get through it,” Williams said.

KTTH host Jason Rantz noted that Google delisting any company effectively means the company doesn’t exist in the eyes of many consumers. Williams notes that a Google business listing “adds legitimacy to your business in the eyes of the consumer.”

After media coverage, Google appears ready to finally list his business again. But Williams is part of online forums where desperate business owners are in listing limbo and need help.

“There are so many other people out there that haven’t had the good fortune or haven’t been able to be loud enough about this subject to actually have their businesses reinstated and get back on the map,” Williams explained.

Listen to the full conversation below.

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