1) Lock down account security (first priority)

Strong security reduces false flags and helps when Google questions activity.

Enable 2-Step Verification (2FA)
Google Account → Security → 2-Step Verification → set up SMS, Authenticator app, or hardware key.

Add recovery details
Google Account → Personal Info → Contact info → add a current phone number and recovery email.

Use a strong, unique password and a password manager (1Password, Bitwarden).

Review connected apps & devices regularly**
Google Account → Security → Your devices and Third-party apps with account access → remove anything you don’t recognize.

Turn on alerts for suspicious activity (Google will prompt you if it sees unusual sign-ins).

2) Follow safe sending & usage habits

Many suspensions come from how people use accounts (spammy behavior triggers automated systems).

Don’t send bulk marketing from a personal Gmail account. Use an email marketing provider (Mailchimp, SendGrid, Brevo) or Google Workspace with approved SMTP for higher limits.

Respect Gmail sending limits (daily and per-message limits). Don’t blast hundreds of recipients in one message from a consumer Gmail address.

Avoid identical repeated messages. Personalize messages and vary wording. Reuse of same template over many recipients looks like spam.

Use BCC sparingly. Better: mail-merge or an email service with personalization.

Warm up new accounts slowly. Start with small, genuine sends and gradually increase volume over weeks.

Do not buy lists. Sending to purchased addresses causes high bounces & abuse reports.

3) Avoid automation or risky third-party tools

Automation is a common cause of suspension.

Don’t use bots, scrapers or unauthorized bulk-posting tools that log into your Google account. These often violate Google’s policies.

If you must automate, use reputable services with OAuth (they request permission via Google’s consent screen) and limit scopes.

Prefer API / SMTP providers instead of screen-scraping or credential sharing: use Google Workspace APIs or third-party ESPs (SendGrid, Mailgun).

4) Keep content policy-friendly

What you send and what you host matters.

Avoid illegal or prohibited content (copyright infringement, phishing, hateful content, explicit illegal materials).

Don’t impersonate organizations or people.

Include clear opt-out/unsubscribe links for newsletters and marketing emails.

Monitor bounce and complaint rates. High bounce/complaint → reputation risk.

5) Manage device & IP behavior

Google looks at where and how you sign in.

Avoid frequent geographic jumps (don’t log in via many countries in a short period). Use a single region/network or notify recipients that you'll be traveling.

If you use VPNs, try to use a consistent exit location or disable VPN when accessing Gmail for critical operations.

Use trusted devices and avoid public/shared computers for repetitive sending.

6) Use the right account type for the job

How you use the account determines the right product.

Personal Gmail (free) — best for personal mail, low-volume business use, and casual communication.

Google Workspace (paid) — better for businesses: higher sending limits, admin controls, better support, and lower suspension probability for legitimate commercial use.

Email Service Providers (ESPs) — for newsletters & large campaigns. They manage deliverability and compliance.

7) Good housekeeping & best practices

Little habits prevent big problems.

Keep inbox tidy: remove spam, manage unsubscribes, and reduce automatic bounces.

Set up DKIM, SPF, and DMARC if sending from a custom domain (via Workspace or your domain host). These authenticate email and reduce being flagged as spoofing.

Limit account creation abuse: avoid making many accounts for the same purpose — that can trigger Google policies.

Log out of devices you no longer use and revoke app access you don’t recognize.

8) What to do if Google flags or suspends your account

If suspension happens, act calmly and follow Google’s procedures.

Check the message you got — Google usually gives a reason or next steps.

Go to Google Account > Security and follow any recommended recovery steps.

Use Recover Account: accounts.google.com/signin/recovery. Provide accurate info (recovery email, phone).

Submit an appeal if available — be concise and provide any requested documentation. Don’t send aggressive rebuttals; be factual.

If it's a Workspace account, contact your domain admin or Google Workspace support (paid customers have faster support routes).

If compromised, inform contacts to ignore suspicious emails, and secure the account (change password, 2FA, revoke access).

9) Quick checklist you can follow now

Enable 2-Step Verification (2FA)

Add recovery phone & email

Remove unknown third-party apps

Use a password manager for a unique password

Stop sending bulk marketing from consumer Gmail

Use an ESP or Google Workspace for bulk sending

Configure SPF, DKIM, DMARC (if you use a custom domain)

Avoid automation tools that require password sharing

Monitor account activity weekly for unusual logins

10) Extras & recommendations

If you run business outreach, use Google Workspace + an ESP and follow a warm-up plan.

Keep a log of when you started sending higher volumes or when you used new tools — it helps in appeals.

If you have an important account, back up emails (Google Takeout) regularly.

If you want, I can:

Review your exact workflow (how you post/send, which tools you use) and flag risk points.

Provide a sample warm-up schedule for sending 50 → 500 → 2,000 emails safely.

Draft an appeal template to use if your account gets suspended.