What to Do If Your Business Is Not Showing Up on Google

I’ve created my Google My Business listing. I have my professional website up and running. Everything seems fine on my end – so why isn’t my business showing up on Google?

We get that question often.

If your Google My Business (GMB) listing isn’t showing up on Google Maps, Search, or anywhere else related to Google, there’s likely an underlying issue you need to address. Fortunately, we know where you probably need to look.

Here are the first several steps to take if your business isn’t showing up on Google.

1. Double-Check Your Google My Business Verification

Your first task is to take a look at your Google My Business listing. If anything is amiss or any information is missing, that’s likely your biggest issue. Google wants to see your profile fully filled-out and updated.

You’ll also need to go through the GMB verification process. It can seem a bit cumbersome, but it’s also an important step in achieving visibility on Google’s platforms.

Image Source: Support Google

As Google states, there are a handful of ways to verify your business. These include:

• Instant verification. This is the easiest and fastest way to verify. Simply log into your Google My Business account and look for the option to instantly verify.
• Verifying by mail. Google will send a postcard to your business’s physical address, and you will relay the verification code on the postcard to your unverified GMB listing. This is fairly simple, but it could take up to two weeks for the postcard to show up.
• Verifying by phone. This is the second speediest way to verify, behind “instant.” Just request the call and make the verification on the spot.
• Bulk certifications. This method is only necessary if you have 10 or more locations associated with your business listing.

Why is verifying your business with Google important if you want to show up in search results?

In short, verification is Google’s way of determining your account’s accuracy. They want to know that your physical address and other details are 100 percent correct. Verifying your location encourages Google to actually list your business in relevant local search results.

2. Choose the Right Google My Business Categories

Next, you’ll want to ensure you picked the right Google My Business categories in order to play the local search algorithm correctly. If you have accidentally (or purposefully) selected inappropriate/irrelevant categories for your business, Google is less likely to include your listing in local search results.

Not sure which categories to choose for your business?

Check out our article on GMB categories for extra guidance.

3. Register Your Business with Google Search Console

Have you taken a gander at Google Search Console yet?

This totally free tool allows businesses to ensure their websites are being indexed by Google. Sure, Google might stumble across your website organically someday, but if you want to speed the process up and (ideally) appear in search results sooner, it’s smart to register now.

If you just launched a new website, visit Google Search Console and select your property type, then “add property.” Search Console will walk you through the process of adding your domain, then provide you with relevant information such as how many people are clicking on your website, keywords you are ranking for, etc.

4. Look for Inconsistent Business Listing Information

Have you recently altered your company’s name? Switched physical locations? Gotten a new phone number or email address?

Changes like these can lead to inconsistencies about your business on the web – and Google hates that. Your business might not be showing up on Google because there’s too much incorrect contrasting information floating around. The search engine giant doesn’t know what to trust and what to ignore.

You need to clean up your listings if you want Google to properly rank your business. Here’s a brief overview of how to do just that.

1. Look up your business in as many directories as possible (Bing, Google, Yelp, etc.)
2. Correct false or outdated business information as soon as you find it.
3. Continue to send the correct information to data aggregators (industry-specific communities etc.)

Just because the information on your Google My Business profile is correct doesn’t mean that you’re presenting a cohesive picture to Google. You need to have consistent, correct information in as many places as possible. Otherwise, Google is going to question your business data and include it in fewer local search results.

5. Tap into the Power of Local Social Media

If none of the above steps have worked, try increasing your number of business listings via social media profiles.

When you search for a business, you’ll likely only see one result from their main URL – maybe two. Therefore, after that, the listings will be from other websites that you don’t necessarily control or that you might not even be associated with.

The solution?

Increase how often your brand shows up on Google with more social media profiles. You want people to find your website, but if they don’t find that, it’s best that they naturally come across your Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or other kinds of accounts.

For example, look at the clothing brand Keep Nature Wild. When you search their name, only the first result is actually from their website/business. The next three are all from their active, professional social media profiles.

Not only does this make them seem more “legit” to shoppers, but it also encourages Google to think, “Hey, looks like they’ve got everything in order.”

As long as your information is consistent on all of your accounts, running social media will likely help with showing up on Google.

6. Ensure Your Business Applies by All Google Guidelines

Lastly, if you want to show up in as many relevant Google searches as possible, you need to make sure that you’re abiding by all of their guidelines. If you’re not, Google may actively work to remove your business information and listings from its search engine results pages (SERPs).

There are many guidelines you’ll need to review and follow, but some of the most important are:

• Accurately representing your business as it’s represented and recognized in the real world.
• Including precise, correct NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) information and service areas.
• Choosing GMB categories that actually pertain to your business.
• Only creating one profile per business.

Violating GMB guidelines, as well as guidelines that pertain to prohibited content and illegal activities, will automatically make it difficult (maybe impossible) to show up in Google searches. Do your research and know what you’re allowed to do – and what you should certainly not do.

What If None of These Tips Work?

If you’ve thoroughly examined all of the possibilities listed above and done everything you can to show up on Google, it’s time to turn to the professionals. Choosing the best SEO company not only can help you fix your GMB listing issues but also help you perform better in organic search.

At Foxxr Digital Marketing, we’re experts when it comes to local SEO services, web design, digital marketing, and most importantly, getting found on Google. We know what Google wants from businesses of all kinds, and we’re ready to ensure you’re on the right track to a highly visible online profile.

Call (727) 329-2207 or reach out online for a free consultation. Our team will listen to your problems and concerns, then suggest a course of action with our help. It’s never too late – or too early – to begin building a strong relationship with Google and other search engines.