Why Your Business Isn't Showing On Google (And How to Fix It)

The Problem

You've got a Google Business Profile. You've added your details. But when customers search for what you do in your area, you're nowhere to be seen. Sound familiar?

The Most Common Reasons

1. Wrong Categories

Google uses your primary category to decide when to show you. If it's wrong or too generic, you won't appear for the right searches. A "plumber" showing as "contractor" is invisible to people searching for plumbers.

2. Incomplete Profile

Google prioritises complete profiles. Missing photos, no business description, empty service lists. These all tell Google you're not serious.

3. No Recent Activity

Profiles that sit dormant get pushed down. Google wants to show active, engaged businesses. No posts, no new photos, no review responses? You fade away.

4. Address Verification Issues

If Google isn't confident about your location, it won't show you in Maps. Verification problems, address mismatches, or service area confusion all hurt.

5. Weak Review Profile

Not just the number, but the quality and recency. A business with 50 reviews from 3 years ago loses to one with 20 recent reviews.

What You Can Do

- Audit your categories. Be specific.

- Complete every section of your profile.

- Post something every week.

- Respond to every review.

- Add new photos regularly.

Or, if you want it done properly without the hassle, that's what I do.