Why Isn’t My Business Showing Up on Google? 5 Common Problems (And How to Fix Them)
So, you’ve set up your business, picked the perfect name, and maybe even designed a logo you’re proud of. You’re ready to get customers rolling in, but there’s just one problem, when you search for your business on Google you find nothing.
Not on the first page. Not on the second page. Not even when you type in your business name exactly as it appears on your website.
Frustration sets in and you start to question: Did I mess up my website? Did Google ban me? Do I even exist?!
Before you spiral into existential dread, take a deep breath. The truth is this happens to a lot of business owners. Google’s search algorithm is a complex beast, but once you understand the common pitfalls keeping you from ranking, you can fix them.
Let’s break down five common reasons your business isn’t showing up and, more importantly, how to fix them.
Your Google Business Profile Isn’t Verified
Why This Matters
Google needs to trust your business before it shows you in local search results. The main way it does this? Verification. If you haven’t completed the verification process for your Google Business Profile (GBP) (formerly Google My Business), your listing won’t appear—no matter how amazing your products or services are.
How to Check If You’re Verified
Go to Google Business Profile.
Log in with your business email.
If your business is listed as "Pending Verification", you’re not verified yet.
How to Fix It
Verify your business using Google’s process (typically via phone, email, or postcard).
If you opted for postcard verification but never received one (it happens), request another or try a different method.
Once verified, optimize your profile by adding high-quality photos, a detailed business description, and accurate contact info.
Bonus Tip:
Add frequent posts (updates, promotions, or events) to keep your listing active and engaging. While this does not increase your ranking directly, an inactive account can fall off in rankings. Therefore this is an essential part of your local SEO strategy to boost visibility.
Your Business Information is Inconsistent (NAP Issues)
Why This Matters
Google loves consistency. If your business name, address, or phone number (NAP) is different across multiple directories (Yelp, Facebook, Yellow Pages, etc.), Google gets confused. And when Google is confused, it plays it safe by not ranking you.
Think about it, if your business is listed as "Smith’s Auto Repair" on Google, but "Smith Auto Services" on Yelp, how is Google supposed to know which one is correct?
How to Check for Inconsistencies
Google your business name and see if your info matches across listings.
Use a tool like Moz Local or BrightLocal to scan for incorrect citations.
How to Fix It
Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are exactly the same everywhere.
Update any old or incorrect listings.
Keep a spreadsheet of all the places your business is listed so you can stay on top of it.
Improve your local listings management by regularly reviewing directory accuracy.
Your Website Lacks Local SEO Optimization
Why This Matters
Your website might look great, but if it’s not optimized for local SEO troubleshooting, Google might not know to show it to people searching in your area.
Let’s say you own a coffee shop in Austin, Texas. If your website just says: "Welcome to Java Joy! The best coffee in town!"
That’s nice, but what town?
If your page doesn’t mention “coffee shop in Austin, TX,” Google won’t know where to rank you.
How to Fix It
Use location-specific keywords on your homepage and service pages:
"Cumberland Brews is a locally owned coffee shop in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, serving handcrafted espresso and fresh pastries in the heart of town."
Add a 'Contact' or 'Locations' page with your full address and an embedded Google Map.
Incorporate local terms naturally in your website’s content:
"Looking for the best cappuccino in New Cumberland? Cumberland Brews’ baristas serve expertly crafted coffee made from locally roasted beans."
Optimize for Google Map optimization by embedding a Google Map on your contact page and ensuring your Google Business Profile address matches your website.
Mention nearby landmarks or neighborhoods to improve relevance:
"Conveniently located near the West Shore Theatre, Cumberland Brews is the perfect stop for a morning coffee before catching a show."
"Just minutes from the Susquehanna River, our cozy café is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike."
Bonus Tip:
Blogging helps! Write about local events, partnerships, or customer success stories to boost local SEO.
You Don’t Have Enough (or Any) Google Reviews
Why This Matters
Google trusts businesses with more reviews. It’s simple: a business with 50 five-star reviews seems way more reliable than one with zero reviews.
And let’s be honest, when was the last time you picked a zero-review restaurant over one with glowing recommendations?
How to Fix It
Ask happy customers for reviews!
Say something like: "Hey [Customer's Name], we’d love your feedback! If you had a great experience, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It helps us a ton!"
Make it easy:
Send them a direct link to your Google review page.
Add a "Leave a Review" button on your website.
Respond to all reviews!
Thank customers for positive feedback.
Address negative reviews professionally (show potential customers you care).
Bonus Tip:
New reviews boost your ranking, so don’t just get 10 and stop, keep asking!
Your Competitors Are Outranking You
Why This Matters
Even if you’re doing everything right, your competitors might be doing it better. If they have:
A stronger website
More backlinks (links back to your site from other businesses)
More reviews
Better engagement
Google will rank them higher than you.
How to Fix It
Spy on your competitors! Use tools like Ubersuggest or Ahrefs to see what keywords they rank for.
Get local backlinks. Reach out to local bloggers, newspapers, and directories.
Regularly post on your Google Business Profile. It signals activity and helps rankings.
Strengthen your local SEO strategy by optimizing your website’s content and earning quality backlinks.
Bonus Tip:
Offer something unique. If every coffee shop in town has “cappuccinos,” what makes yours special?
Final Thoughts: Don't Panic Just Optimize!
If your business isn’t showing up on Google, don’t stress. It’s fixable! Start with the basics:
Verify your Google Business Profile
Ensure your business info is consistent across all listings
Optimize your website for local SEO
Encourage and respond to reviews
Stay competitive by improving your site and local presence
With some time and effort, you’ll start seeing results. And if you want expert help with your local SEO troubleshooting, I’ve got you covered.
Need help ranking your business? Check out my Local SEO Services and let’s get your business on the map, literally!