My business isn't showing up on Google — what's going wrong?

Step-by-step

1

Do you have a Google Business Profile? (Most common cause)

A Google Business Profile (GBP) is the free listing that appears in Google Maps and the local pack — the three businesses shown at the top of local search results. If you don't have one, you will not appear in local searches regardless of what else you do. Creating a GBP is free, takes 15 minutes, and requires verification (usually a postcard, or instant verification by phone for some categories). Go to business.google.com and follow the setup steps. Your GBP should have your correct business name, specific category (e.g. 'Dog groomer', not 'Pet services'), phone number, service area, opening hours, and at least 5 photos.

2

Do you have a website? (Strong indirect effect)

Google Business Profile listings that link to a working website consistently outperform those without one. Google uses your website content to better understand what your business does, where it operates, and for which searches it's relevant. A website that mentions your specific services and location helps Google rank you for the right searches. Without a website, you're relying entirely on your GBP information — which gives Google much less to work with. A simple website with your service description, location, and contact information will improve your GBP ranking noticeably within 4–8 weeks.

3

Do you have Google reviews? (Critical ranking factor)

Google uses review count and rating as a significant local ranking factor. A business with 30 reviews and a 4.7 rating consistently outranks a business with 5 reviews and a 4.5 rating, even if the lower-reviewed business has better location signals. Collecting reviews is a habit, not a one-time task. After every positive job, send your client a direct review link (find this in your Google Business Profile dashboard) and ask for 30 seconds of their time. Businesses that do this consistently — 2–3 reviews a month — see their local ranking improve measurably over 3–6 months.

4

Is your business information consistent everywhere?

Google verifies your business legitimacy by cross-referencing your name, address, and phone number (NAP) across the web. If your business name is 'Smith's Plumbing Ltd' on Google but 'Smith Plumbing' on Yelp and 'Smith's Plumbing' on your website, these inconsistencies confuse Google's verification and suppress your ranking. Check your business information on major directories (Yelp, Yell, Bark, Checkatrade) and make sure it's identical everywhere. This is tedious but important.

5

Is your target search too competitive?

For very common search terms in competitive cities — 'London plumber', 'Manchester hairdresser' — ranking without significant review authority takes time. More specific searches are easier to rank for and often just as valuable: 'plumber in Hackney', 'dog groomer Didsbury', 'mobile massage therapist Bristol'. Make sure your GBP and website mention your specific area rather than just the city. For very competitive markets, consider Google Local Service Ads — pay-per-lead advertising in the local pack — while you build your organic ranking.

6

What to do in the next 48 hours

Priority order: 1) Set up or complete your Google Business Profile if you haven't already. 2) Ask your three best clients for a Google review today and send them the direct link. 3) Make sure your website mentions your location and services clearly. 4) Check your business name and phone number is consistent across the top directories. Do these four things and you'll be ahead of the majority of local businesses in your category — most of whom have at least one of them wrong or missing.

Common questions