Guides · Get found on Google
Why Is My Business Not Showing on Google? 10 Common Reasons and Fixes
Can't find your business on Google or Google Maps? Ten common reasons small businesses don't show up, and what to do about each one.
You search for your business on Google and find nothing. Or a competitor shows up instead. It’s frustrating, but there’s almost always a reason, and most of them can be fixed.
First, work out which problem you have
Try two searches on your phone:
- Your exact business name, like “Smith Plumbing Bromley”
- What you do and where, like “plumber Bromley”
| What you see | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Nothing for your business name | A set-up problem: profile not verified, suspended, or website not found yet |
| You show for your name, but not for your service | You’re on Google, but competitors look more relevant or trusted |
| You show on Maps but not in normal results, or the other way round | One of your profile or website needs work |
Now go through the reasons below.
1. Your Google Business Profile isn’t verified
Until it’s verified, it may not show. Sign in at google.com/business and check for a “verify” message.
2. Your profile has been suspended
Google suspends profiles that break its rules, such as keywords stuffed into the business name, a virtual office address, or more than one listing for the same business. Look for a warning in your profile and fix the issue before appealing.
3. You chose the wrong main category
If you’re a “Kitchen remodeler” but chose “Contractor”, you may not show up for kitchen searches. Pick the main category that best matches what most customers search for.
4. Your profile is incomplete
Missing services, hours, photos or description all make you look less relevant. Fill in every section.
5. You don’t have enough reviews
In many local searches, the businesses at the top have plenty of recent, good reviews. Make asking for reviews part of every job. Our Google reviews guide shows you how.
6. Your website is new or Google hasn’t found it
New websites can take a while to appear. Add your site to Google Search Console (free), submit your sitemap, and use the URL inspection tool to request indexing of your main pages.
7. Your website is blocking Google
It happens more often than you’d think, especially after a redesign. A setting meant to hide the site while it was being built gets left switched on. Search Console will tell you if pages are blocked or not indexed.
8. Your website doesn’t say what you do and where
If your home page says “Quality solutions for your home” and nothing else, Google has little to go on. Spell out your services and areas in plain words, with a page for each main service.
9. Your details don’t match
Different phone numbers or addresses on your website, Google profile and directories can make Google less sure about your business. Make them identical everywhere.
10. The competition is strong
In busy areas like central London, lots of businesses compete for the same searches. That doesn’t mean you can’t win, but it takes steady work: reviews, good service and area pages, and a fast website. See our local SEO checklist for the full list.
Still stuck?
Some problems are hard to spot without looking at the settings behind your website and Google profile. In a free 15-minute website check we’ll look at why you’re not showing up and tell you exactly what to fix first.
