To have your business not showing on Google is like sending potential customers to your competitors and it can be frustrating, I know you are not alone. Many local businesses face the same issue and in this blog post, we will talk about the reason why your business is not showing up on Google and how you can fix this problem.
The importance of being found on Google
The importance of being found on Google is having an opportunity to appear in the search results increases the chances potential customers will choose your business over others but the option of choosing you won’t exist when your business does not appear. Every business needs to be visible no matter how big or small because if the business is not visible it will remain in an obscurity phase where many local small businesses remain here due to the lack of visibility which is the silent killer of a lot of businesses, especially local small businesses. When your business is not appearing on Google is missing up on potential customers searching for you.
Common reasons your business not showing on Google
Starting with the first reason your business not showing up on Google is :
1. Incomplete NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number)
Your NAP (business Name, Business Address, Business Phone number) across the web is inconsistent meaning your business information is incorrect or missing which confuses Google and prevents your business from appearing in search results. Consistent NAP is crucial for local SEO and helps Google verify that your business is legitimate and trustworthy.
How to fix it:
- Ensure your NAP is consistent across your website, Google Business Profile, social media, and all online directories. Check for any discrepancies and update them promptly.
2. Not having a Google Business Profile may result in the business not showing on Google
A Google Business Profile (GBP) was previously known as Google My Business (GMB) it is a marketing tool that helps local businesses appear in Google search results by showing their business information like business name, address, phone number, photos, website, hours of operations, reviews, etc. GBP is important for local businesses to appear in local search results, especially in the local pack and Google Maps. One of the reasons your business does not show on Google is you do not have a Google business profile.
How to fix it:
- To set up a Google business profile step-by-step guide on how to set it up click here.
- Must have a Google account (Gmail account)
3. Already have a Google business profile but still business not showing on Google
At times you already have a Google business profile but still your business not showing on Google here is why:
- If you haven’t verified your Google Business Profile, Google won’t consider it authentic, which can prevent your business from appearing in search results.
- Your Google Business Profile has missing or inaccurate information such as NAP (business Name, Business Address, Business Phone number), etc.
- Customer reviews on your Google Profile influence your business’s visibility in search results. Few or no reviews can lower your chances of appearing in local search results.
- . If your business is listed under the wrong category, it might not show up in relevant search results which will make your business not show on Google.
- Not updating your Google Business Profile with posts, offers, and business updates shows Google that your business is active and engaged with customers.
- Google can penalize your website or profile if it detects practices that violate its guidelines, such as keyword stuffing, duplicate content, or unnatural backlinks. These penalties can result in your business not showing up in search results.
How to fix it:
- Verify your Google profile need help with it read the blog post click here which helps you set up and verify your Google business profile.
- Make sure your Google profile has the correct information NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) and is optimized correctly by completing all sections of your Google Business Profile with accurate information. Include your NAP, business hours, services, photos, and videos.
- When you already have customers you have worked with encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your Google Business Profile. Respond to all reviews, both positive and negative, to show engagement.
- Update your Google Business Profile to ensure your business is listed under the most relevant category.
- Post regular updates, share events or promotions, and respond to customer questions and reviews on your Google Business Profile.
- Review Google’s guidelines and remove any practices that might lead to penalties. Use Google Search Console to check for manual actions and fix any issues flagged by Google.
4. Website issues can cause businesses not showing on Google
You have a new website
When your website is new it might not have enough authority or content for Google to rank it.
How to Fix It:
- Start by creating content if you are a local business also build local content and backlinks to increase the authority of your website.
The website has low domain authority
Domain authority is a measure of your website’s credibility and ability to rank in search engines. A low domain authority means your website is less likely to appear in search results.
How to Fix It:
- Start building backlinks which are links from other websites to your site. A lack of backlinks or links from low-quality sites can hinder your website’s ability to rank in search engines. This is done by creating valuable content and improving your website’s SEO to increase domain authority.
Website poorly done
When a website is poorly done it has navigation problems, broken links, or technical issues that can cause its ability to rank in search engines.
How to Fix It:
- You improve your website by optimizing its website’s structure, fixing broken links, and ensuring all technical aspects are in good condition.
Your website is not mobile-friendly
At times when your website is not mobile-friendly the will lead to business not showing on Google this happens because many users are searching on mobile devices, and a website that’s not mobile-friendly can rank lower in search results.
How to Fix It:
- Make sure your design is mobile-friendly and provides a good user experience on all devices also make sure is responsive.
No localized Keywords
At times if your website content doesn’t include localized keywords (e.g., “bakery in Kimberley”), it might not rank for local searches.
How to Fix It:
- On your website, you must incorporate localized keywords naturally into your website content, titles, and meta descriptions.
Lack of content
Many websites are outdated have little or no content might not have enough information for Google to understand and rank them.
How to Fix It:
- Create a service page for each of the services you offer, do a FAQ (frequently asked questions), and use blog posts to create informative, relevant content that answers common questions your customers have.
5. You have no local SEO Strategy
When you don’t have a local SEO(Search Engine Optimization) strategy it is one of the reasons your business not showing on Google because a local SEO strategy improves your online presence so potential customers searching for you can find you from relevant local searches. When you increase visibility for location-based searches it attracts local customers. These searches take place on Google and other search engines which is why it is important for local small businesses must appear in search results for specific geographic locations Without a local SEO strategy, your business is less likely to appear in local search results.
How to fix it:
- Start with a local SEO strategy, which includes optimizing your website and content with localized keywords and ensuring consistent information across all platforms. To learn more about local SEO read here.
6. Not using social media or is not optimized enough is why businesses not showing on Google
When your social media account doesn’t have a Google business or website when it is optimized correctly when a person types your business name or services on Google your business can show up. If you don’t have any active presence on social media, you are missing out on free online exposure. That is why social media is no longer optional—it’s a must for reaching your customers. With over 3 billion active users on Facebook alone, that is why you must make your business visible where potential customers hang out.
How to Fix It:
- Make sure you no longer neglect your social media profile or treat it like your personal profile showing only yourself, your holidays, things you like tec but using it for business. Create and maintain active social media profiles. Share content, engage with your audience, and link to your website
Conclusion
Not only did we discuss the reasons why business not showing on Google we talked about how to fix it. Businesses not showing up on Google may be neglecting marketing and we at Precy SEO Marketing believe that Marketing + Sales = Business: Here’s Why
Marketing and sales are the foundation of any business. If marketing isn’t done, potential customers simply won’t find you or even know that your business exists. When people don’t know about your products or services, they won’t engage, leading to no sales. And without sales, the business can’t survive.
No marketing = No visibility = No sales = No business. Marketing creates awareness, while sales turn that awareness into revenue.
Now that you learned why business is not showing up on Google it is time to do something about it.
Let’s do a Free Google Business Profile Audit today to identify the areas you can improve.
Comment below can your business be found on Google?