Why isn't my business showing up on Google?
If customers can't find you on Google or Google Maps, it's usually one of a few fixable reasons. Here they are, with what to do about each one.
How Google picks local businesses
Google says local results are "mainly based on relevance, distance, and popularity." Relevance is how well your profile matches the search. Distance is how far you are from the person searching. Popularity is how well-known your business is, including how many websites link to you and how many reviews you have. Google also says you can't pay or ask for a better local ranking. (Source: Google Business Profile Help.)
Common reasons, and what to do
Your website is brand new
Google has to find and crawl a new site before it shows up, and Google says that can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Add your site to Google Search Console, submit a sitemap, and ask Google to index your home page. (Source: Google Search Central.)
Your website tells Google to stay away
A robots.txt rule or a "noindex" tag can keep a page out of Google completely. It's often a leftover from when the site was being built. Have your web person check both.
Your Google Business Profile isn't verified yet
A new profile has to be verified before it shows up, and Google's review can take up to 5 business days. Watch your email for the result.
Your profile is missing the basics
Google matches profiles to searches using what's on them. Pick the most specific category, list your services and the areas you serve, keep your hours right, and add real photos.
You're far from the person searching
Distance is part of how Google ranks local results, so someone across town may see different businesses than someone next door. You can't change distance, but you can be the best match in the areas you serve.
You have few reviews or mentions
More reviews, and other sites linking to you, help Google see your business as well-known. Ask every customer for an honest review (our reviews guide shows how), and get listed where your customers look.
Your name, address or phone don't match
If your listings say different things, Google and AI tools have a harder time trusting any of them. Make them match word for word everywhere you're listed.
Your profile breaks Google's rules
Google says extra words in your business name aren't allowed and could get your profile suspended. P.O. boxes and virtual offices aren't allowed as addresses either. Use the name on your sign and your real location or service area. (Source: Google's guidelines for Business Profiles.)
Showing up in AI answers too
When someone asks ChatGPT or Google's AI who to call, it reads the same profile, reviews, listings and website. Our guide on getting recommended on ChatGPT covers that side.