You set up a Google Business Profile, but when you search for your service you cannot find yourself on the map. This is one of the most common questions small business owners ask. Usually the cause is one of the nine below, and most can be fixed without paying anyone.
First, check how you are searching
Results depend on where the searcher is. If you search from home and your business is across town, you may not see it, while a customer next door does. Try searching your exact business name first. If you appear for your name but not for your service, the profile exists and the work is about ranking. If you do not appear even for your name, start with reasons 1 to 4.
1. The profile is not verified
Unverified profiles usually do not show in search. Sign in to your profile and look for a "Verify" prompt. Google may ask for a video, a phone call, a text or a postcard.
2. The profile is suspended
A suspended profile disappears from public results. Common triggers are a keyword-stuffed business name, a virtual office or PO box address, or several profiles for one business. Fix the cause, then submit a reinstatement request from the profile.
3. A recent edit is under review
Changing your name, address or category can put the profile into review for a while. Avoid making many big edits at once.
4. It is a new profile
New profiles often take a few weeks to start showing for service searches. Keep it complete and active in the meantime.
5. The wrong primary category
Your primary category is one of the strongest signals. If you are a roofer listed as "Contractor", you are competing for the wrong searches. Pick the most specific category that matches your main service, then add secondary categories.
6. An incomplete profile
- Every service listed, with short descriptions
- Accurate hours, including holiday hours
- A description that says what you do and where
- Real photos of your place, team and work
- Your website link and phone number
7. You are a service area business outside the searcher's area
If you hide your address and serve customers at their location, Google still ranks you mainly around your real base. Listing a wide service area does not make you rank everywhere in it.
8. Few or old reviews
Competitors with more recent reviews tend to look more prominent. Ask every happy customer for a review with your direct review link, and reply to every review. Never buy or write fake reviews; they can get the profile suspended.
9. A weak or mismatched website
Your website supports your profile. If the name, address and phone differ from the profile, or the site barely mentions your services and area, the profile has less to stand on. Make sure the details match exactly, and give each main service its own page.
Quick checklist
- Search your exact business name. Do you appear?
- Is the profile verified and free of suspension notices?
- Is the primary category the most specific one possible?
- Are all services, hours, photos and the description complete?
- Did you post an update in the last week?
- Do your website and other listings use the same name, address and phone?
For the full list, see our 25-step Google Business Profile checklist. If you would rather have it done for you, our Google Business Profile optimization is included in every SEO plan.