You search for your own business on Google Maps and it isn’t there. Or it’s there, but buried below businesses you know are further away. It’s frustrating, but a business not showing on Google Maps is usually fixable.
First, check how you’re searching Google Maps
Google shows different results to different people. Distance is one of the main factors, so what you see from your shop isn’t what a customer sees across town. Instead, search from a private window, and try both your business name and the service you offer, such as “electrician Gosford”.
Google says local results are based on three things: relevance (how well your profile matches the search), distance (how far you are from the searcher) and prominence (how well known and trusted your business is).
1. Your Google Business Profile isn’t verified
Unverified profiles may not show at all. So sign in to your Google Business Profile and check for a “Verify” prompt. Google may then ask for a video, a phone call or another method.
2. It’s suspended or waiting on an edit
If your profile breaks Google’s guidelines, it can be suspended. Also, big edits (like a new name or address) can be held for review, so check your profile for a warning or an “Under review” message.
3. Your main category is wrong
Your primary category is one of the strongest signals you control. Therefore, choose the most specific one that describes your main service (“Plumber”, not “Contractor”), then add secondary categories for the rest.
4. Your address or service area is set up wrong
If customers come to you, show your address. On the other hand, if you go to them, set up a service-area business: hide your address and add the suburbs you cover.
Free Google Business Profile checklist Tick off what your profile has, from category to service areas, and see the fixes that matter most. Check my profile →5. Your details don’t match across the web
Your business name, address and phone number should be exactly the same on your website, Google, Facebook and directories, because mismatches make it harder for Google to trust which details are right.
6. You don’t have enough recent reviews
Reviews are part of prominence. They also decide whether people click.
So ask every customer, every time, with a direct link. Here’s how to get more Google reviews without breaking the rules.
7. Your website doesn’t support your Google Business Profile
Google looks at your website too. So link it from your profile, and make sure it has a clear page for each service and the areas you serve, with the same name, address and phone number as your profile.
8. You’re too far from the person searching
You can’t change where a customer is standing. Still, a complete profile, strong reviews and a website with suburb pages help you show up in more searches. However, no one can move your pin closer, so be wary of anyone who promises otherwise.
Free Google location changer See Google results as if you were searching from another suburb, to check how far your listing reaches. Pick a suburb →What not to do on Google Maps
- Don’t stuff keywords into your business name.Use your real name, as it appears on your signage.
- Don’t use a fake or virtual address.Google’s guidelines don’t allow it, and it can get your profile suspended.
- Don’t buy reviews or only ask happy customers.Both break Google’s rules.