Why is My Business Not Showing Up on Google?
TL;DR – Why Your Business Isn’t Showing Up on Google (and How to Fix It):
Your Google Business Profile isn’t verified – Until you complete verification, you won’t show up in Search or Maps.
Your business info is missing or wrong – Double-check your name, address, phone, hours, and website for accuracy.
You picked the wrong categories – Be specific and choose the most relevant business type in your profile.
You lack reviews or activity – Google favors businesses with engagement, photos, and customer feedback.
You’re missing key local SEO basics – Use local keywords, get listed in directories, and make sure your website is mobile-friendly.
46% of all Google searches are looking for local information.
That means nearly half of everyone using Google is trying to find a nearby product, service, or business, maybe yours. But if your business isn’t showing up, you’re missing out. Not just on clicks, but on customers, revenue, and real-world impact.
I’ve worked with dozens of business owners who were frustrated, confused, and frankly a little panicked when they couldn’t find themselves on Google. And I get it, when your business is invisible online, it feels like it doesn’t exist at all.
Here’s the good news: this problem is usually fixable. In fact, most of the reasons a business doesn’t show up come down to 5–7 specific, avoidable issues. And once you understand how Google thinks (and ranks), you can take back control.
In this article, I’m going to walk you through exactly why your business isn’t showing up—and more importantly—how to fix it. Whether you're missing from Google Search, Maps, or that elusive Local Pack, I’ll show you the step-by-step solutions that work.
First Things First: What Does It Actually Mean to Show Up on Google?
Google shows business info in a few different places:
Google Search – Where people type your business name or related keywords.
Google Maps – Where your location shows up on the map.
Google Local Pack – The 3-business listing box that pops up for local searches.
If you’re not showing up in any of these places, it’s likely due to one or more of the reasons below.
Your Google Business Profile Isn’t Verified
This is the most common issue. If you created a Google Business Profile (formerly called Google My Business) but didn’t verify it, it won’t show up publicly.
How to fix it:
Log into your Google Business Profile dashboard
Follow the steps to verify (usually a postcard, phone call, or email)
Once verified, it may take a few days to appear
This is the #1 reason businesses are hidden from search results.
Your Business Info Is Incomplete or Inaccurate
Google needs your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) to be clear, complete, and match what’s on your website and other listings.
Things to check:
Did you fill out all your info?
Are there typos or mismatches?
Is your address real and not a P.O. box?
Make sure your hours, website, and business description are updated too. Inconsistent info can confuse Google’s algorithm.
You Chose the Wrong Categories
Your business category helps Google decide which searches you should show up for. Choosing a broad or inaccurate one can hurt your visibility.
Example: A martial arts school should choose “Martial Arts School” over just “School.”
How to fix it:
Log into your profile and choose the most specific and accurate categories
Add secondary categories if needed (but don’t go overboard)
You Have No Reviews or Engagement
Google loves fresh, real feedback. A business with zero reviews looks inactive.
What helps:
Ask customers for positive google reviews
Respond to reviews—yes, even the bad ones
Post updates or photos regularly to show you're active
Engagement signals (reviews, photos, Q&A) boost visibility in Maps and Search.
You’re Using a Shared Address or P.O. Box
Google frowns on businesses that share a building with others, like co-working spaces or use virtual addresses.
What to do:
If you meet customers in person, use your actual business location
If you go to your customers, set up your profile as a Service-Area Business
Shared spaces can get flagged or filtered, especially if multiple businesses claim the same address.
Your Website or Photos Aren’t Approved
Google sometimes rejects websites or images for not following guidelines.
Check for:
Broken links
Inappropriate images
Stock photos instead of real ones
Fix or re-upload them and watch for approval notices in your dashboard.
You’re Not Optimized for Local SEO
You can have a verified profile and still not show up if your website or online presence isn’t optimized for local search.
What you need:
Local keywords (like "plumber in Dallas" or "Denver dog groomer")
Mobile-friendly website
Consistent listings on Yelp, Facebook, BBB, etc.
Google’s ranking factors:
Relevance – Do you match the user’s search?
Distance – How close are you to the searcher?
Prominence – Are you known/trusted online? (links, reviews, activity)
Low prominence is often the issue, especially for new or low-traffic businesses.
Your Profile Might Be Suspended or Disabled
Sometimes your listing won’t show up because it’s under review or suspended.
Signs of suspension:
You can’t find your listing even when typing the exact name
You see a red “suspended” notice in your dashboard
Fix it by:
Reading Google’s guidelines
Appealing the suspension with corrected info
Contacting support for help
Where Exactly Are You Not Showing Up?
Google Search
If your business name doesn’t appear even when you search for it directly, there’s likely a verification, info, or suspension issue.
Google Maps
If you don’t appear on the map, distance from the user or low prominence could be the issue.
Google Guaranteed
This is a paid ad program with strict vetting. If you're not enrolled, you won’t show up under the "Google Guaranteed" badge.
Apply through Google Local Services to become eligible.
Tools to Help You Fix This
Google Business Profile Dashboard – Check for errors and manage info
Google Search Console – Helps you understand how your site is indexed
BrightLocal or Whitespark – Audit your local SEO and citations
Incognito Search – Check results from a neutral view
Final Thoughts: How to Get Found Fast
If your business isn’t showing up on Google, you’re not alone, but now, you’re no longer in the dark. Whether it’s an unverified profile, missing info, wrong categories, or weak local SEO, the reasons are usually fixable with a little strategy and consistency.
Here’s the quick recap:
Start with verification – No verification, no visibility.
Double-check your info – Make sure your name, address, and phone are accurate and consistent.
Choose the right categories – Be specific and relevant to your services.
Engage your audience – Get reviews, respond to them, post photos.
Watch your address – Avoid shared or virtual office spaces when possible.
Fix any rejections or suspensions – Stay on top of alerts in your Google Business dashboard.
Invest in local SEO – It’s not optional—it’s how you stay competitive.
If that feels like a lot, don’t worry. You don’t have to do it all at once, and you don’t have to do it alone.
At Schulze Creative, we specialize in helping businesses like yours not only show up, but stand out. From Google Business Profile setup to custom local SEO strategies, we create personalized marketing that works.
Ready to finally get found on Google? Let’s make sure your business gets the visibility it deserves. Book a free consultation and let’s get to work.
FAQ: Why Is My Business Not Showing Up on Google?
Why is my business not showing up on Google at all?
You might not be verified, your info might be wrong, or your profile may be suspended. Start with your Google Business dashboard and verify your account.
How long does it take to show up on Google after verification?
Usually within 3–5 days, but sometimes longer if Google is still reviewing your info.
Why isn’t my business showing up on Google Maps?
Google prioritizes businesses based on distance, relevance, and prominence. If you’re far away or have low engagement, you might not show up.
Why is my business not showing up in the Google Local Pack?
That pack only features the top 3 businesses based on search location, reviews, and optimization. You’ll need strong SEO and activity to compete.
Can Schulze Creative help my business show up on Google?
Yes! We specialize in personalized local SEO and Google Business Profile optimization that actually gets you found.
What makes Schulze Creative different from other marketing agencies?
We don’t use cookie-cutter plans. We create a personalized digital marketing strategy based on your business’s unique identity and location.
Do I need a website to show up on Google?
Technically no—but it really helps. We can build or optimize a simple, SEO-ready site that works with your Google profile.
Do you handle verification and setup?
Absolutely. We can claim, verify, and optimize your Google Business Profile from start to finish.
