“My business is not showing on Google” is one of the things I hear most when someone writes to me for the first time. Usually, the problem can be solved. But first you need to know the cause, because each one is fixed in a different way.
In this article I go through the seven most common causes. I also explain how to check each one yourself, without paid tools and without jargon.
First, check why your business is not showing on Google
Open Google and type site: followed by your domain, for example “site:yourbusiness.com”. If pages from your website appear, Google already knows it. On the other hand, if nothing appears, your website is not in its index yet, and that is the first problem to solve.
For more detail, you can use Google Search Console, a free Google tool. It tells you which pages Google takes into account, which ones it ignores and why.
1. Your website is new and Google has not seen it yet
When a website has just been published, Google can take days or even weeks to find it. So, if your website is recent, it is normal for your business not to appear on Google yet. To speed things up, add your website to Search Console and submit the sitemap.
2. Your website tells Google not to show it
This happens more often than you might think. WordPress has a checkbox that asks search engines not to index the website. It is often ticked while the website is being built, and then nobody unticks it. Check it under Settings, in the Reading section. If it is ticked, untick it.
3. You do not have a Google Business Profile
When someone searches for a service in their town, Google first shows a map with local businesses. A website is not enough to appear there: you need a verified Google Business Profile. If you do not have one, follow my guide on how to get on the Google map step by step.
4. You search for words your customers do not use
Sometimes your business does appear, but not for the words you try. For example, you might search for “comprehensive climate control solutions”, while your customers type “air conditioning installation in Tarragona”. Think about how someone who does not know you would search, and use those same words on your website.
5. Your website does not explain what you do or where
Google needs to understand your service and your area. If your website only says “Welcome” and “Quality and trust”, you give it no clues. That is why each important service should have its own page, with the name of the service and the towns where you work. Also, your phone number and address should appear exactly as in your Google listing.
6. Your website is slow or does not work well on mobile
Most local searches are made on a phone. So, if your website takes a long time to load or looks bad on a small screen, people leave. And Google takes that into account. A fast WordPress website built for mobile solves a large part of this problem.
7. Your competitors are doing it better
Finally, everything may be fine, but other businesses in your area may be ahead. Perhaps they have more reviews, a more complete listing or a website with more useful content. In that case, the answer is not a quick trick but consistent local SEO work.
What to do if your business is not showing on Google
To start with, check the causes in this order, because the first ones are the easiest to fix:
- Search for “site:” and your domain to see whether Google knows your website.
- Check the visibility checkbox in the WordPress settings.
- Create or verify your Google Business Profile.
- Use the words your customers search for on your website.
- Add a page for each service and mention your area.
- Check that your website loads fast on mobile.
Beware of promises: nobody can guarantee you first place on Google. If someone promises it, be suspicious.
Is your business still not showing on Google? I can help
If, after checking all this, your business is still not showing on Google, tell me about it. To start with, I can do a free audit of your Google Maps listing. I can also review your website with my SEO service and explain what is wrong, without jargon.
