Why isn't my business showing on Google?
If you search for your trade and town and can't find yourself, you're not alone. It's usually one of a handful of fixable reasons. Here are the nine most common, how to check each in a few minutes, and what to do about it.
First, a quick test. Search Google for site:yourdomain.co.uk (using your own domain). If pages appear, Google knows your website exists and the problem is ranking. If nothing appears, Google hasn't indexed your site, so start with reasons 1 to 3.
1. Your website is new
Google needs to discover a site before it can show it. New sites are often found within days, but not always. Fix: set up Google Search Console, submit your sitemap and request indexing for your main pages.
2. Your website is telling Google to stay away
A setting left over from building the site can block Google, such as a "noindex" tag or a "discourage search engines" tick box in WordPress. Check: Search Console's URL Inspection tool will tell you if a page is blocked. Fix: remove the setting and request indexing again.
3. You don't have a Google Business Profile, or it isn't verified
The map results come from Google Business Profiles, not websites. If you haven't got one, or it isn't verified, you won't show on Maps at all. Fix: follow our step-by-step guide to getting your business on Google Maps.
4. You're searching from the wrong place
Local results depend heavily on where the person searching is. If you're 10 miles from a town, you may not show for someone searching there, even if you work there. Check: ask a friend in the town to search, or use the area settings in a rank-checking tool. Fix: make sure your service areas are set in your Google profile, and build a genuine page on your website for each main town you cover.
5. You don't have a page for what people search
If your website has one page that lists "plumbing, heating and bathrooms", it will struggle to rank for "boiler repair Bournemouth". Google ranks pages, not businesses. Fix: give each main service its own page that explains what you do, where, for whom, and roughly what it costs.
6. Your Google profile is incomplete or in the wrong category
Your primary category is one of the strongest signals for the map results. A roofer listed as "Contractor" or a carpet cleaner listed as "Cleaning service" can miss out. Fix: choose the most specific primary category, add your services, opening hours, photos and a clear description.
7. You have few or no reviews
Reviews help you rank on the map and help people choose you once they find you. If competitors have 80 reviews and you have three, you'll usually sit below them. Fix: ask every happy customer, with a direct link. Our guide on getting more Google reviews has templates.
8. Your details don't match across the web
If your name, phone number or website are different on your Google profile, your website, Facebook and directories, Google can be less sure they're all the same business. This matters even more if another business has a similar name. Fix: use exactly the same name, phone and website everywhere, and update old listings.
9. Your profile has been suspended or flagged
Google can suspend profiles that break its guidelines, for example by adding keywords to the business name or using a virtual office address. Check: log in to your profile and look for warnings. Fix: correct the problem and follow Google's reinstatement process. Never create a second profile to get round it.
What about AI assistants?
ChatGPT, Google's AI answers and Copilot increasingly recommend local businesses. They lean on the same things: clear websites, consistent listings and reviews. Fixing the reasons above helps there too. Read more in how to get recommended by ChatGPT.
Websites for your trade
See how we set up pages and Google profiles for locksmiths, heating engineers, garages, carpet cleaners, window cleaners and cleaners.
Questions
How do I check if Google has found my website?
Search Google for site:yourdomain.co.uk. If no pages appear, Google hasn't indexed your site yet. Setting up Google Search Console and submitting a sitemap is the best next step.
Why does my business show for its name but not for my trade?
Showing for your own name is easy because few businesses compete for it. Showing for searches like 'plumber Poole' depends on relevant pages, a complete Google Business Profile, reviews, and how close you are to the person searching.
How long does it take to appear on Google?
A new website can be indexed within days. Ranking for competitive local searches usually takes a few months of steady work. A new Google Business Profile has to be verified before it appears on Maps.
Can I pay Google to rank higher?
No. You can pay for Google Ads, which appear as sponsored results, but you can't pay to move up the normal results or the map listings.
Still can't find yourself on Google?
Get a free check: we'll look at your website, your Google profile and your listings, and tell you exactly what's holding you back.
More guides: all guides · getting on Google Maps · getting more Google reviews