Why Is My Business Not Showing Up in Local Search Results on Google?

On April 11th, 2020 / By Hamzah Khadim

When it comes to local searches, Google is the leader in providing consumers with search engine results for local businesses in their area, which feature the products and services they want and need. Utilizing local search engine optimization (SEO) marketing strategies does have its benefits over other SEO efforts. Google tends to use specific ranking criteria based upon the type of search being conducted and give priority in the search engine results it displays.

Since we are talking about local businesses, let’s look how Google ranks local search results:

The top of the page features any paid-for ads. These ads typically display local businesses in your area featuring the products and services you want. Using ads on Google can be beneficial if your business is new or you are just starting to implement SEO marketing strategies.

Below paid-for-ads are local businesses registered with Google. The next section of the search engine results shows a Google Map and lists local businesses in the area that took the time to register their business with Google, complete their business profile, and link it to Google Maps. Depending on whether you conducted the search on a desktop/laptop computer or your smartphone, there will be buttons to the right of the displayed business, such as “Directions” or “Call Now.”

Typically, the top three or four businesses are displayed, with a button that says “More Places” underneath. Clicking this button will open up a new Google Map, along with a more detailed list of local businesses in the area, along with other quick button options, like a link to the business’ website. You will also notice directly underneath the business name it will have “star” rating if it has been reviewed or say “No Reviews.”

Below the local Google Map and business listings, are other local business that have been indexed by Google that do not have a business profile created through Google, but do have one on another site, like Facebook. Some of these search results could also be directory listings or review site listings found on sites like Yellowpages.com or Yelp.

Now that you understand how Google displays businesses in local search results, let’s look at some of the more common reasons why your business is not showing up.

• You are not listed because you do not have a local business profile on Google.
• You have not registered your NAP (Name, Address, and Phone) data with directory listing sites.
• You do not have a local business profile on review sites.
• You have inconsistent NAP data, which Google dings you for and could prevent your business from being displayed in local search results.
• You failed to follow Google’s “Quality Guidelines.”
• You did not complete the business verification process through Google.
• You Google business profile has incomplete, inaccurate, or missing information.

As you can see, there are many reasons why your business is not being displayed in local search results. To help you determine why your business is not showing up and assistance in developing an effective local SEO strategy to improve your rankings and get your business noticed, contact Logik Digital at 1-866-307-0086 and ask for your FREE SEO analysis today!