Google My Business (GMB), now known as Google Business Profile (GBP), is an essential tool for local businesses to improve their online presence. However, many business owners face the issue of their GMB listing not appearing on Google Maps. If your business is not showing up, it could be due to multiple reasons. In this guide, we will explore all possible causes and solutions to fix the issue in a detailed manner.
Possible Reasons & Solutions
Let’s delve into the common reasons why your Google My Business not showing up in Google Maps and provide actionable solutions to get you back on the map:
1. Your Business Profile is Not Verified
Reason:
Google requires businesses to verify their listings to prevent spam and ensure accuracy. If your profile is not verified, it won’t be displayed on Google Maps or search results.
Solution:
- Log in to your Google Business Profile account.
- Look for a notification indicating the verification status.
- If your profile is unverified, request a verification code via mail, phone, or email. You may also be required to do video verification.
- Once you receive the code, enter it in your profile or complete the video verification process.
- If you are facing delays in verification, contact Google Support for assistance.
2. Your Business is Not Listed on Google Maps
Reason:
If your business is new or hasn’t been manually added, it might not be available in Google’s database yet.
Solution:
- Open Google Maps and search for your business using its name and address.
- If your business does not appear, you need to manually add it:
- Open Google Maps.
- Click on “Add a missing place” and enter your business details.
- Submit it for review and wait for approval from Google.
- Ensure that all information provided is accurate and follows Google’s listing guidelines.
3. Incorrect Business Information
Reason:
Inconsistent or incorrect details such as address, phone number, business name, or category can cause your listing to be removed or not appear on Google Maps.
Solution:
- Go to your Google Business Profile dashboard.
- Double-check that the Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) match across all online directories and your website.
- Ensure you have selected the most relevant business category to increase your chances of appearing in relevant searches.
- Update and correct any incorrect information and save the changes.
4. Your Business is Set to ‘Service Area Business’ (SAB) Without a Physical Address
Reason:
Service-area businesses (SABs) operate without a physical storefront and instead serve customers at their locations. If your address is hidden, it may not appear on Maps.
Solution:
- If you have a storefront, add a valid business address to your profile.
- If you operate as a service-area business, ensure that you have correctly set your service area in Google My Business.
- Avoid hiding your address unless necessary, as this may impact your visibility on Google Maps.
5. Your Business is Too New
Reason:
Google takes time to process and rank newly created business listings. If your business was added recently, it may not appear instantly on Maps.
Solution:
- Allow some time (a few days to a few weeks) for Google to review and index your business listing.
- Keep updating your profile with fresh content, such as photos, posts, and business updates, to enhance its visibility.
6. Your Google Business Profile is Suspended or Disabled
Reason:
Google may suspend or disable business listings that violate its policies, such as duplicate listings, fake locations, or misleading information.
Solution:
- Check your Google Business Profile dashboard for any suspension notifications.
- Review Google’s guidelines to identify potential violations.
- Submit an appeal through the Google Business Profile Help Center with necessary corrections.
Also Read: Revive Your Suspended Google Business Profile with GBPGM’s Suspension Removal Tool
7. Your Business is in a Restricted Category
Reason:
Certain industries (such as adult services, gambling, firearms, or financial services) have restrictions on Google Maps.
Solution:
- Review Google’s guidelines for restricted businesses.
- Modify your business category if applicable.
- Ensure compliance with Google’s policies to avoid removal.
8. Your Business is Not Optimized for Local SEO
Reason:
Google prioritizes businesses that have a well-optimized profile, relevant keywords, and user engagement. If your profile lacks these elements, it may not rank well on Maps.
Solution:
- Optimize your business description with relevant local keywords.
- Add high-quality images showcasing your business.
- Encourage customer reviews and engage with users through replies and updates.
- Consistently update your profile with new content to improve search rankings.
9. Your Business Has No Reviews or Low Engagement
Reason:
Businesses with more customer interactions, reviews, and updates tend to rank higher on Google Maps.
Solution:
- Encourage happy customers to leave positive reviews.
- Respond to all reviews, whether positive or negative, to engage with your audience.
- Regularly post updates, offers, and business news to keep your profile active.
10. Technical Glitches or Google Algorithm Updates
Reason:
Sometimes, changes in Google’s algorithms or technical glitches may temporarily remove listings from Maps.
Solution:
- Check Google’s forums or update announcements to see if others are facing similar issues.
- Report the problem to Google Support for resolution.
- Regularly monitor your GMB dashboard for insights and performance tracking.
11. Inconsistent Business Citations
Reason:
If your business information is inconsistent across multiple online directories, Google may not trust your listing, leading to lower rankings or removal from Google Maps.
Solution:
- Audit your business citations.
- Ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone) is consistent across all platforms.
- Update any incorrect or outdated information on business directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Facebook.
- Regularly monitor your citations to maintain consistency and improve credibility.
Also Read: Local Citations: The Secret Weapon No Local Business Should Ignore
Conclusion
If your Google Business Profile is not showing up on Google Maps, it could be due to verification issues, incorrect details, low engagement, or policy violations. By following the resolutions mentioned above, you can ensure that your business gains visibility and attracts more customers. Regular updates, customer reviews, local SEO optimization, and consistent citations are key to improving your ranking on Google Maps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take for my business to appear on Google Maps?
It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the verification status and Google’s indexing process.
2. Can I list my business without an address on Google Maps?
Yes, service-area businesses (SABs) can list themselves without a visible address, but setting up a defined service area improves visibility.
3. Why does my competitor show up on Maps but not my business?
Your competitors might have better local SEO, more reviews, or an older, more established presence. Optimizing your profile can help you compete effectively.
4. What should I do if my business profile gets suspended?
Review Google’s guidelines, correct any violations, and submit a reinstatement request with supporting details.
5. Does posting regularly help my business appear on Google Maps?
Yes, frequently updating your profile with posts, offers, and responding to customer queries increases engagement and improves ranking.
