Discover the reasons why your business is not appearing on Google search results. Learn valuable insights and tips to improve your online visibility and reach a broader audience.
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Google LLC is an American tech giant with a focus on artificial intelligence, online advertising, search engine technology, cloud computing, computer software, quantum computing, e-commerce, and consumer electronics.
Renowned as “the most powerful company in the world” and holding a position as one of the most valuable brands globally, Google’s dominance stems from its market influence, extensive data collection, and technological advancements in artificial intelligence. It is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., which is part of the elite group of Big Tech companies, including Amazon, Apple Inc., Meta Platforms, and Microsoft.
Founded on September 4, 1998, by computer scientists Larry Page and Sergey Brin during their Ph.D. studies at Stanford University in California, the duo collectively own about 14% of Google’s publicly listed shares and control 56% of its voting power through super-voting stock. The company went public through an initial public offering (IPO) in 2004. In 2015, Google underwent restructuring and became a wholly owned subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., serving as the holding company for Alphabet’s Internet assets and ventures.
Sundar Pichai assumed the role of Google’s CEO on October 24, 2015, taking over from Larry Page, who transitioned to the position of Alphabet’s CEO. Subsequently, on December 3, 2019, Pichai also became the CEO of Alphabet, consolidating his leadership roles across the company.
Google’s far-reaching influence, vast technological innovations, and continued expansion under Alphabet’s umbrella have positioned it as a key player in shaping the digital landscape and advancing the realm of technology. With a diverse portfolio of services and a commitment to cutting-edge research and development, Google continues to shape the future of the internet and revolutionize how people interact with technology worldwide.
Why is My Business Not Showing Up on Google?
1. Your Google My Business Isn’t Claimed and Verified.
Merely creating a GMB account won’t guarantee visibility on search results. Verify your business by Googling it; if you see “Own this business?” under your listing, you’re not verified. Once verified, your business will appear on Google Maps and rank higher by providing accurate information and enhancing it with pictures, videos, and descriptions.
2. Your Business Information is Incorrect or Inconsistent Across the Web (NAP Citations).
Ensure accurate NAP (Name, Address, Phone) citations on various sites and directories. Use the right category and description on your GMB account, and check other listings like Yelp, Facebook, Apple Maps, etc., to maintain consistency and improve search rankings.
3. Your Website Domain Is Not Optimized for Search Engines.
Optimize your website by connecting it to Google Search Console, updating it regularly with fresh content, using relevant keywords naturally, and monitoring progress to improve its visibility and prominence in search results.
4. Your Business is New and Has a Very Small Web Presence.
For new businesses, focus on gaining traction by requesting reviews, joining local business associations, cross-promoting with non-profit organizations or small businesses, updating your website and GMB account regularly, and using relevant keywords for better local search rankings.
5. You’re Using Too Few, Too Many, or the Wrong Keywords.
Identify the right keywords that potential customers use, and use them naturally in your Google Business profile, directory listings, and website. Avoid keyword stuffing, update your website, and monitor keyword effectiveness over time to improve search rankings.
6. Your Business Has Moved or Changed, But You Haven’t Updated Your Information Online.
Update your business information, including name, address, phone number, website URL, and hours of operation on GMB promptly. Consider re-verifying your business on Google if there are significant changes.
7. You’re Not Growing Your Google Reviews.
Ask satisfied customers for authentic reviews. Respond professionally to reviews, and as you accumulate more positive reviews, Google will favor your business in local search results.
8. Google is Penalizing Your Account for Violating Terms of Service.
Avoid violating Google’s terms of service by following their guidelines. Don’t stuff keywords in the business name field, list an irrelevant address, verify multiple listings for the same business, or use forwarding URLs.
9. You’re Not Keeping Your Online Presence Fresh with New Content.
Regularly post fresh content on your Google Business Profile and website to engage users and improve your online presence. Use photos, interactive features, blogs, and social media to showcase your business.
10. Your Local Market is Highly Competitive.
In competitive markets, identify niche markets, target specific keywords and demographics, create quality content, and optimize your website for mobile users to stand out and outlast the competition on Google search.
How Long Does it Take for Google Business to Show Up?
When you create a new Google My Business (GMB) listing, it typically takes 3-4 days for it to become visible to the public. However, this timeframe can vary depending on several factors, including the completeness of your listing and the verification process.
1. Listing Setup:
The first step is to set up your GMB account by providing essential business information, such as the business name, address, phone number (NAP), website, category, and hours of operation. You may also add photos, videos, and a description to make your listing more appealing to potential customers.
2. Verification Process:
After setting up your listing, you need to verify it to confirm the legitimacy of your business. Google offers different verification methods, including mail, phone, email, instant verification, and bulk verification (for eligible businesses). The most common method is verification by mail, where Google sends a postcard containing a verification code to your business address.
3. Waiting Period:
Once you request verification, Google initiates the verification process. If you choose the mail verification option, it may take up to 14 days for the postcard to arrive at your business address. During this waiting period, your listing will not be visible to the public.
4. Entering Verification Code:
Once you receive the postcard, you can log back into your GMB account and enter the five-digit verification code provided on the postcard. After entering the code, click “Verify,” and your listing will be officially verified.
5. Public Visibility:
After successful verification, your GMB listing becomes live and visible to the public. It will appear in Google Maps and search results when users search for businesses similar to yours in the specified area. The completeness and accuracy of your listing, as well as the relevance of your business to search queries, can impact its ranking in search results.
6. Optimization:
To improve your GMB listing’s visibility and appeal, consider enhancing it with additional information, such as customer reviews, updated posts, and regular updates. Having an optimized GMB listing can improve your local search rankings and attract more potential customers.
In summary, the process of setting up and verifying a new Google My Business listing typically takes 3-4 days, plus the additional time required for you to receive and enter the verification code. Once verified, your listing becomes visible to the public, allowing potential customers to find and engage with your business through Google Maps and search.
How to Hide Your Address on Google My Business?
If you selected “Yes” during the set-up process, indicating that you deliver goods and services to your customers at their location, but later realized you made a mistake, don’t worry. You can still remove your address from your Google My Business (GMB) listing to prevent unwanted visitors from showing up at your door.
To do this, follow these steps:
1. Edit Your Listing: Access your GMB account and go to the “Info” section. Locate the pencil/edit icon next to your address and click on it to make changes.
2. Clear Address: Scroll down until you find your current address and the maps image. Look for the option to “Clear Address” and select it. Then, click “Apply” to remove your address from the listing.
3. Add Service Areas: To ensure your business is still visible in local results without displaying your physical address, you should specify “Service Areas.” These areas represent the locations where you provide your goods or services. If you haven’t already added service areas, make sure to do so now.
Keep in mind that removing your address does not mean you can rank in cities or locations far away from your actual base of operations. Google still knows where your business is located since they need to send the verification postcard somewhere during the initial set-up process. The proximity of your business to the searcher’s location remains a factor when Google determines which businesses to rank in Google Maps and Map Packs.
Google My Business primarily caters to local businesses, so it’s essential to provide accurate and relevant information to potential customers. If your business delivers goods or services, it’s crucial to specify your service areas correctly to ensure you appear in the search results for the relevant locations.
By removing your physical address from your listing, you can protect your privacy and prevent unnecessary visits from individuals looking for businesses at your location. Your business will still be visible to potential customers, but without displaying the specific address to searchers.
Disclaimer: The above information is for general informational purposes only. All information on the Site is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information on the Site.
Categories: General
Source: HIS Education