Why Is My Google Business Profile Not Showing Up?

You’re not alone if you’ve created a Google Business Profile (GBP) but it’s not appearing in search results. Many business owners face this issue and wonder what’s wrong. The good news is that there are several common reasons why your profile might not be showing up—and most of them can be fixed with the proper adjustments.

In this article, we’ll walk through the most likely causes and how to get your business back on Google’s radar.

1. Your Google Business Profile Is Not Verified

One of the most common reasons your GBP isn’t showing up is that it hasn’t been verified. Google requires businesses to complete a verification process (usually via postcard, phone, or email) to prove they are legitimate.

Fix:

• Log in to your Google Business Profile Manager and check your verification status.
• If your profile is unverified, follow Google’s instructions to verify it.

2. Your Business Is Too New

If you recently created your profile, Google may take a few days (or even weeks) to index and display it in search results.

Fix:

• Give it some time.
• Please ensure that you have completed your profile completely, including your business name, address, phone number (NAP), categories, and business hours.

3. Your Profile Has Been Suspended

Google may suspend a business profile if it violates its policies, such as using a fake address, keyword stuffing in the business name, or engaging in spammy practices.

Fix:

• Check your email for a notification from Google about a suspension.
• Follow the steps to appeal the suspension and provide any required documentation.

4. Your Business Category or Location Is Too Competitive

Suppose you’re in a large city’s competitive industry (like law firms, HVAC, or restaurants). In that case, your business might not show up immediately—especially if there are well-established competitors nearby.

Fix:

• Optimize your GBP with high-quality photos, accurate business information, and detailed descriptions.
• Encourage happy customers to leave Google reviews—they can boost your visibility.
• Post regular updates and offers to your profile to increase engagement.

5. Your Business Has Duplicate Listings

If Google detects multiple profiles for the same business, it may suppress all of them to prevent spam.

Fix:

• Search for your business name and address in Google Maps to see if there are duplicates.
• If you find multiple listings, request to merge or remove them through Google Business Profile Manager.

6. Your Profile Is Missing Key Information

A partially completed profile is less likely to rank well in search results. Google favors profiles that provide a full set of business details.

Fix:

• Ensure your business hours, services, products, and contact details are complete.
• Add a compelling business description with relevant keywords.

7. Your Business Is Outside the Targeted Area

If you’re searching for your business from a location far from your registered address, Google may not show it. Google prioritizes local results based on user proximity.

Fix:

• Try searching for your business using a local ZIP code or city name (e.g., “plumber in Phoenix” instead of just “plumber”).
• Set up service areas in your GBP if you offer services outside your primary location.

8. Your Website or GBP Has SEO Issues

Google uses algorithms to rank businesses in search, and if your website or profile lacks strong SEO signals, it may struggle to appear.

Fix:

• Ensure your website has local SEO optimization, including your city and business type in page titles and meta descriptions.
• Use a free GBP analysis tool (like BizIQ’s) to check for optimization opportunities.

Need Help Getting Your Google Business Profile to Show Up?

If your Google Business Profile isn’t showing up, it can cost you valuable traffic and customers. At BizIQ, we’ve helped over 33,000 businesses optimize their profiles and improve their local rankings.

Get a free Google Business Profile analysis today!