If you’re reading this article, chances are your Google Business Listing is not showing up in search results, and you’re desperately looking for solutions. What’s going on? Why is your meticulously crafted business profile not appearing in search results? Has Google decided to suspend it, or is it something else? In this article, we discuss some of the leading reasons why local businesses might have to deal with such inconvenience and how they can address the issue. So, let’s begin!
Common Reasons Your Google Business Listing Might Not Appear
Suspended profile
If Google penalizes a ‘Business Profile,’ it won’t appear on search results. There can be many reasons why the search engine might take such a drastic action, but the most prominent being non-compliance with its guidelines. If you provide misleading information about your business, Google may suspend or completely remove your Business Listing. Engaging in spammy behavior, such as keyword stuffing, can also prompt the search engine to remove your business listing from search results and Google Maps.
So, what’s the solution?
There are a few things that you can do to minimize the likelihood of your business listing being penalized or removed by Google. Start by familiarizing yourself with Google’s guidelines for Business Profiles. Don’t try to manipulate search engine results by providing misinformation. Refrain from spammy practices such as keyword stuffing and similar other stuff.
Unverified listing
Not being verified is yet another reason why Google might remove your business listing from its search results. When it comes to the search market, Google takes the lead. The reason is simple: It aims to deliver the most relevant and reliable data to the user. Since Google can’t confirm the legitimacy of information provided in an unverified business profile, it won’t display the listing in its search results because placing such dubious listings can undermine the overall quality of its Search Engine Results Page(SERPs).
So, what’s the solution?
Verify your listing ASAP. The process is relatively easy. Go to the Google Business Profile page and sign in using your Gmail account. If the business is listed, select it to proceed with the verification process. If it’s not, add it by providing the required information. Once the process is complete, choose the mode in which you want to verify your business. It may take a few days.
NAP consistency issues
Yes, you read that right! NAP consistency issues can result in removing a Business Profile from Google’s search results. Search engines like Google strive to provide users accurate, relevant, and reliable information. Not maintaining consistent NAP data across online platforms, including your Google Business Profile, creates confusion among users, thereby undermining their trust. To preserve the quality of its search results and enhance user experience, Google might remove your listing or diminish its visibility.
So, what’s the solution?
If you want your business listing to remain visible, audit your business’s NAP information or Name, Address, and Phone Number across all online platforms, directories, and listings. You can also use structured data markup on your website to allow search engines to easily retrieve your business’s NAP details.
Ineffective SEO practices
To determine whether a business listing should be displayed in search results for a location-specific search query, Google considers three factors- relevance, distance, and prominence. If you don’t optimize your business profile according to the search engine’s guidelines for local businesses, the listing might not reach the top positions in search and map results. Attempts to deceive users or manipulate search ranking can also result in business profile suspension.
So, what’s the solution?
To optimize your business profile, you must thoroughly understand the factors Google considers when ranking business listings in its search and map results. Adhere to Google’s prohibited and restricted content policies when crafting content for your business profile.
Competitive market & location
Your business listing’s visibility will diminish significantly if your shop is located in a densely populated area. It’s not that your listing is not optimized correctly; it’s simply because competition for local visibility is fierce. And it’s simply not possible for any single business to stand out without a strategic approach. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to make your business listing appear prominently in search results.
So, what’s the solution?
Start by identifying unique selling points for your business- things that give it its unique identity. Work on optimizing your business profile based on its USPs.
Seek Professional Help
Setting up a Google Business Listing is one thing…, but enhancing its visibility in search and map results is a completely different task that requires attention to detail. You will have to verify the account, optimize NAP information across online platforms, monitor & respond to customer reviews, and adhere to all sorts of guidelines put forth by Google for business profiles. If you don’t want to manage all these responsibilities and only want to focus on your business, hire experienced professionals to handle your business listing. It will maximize your listing’s potential to attract customers and drive growth.
To Conclude
If your business listing does not appear in search and map results, your online visibility will be adversely impacted. This is something that can result in reduced web traffic and less foot traffic to the physical location. If you don’t want to miss out on opportunities for customer acquisition, work on optimizing your Google Business Listing. Reach out to a trusted online reputation management service provider if your business profile is suspended or not showing up on search and map results prominently.