You've got a great business. Your customers love you. But when someone searches for what you offer, you're nowhere to be found.
Sound familiar? Let's fix that.
## Why Google Rankings Matter
Here's a stat that should get your attention: 46% of all Google searches have local intent. That means nearly half of everyone searching is looking for something nearby.
If you're not showing up, your competitors are getting those customers instead.
## 7 Reasons You're Not Showing Up (And How to Fix Each One)
### 1. You Don't Have a Google Business Profile
This is the #1 reason local businesses are invisible on Google. Your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is what makes you appear in:
- Google Maps - The "local pack" (those 3 businesses shown at the top) - Local search results
The fix: Go to business.google.com and claim or create your listing. It's completely free.
### 2. Your Profile is Incomplete
Having a profile isn't enough. Google favours businesses with complete information.
Make sure you've added:
- Accurate business name (exactly as it appears on your signage) - Full address - Phone number - Website URL - Business hours (including public holidays) - Business category (choose the most specific one) - Services or products you offer - Photos of your business (at least 5-10)
The fix: Log into your Google Business Profile and fill in every single field. Add photos of your storefront, interior, team, and products.
### 3. Inconsistent Business Information
Google gets confused when your business name, address, or phone number (NAP) is different across websites.
For example: - Website says: "ABC Plumbing, 123 Main Road" - Facebook says: "ABC Plumbing CC, 123 Main Rd" - Yellow Pages says: "A.B.C. Plumbing (Pty) Ltd, Main Road 123"
Google doesn't know which is correct, so it trusts you less.
The fix: Audit everywhere your business appears online and make your NAP identical everywhere. Yes, even the abbreviations matter.
### 4. No Reviews (Or Bad Reviews)
Reviews are a major ranking factor. Businesses with more positive reviews rank higher.
Plus, 87% of consumers read reviews before choosing a local business.
The fix:
- Ask happy customers to leave a Google review - Make it easy - send them the direct link - Respond to every review (yes, even negative ones - professionally) - Never buy fake reviews (Google will penalise you)
### 5. Your Website Isn't Optimised for Local Search
Does your website actually mention where you're located? You'd be surprised how many businesses have websites that never mention their city or service area.
The fix:
- Include your city/region in your page titles - Add your full address to your footer - Create location-specific content - Add an embedded Google Map to your contact page - Make sure your site is mobile-friendly (most local searches happen on phones)
### 6. No Backlinks from Local Sources
Backlinks are when other websites link to yours. They're like votes of confidence that tell Google you're legitimate.
Local backlinks are especially powerful for local rankings.
The fix:
- Get listed in local directories - Join your local chamber of commerce - Sponsor local events or sports teams - Partner with complementary businesses for cross-promotion - Get featured in local news or blogs
### 7. Your Website is Too Slow
Google has confirmed that page speed is a ranking factor. If your site takes forever to load, you'll rank lower.
The fix:
- Test your speed at PageSpeed Insights - Optimise your images (this is usually the biggest issue) - Use a good hosting provider - Enable caching
## Quick Wins You Can Do Today
If you're feeling overwhelmed, start with these three things:
1. Claim your Google Business Profile (if you haven't already) 2. Add 5 photos to your profile 3. Ask your 3 best customers for a Google review
These three actions alone can significantly improve your visibility within weeks.
## The Long Game
SEO isn't a once-off task. It's ongoing. Google wants to show searchers the best, most relevant, most trustworthy results.
That means consistently:
- Adding fresh content to your website - Getting new reviews - Keeping your information up to date - Building your online reputation
## Need Help Getting Found?
Local SEO can be time-consuming, especially when you're running a business. That's where we come in.
At Verto Media, we help businesses get found on Google. From setting up your Google Business Profile to building a website that ranks - we handle the technical stuff so you can focus on your customers.
Want a free SEO audit? Get in touch and we'll show you exactly where you stand and what to fix first.