Why Your Business Isn't Showing Up on Google (and How to Fix It)

You're not alone. Our guide reveals the top issues that keep small businesses off Google and provides a step-by-step plan to get you seen and attract more customers.

ThynkUnicorn

8/20/20252 min read

a close up of a cell phone with the google logo in the background

If you've ever typed your business name into Google only to find it's nowhere to be seen, you know that feeling of frustration. It can be incredibly disheartening when you're working hard, but your business seems invisible online. You're not alone—this is a very common problem for small businesses.

The good news is that there are clear, fixable reasons why this happens. We've helped many businesses in Guelph get found online, and we've identified a few key issues that are almost always the cause. In this guide, we'll explain the top reasons your business is invisible on Google and provide a straightforward plan to fix it.

You Haven't Claimed Your Google Business Profile.

This is the single most important step for any local business to get found on Google. Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free listing that shows your business's hours, address, phone number, and reviews directly in search results and on Google Maps. If you haven't claimed and verified your profile, Google won't know where your business is or what it does, making you invisible.

How to Fix It:

  • Go to google.com/business and follow the steps to claim and verify your business.

  • Be sure to fill out every section completely, including your services, business description, and photos.

Your Website Is Not Mobile-Friendly

Most people search for local businesses on their phones. If your website is hard to use on a small screen—with tiny text, unclickable buttons, or slow loading times—Google will see this as a poor user experience. Because Google is a mobile-first company, it will be hesitant to show your website to users.

How to Fix It:

  • You can use Google's free Mobile-Friendly Test tool.

  • If your site fails, you'll need to update it to a modern, responsive design that works seamlessly on any device.

You're Missing Crucial Local SEO Signals

Beyond your Google Business Profile, Google looks for consistent information about your business across the web. This includes your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP). If your NAP information is different on your website, your Facebook page, and other online directories, Google gets confused and can't be sure your information is accurate.

How to Fix It:

  • Make sure your NAP is exactly the same everywhere.

  • You can use free online tools to find and update your listings on sites like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and local business directories.

Your Website Is Brand New or Lacks Authority

If your website is only a few weeks or months old, it may take some time for Google to find, crawl, and trust it. The internet is a crowded place, and Google uses signals like backlinks (links from other websites) to determine how authoritative and trustworthy your site is. Without these signals, it's difficult to rank.

For a full breakdown of all the steps to building a comprehensive online presence, read our Ultimate Guide to Digital Marketing in Guelph.

How to Fix It:

  • Creating a blog is an excellent way to show expertise.

  • By consistently writing helpful content (like this blog post), you can attract new visitors and earn links from other sites, which will boost your site's authority over time.

How we can help?

Don't let the frustration of being invisible on Google stop you from growing your business. By focusing on these core areas—your Google Business Profile, mobile-friendliness, consistent local signals, and building authority—you can give your small business the online presence it deserves.

Ready to stop struggling and start attracting more customers? Contact ThynkUnicorn for a free audit and strategy call today.