How do I check which problem I have?
Run two searches in Google Maps: your exact business name, then the words a customer would type to find you.
- Search your business name exactly as it appears on your sign or truck. If your profile doesn't come up, read the next section.
- Search your trade and area, like “plumber Decatur” or “hair salon near me.” If you showed up in the first search but not this one, your profile is fine and the issue is ranking.
Maps results change with where you're standing, so a search from your own shop can look better than one from across town.
Why doesn't my business come up when I search its name?
Most of the time the profile is missing, unverified, suspended, or split into duplicates.
- No profile yet. Someone has to create or claim it at business.google.com. It's free.
- Not verified. A new profile usually won't show publicly until Google verifies it. Google says its review can take up to 5 business days, and a postcard by mail takes about 14 days.
- Suspended. Google suspends profiles that break its guidelines. Common triggers are extra keywords in the name (“Joe's Plumbing Best Atlanta Plumber”), a virtual office or mailbox as the address, and a service-area business showing an address it should hide. You'll see a notice when you sign in.
- Duplicates. Two profiles for one business split your reviews, and Google may show the wrong one. Report the extra one to Google so it gets removed.
Why do I show up by name but not for “near me” searches?
Google ranks local results on three things: relevance, distance, and prominence. You can't move closer to every customer, but you can work on the other two.
- Relevance is how well your profile matches the search. Pick the most specific primary category that fits, list your services, and describe what you do in the words customers use.
- Distance is how far you are from the person searching. If they're across town, closer businesses usually win. Adding service areas tells people where you go, but it won't make you rank as if you were next door.
- Prominence is how well known you are. Google says this includes how many websites link to you and how many reviews you have, and that more reviews and positive ratings can help.
How long does it take to show up on Google Maps?
Verification can take up to 5 business days, or about 14 days if Google mails you a postcard. Climbing the results for busy searches like “plumber near me” takes longer, and there's no set timeline.
What should I fix first?
Start with whatever keeps you off the map entirely, then work on ranking.
- Claim and verify your profile, and clear any suspension notice.
- Use your real business name with nothing added.
- Make your name, phone number, and address or service area match your website exactly.
- Choose the most specific primary category, then fill in hours, services, and your website link.
- Add real photos of your work, your team, and your storefront if you have one.
- Ask every customer for a review, and reply to the reviews you get.