Are you a local business owner with your search history filled with searches like “How to increase my business sales?”, “Why is my business not showing up in Google?”, and “How to get listed on the Google search engine?” To answer all these questions, you must find the errors you made during initial Business setup. Despite having business services that are designed well and provide high value to your customers, your online presence cannot be neglected when you try to scale your store. There are a few mistakes that block your potential customer from finding you in their Google searches. Determine the possible problem in your GMB profile and fix it to enhance your online visibility.

1. Improper or No Google Business Profile:

Your GBP works as the digital storefront for your business. The very first thing customers see when they search for your business or a related service on Google or Google Maps.

Not having a GBP is like operating a store without a sign, making your business practically invisible. An improper or incomplete GBP pushes your listing to the bottom of Google search results, letting competitors take the lead.

Why it matters:

• Google Business Profile directly impacts your visibility in the Local Pack (First Page results on Google Maps).
• Businesses with a complete and updated profile are 70% more likely to attract visits, as Google prioritizes accurate profiles at the top.
• Your GBP acts as the primary pathway for customers to discover and connect with your services.

Claim and verify your GBP with accurate business details (hours, services, categories) to mark your digital presence, and keep updating it regularly to build authority in Google search.

2. Inconsistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number):

Your business contact details - name, address, and phone number (NAP) are the primary way customers connect with you. When these details are inconsistent across platforms like Google, Facebook, your website, and LinkedIn, it not only looks unprofessional but also harms your credibility.

Google’s algorithm cross-checks your NAP across multiple directories to validate your business. Inconsistencies confuse both search engines and your potential customers.

Why it matters:

• Inconsistent NAP = reduced local rankings.
• Google uses NAP consistency as a ranking factor for local search results.
• Accurate NAP helps customers find you easily and builds trust in your brand.

Use accurate, up-to-date contact details and keep them consistent across all platforms. This makes it easier for customers to reach you and boosts your trustworthiness in Google’s eyes.

3. Lack of GBP Updates and Posts:

A Google Business Profile isn’t a one-time setup, it’s an ongoing effort. Simply creating a profile isn’t enough; you need to keep it updated with the latest information:

• Current Opening Hours
• Special offers/events
• Engaging Visuals about your services
• High Quality photos and videos

An up-to-date profile with frequent, relevant posts is just as important as having accurate details. Google’s algorithm favors recently updated and active profiles, giving them higher visibility in search results.

Why it matters:

• Regular updates signal to Google that your business is active and relevant.
• Active profiles experience 2x more engagement, driving more traffic to business.

Updating your profile once every 7 days is ideal for securing your rank on google listing

4. Poor Review Management

Reviews can make or break your business. Even if you rank high on Google search engine, customers will check reviews before deciding. A profile with a steady stream of genuine, positive reviews builds credibility and attracts more clicks.

But it doesn’t stop at collecting reviews, replying to them matters too. Thanking happy customers or addressing negative reviews shows your professionalism and reassures future customers that you value your customers.

Why it matters:

• A large audience of customers trust online reviews just as much as personal recommendations.
• Businesses that actively value and respond to customer reviews are seen as more trustworthy.
• Paying attention to feedback shows your dedication, responsibility, and commitment to quality service.

Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, and always respond to both positive and negative feedback within 24 - 48 hours of posting.

5. No Local or Technical SEO

Creating and maintaining an updated profile alone won’t guarantee a top spot in search results especially with strong competition. To outrank others, your profile needs to be fully optimized for local SEO. A well-optimized digital presence increases your visibility across platforms and attracts customers from multiple sources, not just Google Maps.

Before setting up your SEO strategy, it’s important to understand the role of both Local and Technical SEO in improving visibility and rankings:

Why it matters:

• Local SEO ensures you appear in “near me” searches, which account for a massive share of Google traffic.
• Technical SEO ensures your website is optimized for search engines, improving your chances of ranking higher.

Don’t rely solely on your Google Business Profile.
Drive customers through multiple channels like your website and blog.

To get these listed at the top of Google search, they must be technically SEO-optimized, with the right keywords, structure, and speed.

6. No Website or Backlink Strategy

Your GBP is powerful, but it shouldn’t be your only channel. A website acts as your digital brochure, giving customers a deeper look into your services and brand. Without one, your profile looks incomplete and less authoritative.

Backlinks (links from other trusted sites) further strengthen your credibility and boost SEO rankings. A business with no website or backlinks often gets overshadowed by competitors with one.

Why it matters:

• Your website is a crucial part of your Google Business Profile. Without it, your profile appears incomplete and weaker in Google’s algorithm, which can push it lower in search results.
• Backlinks from reputable sites signal authority to Google, improving your search rankings.
• Having a website allows you to showcase your services, share customer testimonials, and provide valuable content that attracts visitors.

Invest in a well-designed website that clearly describes your business and services. Build a simple, mobile-friendly website and earn backlinks from local business directories, news portals, partnerships or your own blog page.

7. Lack of Mobile Optimization

Most potential customers search for services on the go using their mobile phones. Making a mobile-friendly website is essential for connecting with them effectively. A site that loads quickly, adapts to any screen size, easy to navigate keeps visitors engaged and reduces the chance they’ll leave for a competitor. Google also prioritizes mobile-friendly sites in search rankings, meaning better visibility for your business.

Being found and offering a smooth browsing experience — right when and where your customers are searching gives you a clear edge over competitors.

Why it matters:

• Over 63% of Google searches are now done on mobile devices, making mobile optimization crucial for visibility.
• Google’s algorithm prioritizes mobile-friendly sites, meaning a non-optimized site will rank lower.
• A mobile-friendly site improves user experience, leading to longer visits and higher conversion rates.

Use Google's Mobile Friendly Test to check your site to find the areas that need a fix.
Prioritize fast load times, responsive design, and click-to-call buttons.