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Any business with a physical location has probably noticed just how important Google Maps has become. People use it to search for services nearby, check opening hours, read reviews, or find directions. But getting your business to appear at the top of those local results isn’t as easy as it seems. Plenty of shops, salons, gyms, and cafés find themselves stuck pages below their competitors with almost no visibility.
If your name doesn’t pop up when someone searches for what you offer, right where you are, that’s a problem. While it can feel like a technical issue, the reasons are often quite simple. From incorrect contact details to neglected digital profiles, these slip-ups make it harder for your business to show up, even when you’re right around the corner. Let’s break down why that happens and how to fix it.
One of the most common reasons businesses struggle to rank well on Google Maps is inconsistent or outdated information. Google relies on clear, matching data to understand exactly who you are, where you are, and what you offer. When there's a lack of alignment across your channels, your visibility can take a knock.
Even small differences in how your address is written across platforms can cause confusion. For instance, “Church Street” on your website and “Church St” on a directory might seem identical to you, but not to Google. These inconsistencies weaken your business profile.
To steer clear of this issue:
- Keep your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) identical across your website, directories, Google profile, and social media
- Ensure your business hours are current, especially during holidays or closures
- Stick to one version of your business name and use it everywhere, whether it includes “Ltd,” “Limited,” or something abbreviated
If you’ve moved locations recently or rebranded, double-check every place your business appears online. One outdated address or missing contact detail can quietly drag your ranking down. Google is looking for reliable, up-to-date information when it presents search results.
When your business info is consistent across platforms, Google trusts it more. So do your customers. It shows you're organised, easy to find, and serious about your service.
Reviews are a big deal when it comes to how your business ranks locally. Google sees them as proof that your business is active, trusted, and used by local people. A steady stream of reviews, especially ones that get a response, builds that trust fast.
If your profile has no reviews or unanswered feedback, it can give a bad impression. Someone browsing might assume your business is closed or not doing well, even if you’re fully booked each day.
The tricky part is that most happy customers won’t leave a review unless you ask. People are more likely to share a bad experience than a good one by default. But with a little encouragement, you can turn satisfied visitors into vocal supporters.
Here’s what helps:
- Ask every happy customer to leave a review via follow-up emails, texts, or while they’re still at your business
- Make the process easy with direct links to your Google profile
- Always reply to reviews—thank people for good feedback, and stay calm and helpful with the negative ones
Let’s say you run a local coffee shop. If someone raves about your flat white, a quick reply like “Thanks! Hope to see you again soon” shows there’s a real person behind the name. It adds warmth and presence.
A busy, well-managed review section looks great to potential customers and to Google. The more positive engagement you have, the more likely your business will climb in local searches.
Google wants to point people to businesses that provide a quality experience, and that includes your website. A slow-loading site with recycled content and fuzzy messaging doesn’t help build trust. Your website should support your Google listing, not hold it back.
Local SEO isn’t just about your Google profile. Your website plays a part too. Clean structure, clear headings, and good use of local keywords all signal to search engines that your business is relevant.
A few useful tips:
- Write titles and headings that include specific phrases people search for, like “hairdresser in Reading” or “urgent plumbing help”
- Don’t overdo it—use keywords naturally within high-quality content
- Keep things concise, useful, and readable
A lot of people looking up businesses on Google Maps are out and about, using a phone. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, it could push people—and your ranking—away.
Example: a customer looking for a haircut finds your barbershop online, but your website doesn’t load well on their phone. They give up and click the next name in the list. That poor experience, even though small, can be a strike against your visibility.
Good design, fast pages, and mobile compatibility all help Google lean in your favour. If your site’s easy to read and gives users what they want quickly, you’re in great shape to improve your map ranking.
Your Google Business Profile is the storefront of your online presence. It often shows up before your website does, and it’s what people see when they search for your name or something related nearby. If this profile is half-empty or stale, you’re missing a trick.
Google is more likely to promote businesses that update and complete this profile. That means having fresh photos, current hours, and complete services listed.
Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Fill out every section, especially your business hours, categories, and services
- Add clear, recent photos of your team, products, or shop
- Use a friendly and informative business description to explain what you do
- Turn on messaging features if available, so potential customers can ask questions quickly
- Regularly post updates—offers, reminders, and community news all keep your profile lively
Think of your profile like a shop window. Walk past a shop whose sign is faded and shelves are dusty, and it won’t grab you. But something fresh with change and colour will catch your eye.
Active Google Business Profiles get more attention because they show that the business is open, present, and trusted by the community. That trust helps your ranking and encourages more clicks and visits.
If your business isn’t showing up where it should on Google Maps, double-checking a few areas can make a big difference. Small mistakes in your contact info, ignoring reviews, skipping website updates, or having a stale business profile all chip away at your visibility.
The good news? These are usually easy fixes. Staying consistent with your contact details, asking for reviews, updating your site, and keeping your Google profile active tells Google your business is reliable and worthy of a higher spot in local search results.
Think of it like gardening. You don’t need to overhaul the yard every week, but regular care keeps things fresh. With the right effort in the right areas, your business can become more visible in your local area.
For many, getting expert help from local SEO optimisation services means these tasks actually get done, and done right. With some support and a solid strategy, you’re far more likely to climb the ranks and turn those searches into new customers.
Boosting your online presence takes a steady hand and a clear plan. If you're ready to get your business noticed by the people right around you, our local SEO optimisation services are here to make that happen. Fire Up Design is all about helping you gain more visibility, bring in new customers, and grow your brand with confidence.
Interested in working with us? Send us an email or fill in the form below and we'll respond in a few hours.