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Why Can't I Find My Business on Google?
September 9, 2022
8 minutes
Why can’t I find my business on Google even after I built a beautifully created website for my business?
It’s no secret that Google is one of the biggest search engines in the world, and therefore it is crucial that both your website and online listings are easily accessible by potential customers.
Some of the reasons your business is not found on Google include:
- No-index
- Google My Business Set Up
- Google Verification
- Google Maps
- Suspension
- Technical Issues
- Website Optimisation
- Low Rankings
- Poor quality content
- No backlinks or internal links
Read our guide to find out more about all the potential reasons you can’t find your business on Google and recommendations on how to fix it.
Your Website is Not-Indexing
No-index refers to Google crawling all of the pages of your website. If certain pages or the whole website is not being indexed, Google is not crawling your website and therefore it will not be visible.
The most common reason Google is not indexing your website is robots.txt blocking Google from reading your site. Ensure you follow the instructions correctly and read more about robots.txt guidelines here.
Another reason why your website is not indexed is due to response codes. Make sure you search for response code 200 OK to ensure there is not a redirect chain issue.
Your Business is Not Registered on Google My Business
Being registered on Google My Business adds credibility and website authority to your business.
Thinking from a customer perspective, the aim for searching up any business on Google is to find a specific type of information such as:
- Address
- Phone number
- Opening Hours
- Google Maps Listing
- Website
If your business is missing this type of information on Google, it may appear less credible and increases the chance of losing potential customers.
How To Register
There are many different factors that you need to consider and assess in order to ensure your business is successfully visible on Google.
The first step to ensure your business is recognised by Google is correctly setting up your Google My Business account.
Google My Business is a free tool provided by Google which enables you to manage and optimise your business listing on Google. Think of it as your business’ personal profile, which allows you to show everything that makes your business unique and increase credibility. This includes editing your business listing by adding photos, update addresses, phone numbers etc. In turn, it also provides a platform for your customers to communicate with you, make bookings, and leave reviews.
Your Business is Not Verified on Google
Great, you have created your Google My Business account, however, it is crucial you also verify your business. Google is fairly strict on verification, as it’s the way Google determines your account’s accuracy. This includes checking the information on your businesses’ physical address and other details are 100 percent correct.
You can verify your business’ GMB listing via Google My Business account, mail, phone, or email:
- Verifying your business via Google My Business account is the fastest way to receive immediate verification. Simply log into your GMB account and click the option to verify.
- Verifying via mail requires Google sending a postcard to your business’ physical address with the verification code. It’s a pretty straight forward method but it could take up to two weeks to receive the postcard.
- Phone verification is the second fastest method to verify your listing. This requires making a phone call, where you can then make the verification on the spot.
- Lastly, if you have 10 or more locations for your business, bulk verifications is another option to verify your listing,
Your Business Is Not Showing on Google Maps
Verifying your business listing on Google My Business is only the first step. Depending on where you are located, your listing may require establishing a stronger location authority. This means that instead of only being found within close proximities of your location, strong location authority allows for businesses to increase their radius of rankings and chance of visibility. In other words, if your business has more location authority, then it will rank higher and appear in Google Maps even within 10-15 kilometres away from your business location.
In order to achieve stronger location authority, it is crucial your business listing is accurate and consistent with the information posted throughout the web. This is particularly important if your business has relocated and the addresses have not been updated on Google My Business listing. Having the wrong location would not only result in misleading and losing potential customers, but also may result in Google removing your listing from Google Maps and the search engine all together.
Your Site is Suspended
If your business site was suspended by Google, it will not appear on Google Maps or search results. This could happen for many reasons and unfortunately, Google does not explain the reason why your listing may have been suspended.
These are some of the common mistakes people make, resulting in suspension:
- Stuff too many keywords into the business name field
- Multiples businesses claim to operate from your location
- Name, phone number and address do not match directory listings
- Multiple listings for the same business
- Your listed website is a forwarded URL
In order to revoke suspension, make sure you’ve crossed referenced the list above and made appropriate changes. Be sure to also read more on Google My Business guidelines here. If all else fails, contact Google directly.
Your Website is Not Ranking
Even if all of the above steps have been implemented, there is still a chance that your website will not be showing in Google’s top search results. A low ranking website not only makes it difficult for customers to find relevant information about your business, but it also prevents you from ranking for relevant keywords and topics. Ranking for relevant keywords is an excellent way to be discovered by new customers, even if they have never heard of your business before.
Quick Test To Check If Your Website is Ranking
The quickest way to check if your website is ranking is by simply searching your website in Google and inspecting what pages show up. If your website appears, it is visible and findable on Google!
However, when it comes to ranking, oftentimes there’s a bit more work to be done. As mentioned previously, having your website visible on Google does not guarantee that it is ranking for relevant keywords that your target audience may be searching for.
In order to check your rankings, think of keywords that are relevant to your industry and tie them in with the services or products you are offering. Search in Google and inspect the Top 30 results. If your website does not show up, it is not ranking.
Another way to check your rankings is via Google Search Console. This is a free tool offered by Google that helps you track relevant keywords, the number of clicks your site is receiving, keyword movement and positioning, and much more!
Learn more about Google Search Console and how to set it up here.
Your Website is Not Optimised
Speaking of rankings, poorly optimised websites will not be ranking well on Google and therefore less likely to appear in search results. Lucky for you, an SEO marketing strategy will help you take appropriate steps to improve your rankings and drive traffic to your site.
SEO optimisation strategy includes everything from creating SEO content that ranks and researching appropriate target keywords, to staying on top of your site’s technical issues and regularly monitoring the changes in Google trends.
Poor Written Content, Missing Meta Titles, Meta Descriptions and H1s
If your website is not optimised, most likely it also features low quality content and missing Meta Titles, Meta Descriptions and H1s. These are essential parts of website optimisation as they act as signals for Google to clearly differentiate what your website is about and how relevant the content is to the search. Clear Meta Titles and H1s not only help your site to rank higher for relevant keywords but also provide clear indication of what your content is about.
Similarly meta descriptions, also have the power to raise the click-through-rate of search results and compel more visitors to click and visit your site.
At Digital Treasury, part of our services include creating and executing a full SEO marketing strategy, tailored specifically to your business industry. This consists of:
Technical SEO
- Site speed
- Crawlability
- Checking and reviewing duplicate content
- Site security
Content Audit
- Reviewing your site’s current content from an SEO perspective
- Reviewing word count, existing keywords, duplicate content etc.
Competitor Analysis
- Researching top 3-4 competitors relevant to your industry
Keyword Research
- Researching and brainstorming relevant keywords and topics to your business
- Finding appropriate target keywords
SEO Content Writing
- Integrating target and existing keywords into new content that will help your site rank
- Optimising existing content
- Creating a content schedule
Reporting
- A detailed report after one month to review total changes in organic traffic and rankings
- Figuring out the next steps of your SEO campaign
Would you like further assistance with your Google My Business listing and website optimisation? Contact us today and we will make sure your business is always found on Google!
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Who is Digital Treasury?
We're a Melbourne-based digital agency with extensive experience helping Australian businesses build stronger online presences. Our team specialises in web design, development, hosting and SEO services - everything you need to get found online and convert visitors into customers.
Over the years, we've worked across different platforms and industries, giving us the insight to know what actually works for businesses like yours. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to improve your existing website, we focus on practical solutions that deliver real results for your business.
What types of businesses and industries do you work with?
We work with a wide range of Australian businesses, with particular expertise in healthcare, B2B services, SaaS companies, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), professional services and e-commerce brands. Our team offers tailored SEO and web solutions that are customised to fit your industry, target audience and business goals.
Where is Digital Treasury located and do you work with businesses Australia-wide?
We are based in Melbourne but we work with clients throughout Australia. Our work is mostly done remotely by video conferencing and emails, which makes collaboration easier regardless of where your business may be based.
What services does Digital Treasury offer?
Our key services include Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Website Design, Website Development, Website Maintenance and Website Hosting. They are provided either separately or combined, ensuring that we provide you with one reliable source to help establish your online presence for your business.
How do I get started with Digital Treasury?
Getting started is easy. Just contact us for an initial conversation about what you want, your budget and timeframe. We will talk to you about what you need, give advice about the best way forward and provide you with a detailed, upfront proposal.
What makes Digital Treasury different from other agencies?
We integrate our technical skills with honest communication and a strong emphasis on results that will benefit your company. Being a small team allows us to give you personal attention, upfront costs and all the support we would give to our own project.
Do you work with small businesses and startups?
Absolutely. Many of our clients are small businesses and startups looking to establish or improve their online presence. We will make suggestions based on your particular situation and budget needs, providing useful services at affordable prices.
How do you communicate with clients and report on progress?
We are convinced that clear communication should be maintained consistently during any of our projects. In accordance with the chosen service, you will be updated about your project through emails, meetings and detailed reports. We maintain constant contact with you, answering your queries along the way.
How does Digital Treasury structure its pricing?
We keep our pricing straightforward by providing a complete project quote rather than breaking it down into confusing line items. This approach gives you a clear understanding of exactly what you'll pay for the entire scope of work.
Every project is different, so costs depend on your specific requirements and the complexity involved. We'll assess your needs and provide transparent pricing that reflects the full value of what we'll deliver for your business.
Am I locked into a long-term contract?
We believe in earning your trust through quality work rather than tying you down with restrictive contracts. For specific projects like website builds, we'll provide you with a clear upfront quote so you know exactly what to expect.
Our ongoing services like website hosting, maintenance and search engine optimisation work a bit differently - we discuss these on a flexible arrangement basis that suits your business needs and budget.
Can you provide case studies or examples of previous work?
Yes, we can provide case studies and examples of our previous work. Potential clients frequently request these to see concrete evidence of our past successes. They want to understand how we’ve helped similar businesses achieve their goals through SEO and website development. Our case studies typically highlight our clients’ challenges, the strategies we implemented, and the measurable results we achieved, such as increased traffic and higher conversion rates. This builds trust and demonstrates our ability to deliver on our promises.
What types of SEO services do you offer?
We offer a comprehensive range of SEO services designed to boost your online visibility. Our core services include technical SEO fixes, on-page and content optimisation, local SEO for Melbourne businesses, thorough keyword research, detailed SEO audits, strategic link building, and ongoing performance tracking.
Can you guarantee first-page or number-one rankings?
No reputable SEO agency can guarantee specific rankings because search engines like Google use complex algorithms that change frequently. These changes are completely outside anyone's control. What we can promise is our commitment to using proven, white-hat strategies that give your website the best possible chance of ranking well.
Rather than making unrealistic promises, we focus on sustainable SEO practices that build long-term visibility and drive genuine business results. Our approach is about maximising your opportunities for success, not making guarantees that simply can't be kept.
Do you offer local SEO for businesses targeting specific areas?
Yes. Local SEO ensures that your business is found in location-specific search results and map results, making it perfect if you offer your products or services within specific suburbs or locations. We ensure that we optimise your Google Business Profile and your website content for local search.
Do you help with content optimisation?
Yes. Quality and relevant content plays a very important role in effective SEO optimisation. We can optimise your current webpages as well as provide you with some suggestions for creating content based on your keywords.
How much does SEO cost?
Pricing for SEO is determined based on your specific business goals, how competitive your industry is and the amount of work needed to achieve results. We will customise pricing plans depending on budgets while giving you a definite quote right from the start.
How do you decide which keywords to target?
We do extensive keyword research to know how your prospective clients search for information on the internet. After analysis of various parameters like search intent, relevancy, competition and commercial value, we shortlist keywords that resonate well with your products and services.
Do I need to change my website's content for SEO?
Yes, quite often. We recommend refreshing existing content frequently or creating new pieces that better match what your potential customers are actually searching for online. Of course, changes should be carefully implemented with regard to your company’s tone of voice.
What is the contract length for your SEO service?
We ensure that our SEO agreement remains flexible as opposed to being committed to long-term contracts. Even though SEO is most effective when conducted on a continuous basis, we do not mind discussing agreements that work for your benefit.
Is it necessary to hire an SEO agency or can I do SEO myself?
You can surely do basic SEO on your own and we are happy to point you in the right direction. However, SEO is very time-consuming and keeps changing frequently. Hiring an experienced SEO agency will ensure that you get more out of it without having to think about it anymore.
How does backlink building contribute to SEO success?
Backlinks are simply links to your website from another website. Search engines consider backlinks as an indication of credibility and authority. Our approach is to build links to your site through ethical and sustainable methods, building up the reputation of your website in the process.
What does your website design process look like?
We start by understanding your business goals and target audience to ensure your website truly connects with your customers. From there, we develop a web design strategy and create initial designs that we refine based on your feedback. Once you approve the designs, we go ahead to the development phase.
When should I consider redesigning my website?
A redesign is worth considering if your site looks outdated, performs poorly on mobile, loads slowly, is difficult to update or no longer reflects your brand. A modern, well-built website can improve user experience, credibility and your ability to attract customers.
Which CMS platforms do you build websites on?
We specialise in Webflow and WordPress, selecting the most suitable platform for you. WordPress allows for versatility, whereas Webflow gives you a sleek design with easy maintenance. We will suggest the most appropriate choice for you.
Do you provide SEO with your website builds?
Yes. All our websites are developed using SEO guidelines like a clean layout, quick loading speed, mobile optimisation and solid on-page foundation. In addition to that, we have professional SEO service packages that help businesses increase their online presence.
Do you offer ongoing website maintenance?
Yes. We offer website maintenance services to ensure that your website is safe, up-to-date and working properly. This encompasses software and plug-in upgrades, security protection, backups and basic changes to give you a hassle-free experience so that you can concentrate on your business.
Can I migrate my existing site to your hosting?
Yes, we can absolutely handle the complete website transfer to our managed hosting platform without any hassle on your end. Our team manages the entire migration process, ensuring your site moves across smoothly without downtime or disruption to your business.
Can we provide feedback throughout the process?
Absolutely and we actually encourage it. Collaboration is at the heart of how we work, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to review our progress and share your thoughts at every stage. It ensures we're building exactly what you have in mind, rather than guessing what might work.
Will I own my website once it's built?
Yes. After completion of your project, the website will be yours. We believe in absolute transparency when it comes to issues of ownership and accessibility and would gladly take care of your requirements in this respect.
How long does it take to build a website?
The timeline for your website project really depends on what you're looking to achieve. A straightforward business website typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, while more complex builds with custom functionality or extensive content requirements will naturally take longer.
We'll give you a clear timeline estimate once we understand your specific needs during our initial consultation. This way, you'll know exactly what to expect and can plan your launch accordingly.
What kind of support do you provide after my website launches?
We don't go away once we've launched. We provide continuing support, maintenance and hosting to ensure that your website runs at optimum capacity. If you have any queries about how to develop your website, we will be there for you.
