Local SEO vs National SEO: Which Does Your Business Need?
Both aim to bring you customers from Google, but they work differently.
First: Not Showing for What?
There is a difference between your profile not showing when someone searches your business name and not showing for service searches like “electrician Leeds”. The first is usually a verification, suspension or duplicate problem. The second is usually a ranking problem.
1. The Profile Is Not Verified
Unverified profiles do not appear properly in search. Check your profile dashboard – if it asks you to verify, complete the process (often video verification now).
2. The Profile Is Suspended
A suspended profile disappears or shows as unavailable. Common causes include keywords in the name, an ineligible address and policy-breaking edits. See our suspension help.
3. Edits Are Under Review
After big changes (name, category, address), Google may review the profile. It can be hidden or show old information for a few days.
4. There Is a Duplicate Profile
Duplicates split reviews and confuse Google. Search Google Maps for your name, phone and address; if you find duplicates, request a merge or removal through support.
5. Your Primary Category Does Not Match
If your primary category is “Contractor” but people search “roofer”, you will struggle. Compare with the top three businesses and choose the most accurate category.
6. Competitors Are Closer to the Searcher
Distance is a major factor. If you search from your office you may see yourself; customers across town may not. Use a rank grid to see the real picture.
7. You Are Being Filtered
Google tends to show only one of several very similar businesses in the same building or with the same details – for example, two practitioners at the same clinic. Distinct categories and details can help.
8. Weak Prominence
Fewer reviews, fewer citations and a weaker website than competitors push you down. See how to rank in the Map Pack.
9. Inconsistent Business Details
Different names, addresses or phone numbers across directories reduce Google’s confidence. A citation clean-up helps.
10. Service-Area Set-Up Problems
Service-area businesses must hide their address if customers do not visit. Incorrect set-ups can lead to suspension or poor visibility. Read our service-area business guide.
11. The Business Is Marked Closed
Check that your profile is not marked temporarily or permanently closed, and that your opening hours are correct – profiles that appear closed at the time of search may be shown less.
Quick Diagnosis Table
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Not found even by business name | Unverified, suspended, under review or marked closed |
| Found by name but not for services | Category, relevance or prominence |
| Shows near your office only | Distance – normal; build prominence to widen the radius |
| Reviews split across listings | Duplicate profile |
| Disappeared after an edit | Edit under review or suspension |
Still not sure? Our free audit checks all eleven and shows your rank grid.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my business show on Google Maps but not in search?
Search and Maps rank slightly differently. Often you are ranking just outside the Map Pack’s top three in search; improving relevance and prominence fixes it.
How long does a new Google Business Profile take to show?
After verification, usually within days for name searches. Ranking for service searches takes longer and depends on competition.
Can I see where I rank on Google Maps across my area?
Yes – a rank grid tool checks your position from many points around your location.
Why did my Google Business Profile disappear overnight?
Common causes are a suspension, an edit under review or a duplicate merge. Check your profile dashboard and email for notices first.