Why Isn't My Business Showing Up on Google? (Brighton & Hove)
Most Brighton and Hove businesses that cannot be found on Google have the same handful of problems. Here is how to spot them, and what to fix first.
If you run a business in Brighton or Hove and nobody finds you on Google, it is rarely bad luck. It is usually one of a few fixable problems. Work through this list in order. Most of it takes minutes, not weeks.
First, check what Google actually shows
Search for your business name, then for what you do plus your area, for example "plumber Hove" or "hairdresser Kemp Town". Do it on your phone, because most local searches happen there. Then type site: followed by your website address, with no space, for example site:yourbusiness.co.uk. If nothing comes back, Google has not found your site at all.
1. Google does not know you exist
A new website can take days or weeks to appear. If it has been longer, make sure your site is not set to hide from search engines (a "discourage search engines" tick box in some website tools), and that you have a working sitemap. Links from other local sites also help Google find you, which is one reason a listing in a local directory is worth having.
2. Your Google Business Profile is missing or thin
For local searches, the map results at the top of Google matter as much as the website links. They come from your Google Business Profile. Claim and verify it, pick the right main category, add your opening hours, your service area, a phone number and real photos. A complete, accurate profile is one of the most useful things a local business can do.
3. Your website does not say where you are or what you do
Google needs to see the words people search for. Your page title and main heading should say what you do and that you are in Brighton or Hove. Add a page for each main service, mention the areas you cover, and put your phone number on every page in text, not only in an image.
4. It is slow or awkward on a phone
If your site takes a long time to load or you have to pinch and zoom to read it, visitors leave and Google notices. Test it on your own phone on mobile data, not just on your office wifi.
5. You have little proof that you are real and good
Reviews, mentions on local websites and links from other Brighton businesses all help. Ask happy customers for a Google review, and make sure your name, address and phone number are written the same way everywhere they appear.
6. You only have a Facebook page
A Facebook page can be found, but it rarely ranks as well as a proper website for local searches. If Facebook is all you have, a simple website with your services and area is a strong next step.
One honest note
Nobody can promise you a position on Google, and anyone who does should be treated with caution. What you can do is remove the obvious problems and give Google clear, accurate information.
What to do this week
- Search for your business and your service plus your area on your phone, and note what you see.
- Claim or complete your Google Business Profile.
- Check that your website says what you do and where, and that it loads quickly on a phone.
Get a free check
If you would rather see it laid out for your own business, we will look at how easily local people and Google can find you and send you a short, honest report with three fixes you can make yourself. It is free, with no card and no contract.
Get my free check: are you showing up on Google?
You can also add your business to the directory for free so local people can find it here.