You type your business name into Google…
and it’s nowhere to be seen.
You try a few different phrases. “[Your service] in Staines.”
“Best [your profession] near me.”
Still nothing.
Frustrating? Absolutely. But you’re not alone.
As a digital marketing agency working with small and local businesses across Surrey, Middlesex and beyond, we hear this all the time. The good news? There are usually some simple reasons your business isn’t showing—and some very fixable solutions.
Let’s break it down.
1. You Haven’t Set Up or Verified Your Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile (GBP) is your free ticket to the local map pack. If you haven’t claimed and verified your listing, or if it’s missing key info, Google won’t trust it—and it likely won’t show.
Head to google.com/business, claim your listing, and complete the verification process. Make sure your name, address, and phone number are correct and match those on your website.
Pro tip: Fill it in fully—include photos, services, opening hours and regular updates. A well-optimised GBP is one of the biggest ranking signals for local search.
Need help? We’ve set up and optimised dozens of listings. We can do the same for you.
2. Your Website Doesn’t Mention Where You’re Based
You might know you’re based in Twickenham. Your customers know it. But if your website doesn’t say it clearly, Google doesn’t.
Fix it: Make sure your location appears in:
- Your homepage title tag and meta description
- Page headings (e.g. “Accounting Services in Staines”)
- The footer of every page
- Your contact page
You don’t need to go overboard, but weaving your location naturally into the content helps Google match your site with local searches.
We recently helped a local trades business update just a few headings and location references. Within weeks, they appeared in the map results.
3. You Don’t Have Enough Reviews
Google wants to recommend businesses it can trust. Reviews (especially on your Google Business Profile) show that real customers have had a good experience.
Fix it: Ask your happy clients to leave a Google review. Send them a direct link and thank them afterwards. Respond to every review—even the less-than-perfect ones.
Don’t: Offer discounts or incentives in exchange for reviews. It goes against Google’s policies.
We help many of our clients implement simple, automated ways to ask for reviews without it being awkward or time-consuming.
4. You’re Not Listed in Local Directories
Being listed in well-known directories helps Google confirm your legitimacy.
Fix it: Submit your business to relevant sites like Yell, Yelp, FreeIndex, and any local Chambers of Commerce. Always ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) matches your website and Google Business Profile exactly.
Having consistent directory listings helps boost your authority and visibility. We maintain a local SEO checklist for all our clients to make this process easy.
5. You Haven’t Invested in Local SEO or PPC
Sometimes, even with a well-built website and optimised listings, you still need a little push.
Local SEO takes time. It involves keyword research, backlink building, content updates and more. And if your competitors are running Google Ads and you’re not, they’ll often appear above you by default.
Fix it: If you need faster visibility, consider running Google Ads targeted to your town or region. You can set your own budget, appear in searches right away, and track real results.
At The Bright Click, we offer packages that combine local SEO with targeted PPC—so you cover all your bases.
Final Thoughts
If your small business isn’t showing up on Google, it doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It just means there are a few things to fix.
From missing location info to unverified profiles and a lack of reviews, most issues are fixable—especially with the proper support.
At The Bright Click, we work with small businesses across Staines, Twickenham, Richmond and beyond to help them appear in the right places at the right time.
Need help putting your business on the map?
Get in touch with us for a local SEO check-up and friendly, expert advice.