Want to know why my Google business profile is not ranking?

What it means:

When you create or make major changes to your GMB profile, Google doesn't immediately show your business in top results. Instead, it puts your listing in a "testing phase" for 30 to 60 days to observe your activity and see if you're real, active and trust worthy business.

Why it happens: To avoid spam and fake businesses, Google silently watches new listings before giving them visibility.

What you should do:

• Post updates regularly (offers, images, news).

• Start collecting customer reviews ASAP.

• Make sure your information is 100% correct and consistent.

• Don't make too many changes during this period.

Example: Think of it like a new shop opening on a street - people (and Google) need to see that you're serious and here to stay.

2.Google Thinks Your profile is Spammy (without Telling You)

What it means:

Sometimes Google Quietly flags your profile as suspicious, even if it's not suspended. This is called "soft suppression". it happens if:

• Your business has too many keywords 

• Your phone number is from a different state ot country

• Your address looks like a P.O. box or is incomplete.

Why it happens: Google wants the listings to look natural. Over-optimizing or using tricks may trigger red flags in Google's system

What should you do:

• Use only a real business name (no extra keywords like "Best plumber in Hyderabad")

• Use a local phone number (not toll-free or a Virtual number)

• Avoid fake addresses or co-working spaces

Example: "Kiran's Electrical Services" is okay. But "Best cheap Electrician Hyderabad Fast 24/7" looks spammy.

3.Duplicate or Hidden Listings Are Stealing Your Visibility

What it means:

There might be another listing on Google Maps with your business name or address, even if you didn't create it. These duplicate or ghost listings confuse Google about which one to show.

Why it happens?

• You or a past employee might have made an old listing

• Someone else used your address or business name

• Google auto-generated a listing from public data

What you should do:

• Search your business name on Google and Maps

• Look for old, unclaimed, or slightly wrong listings

• Use the "suggest an edit" or "Report a problem" feature to remove or merge them

Example: Having two name boards for the same shop can be confusing, as customers may go to the wrong one.

4.You Picked the Wrong Business Category

What it means:

Your business not be showing up because you chose too broad or unrelated categories on your GMB profile

Why it matters:

Google matches user searches with your main category first. If it's not specific enough, you won't appear in the right results.

Examples of mistakes:

• Choosing "consultant" instead of "Business consultant"

• Selecting "Store" instead of "Mobile phone store"

• Using only 1 category when you can add 5-7

What you should do:

• Recheck your primary and secondary categories

• Use Google to find top competitors in your field see what they use

• Be specific to your core service

Example: It's like petting your shop under "clothing" When you really sell only "kids party wear"-customers may not find you

5.Your Website is Weak (So Google Doesn't Trust You Yet)

What it means:

Even though GMB is a free tool, the Website Linked to your profile plays a big role in helping Google decide if your business is trustworthy

If your Website:

• Loads slowly

• Has no proper local keywords

• Has very few visitors or backlinks (Mentions on other websites)

.....then your GMB Visibility also suffers.

Why it matters:

Google sees your website and GMB as one digital identity. A weak website = weak overall trust

What you should do:

• Make sure your site loads fast and is mobile-friendly

• Add local keywords like "Cake Shop in Madhapur, Hyderabad" in content

• Get listed in local directories and blogs to earn backlinks

Example: It's like having a well-decorated shop board (GMB), but a poorly maintained shop (Website). People and Google won't be impressed.