How to get your business to show up on Google

Ever had a customer ring you, confused, because the opening hours on your Google Maps profile were wrong? Or maybe you’ve searched for a local service you offer, like "plumber Ballarat" or "hairdresser Bristol," only to see your competitors listed right at the top with dozens of sparkling reviews, while your business is nowhere to be found?

If you're wondering how to get your business to show up on Google, especially when customers are searching for what you do, you're not alone. The good news is, it comes down to three main things: your Google Business Profile, your customer reviews, and your website. And you can make a big difference to all three, often starting this weekend.

What's actually at stake when customers can't find you

In July 2026, when someone needs a local service – whether that's a new roof in Manchester, an accountant in Perth, or a café for brunch in Brighton – their first stop isn't the Yellow Pages. It’s Google. They'll pull out their phone, type in "roofing company Manchester" or "accountant Perth," and hit search. What happens next is critical for your business.

Google shows them a list of local businesses, often right at the top of the search results, complete with a map, phone numbers, and star ratings. If your business isn't here, you're essentially invisible to people who are actively looking to spend money with someone like you. It's not about "digital presence" in some abstract way; it's about missed phone calls, empty appointment slots, and customers walking straight into your competitor's door.

Think about it: when you need something urgently, like a blocked drain fixed, are you going to scroll through pages of results? Probably not. You'll pick one of the first few businesses that look trustworthy and reliable. That trust comes from a complete Google Business Profile, good reviews, and a website that answers your basic questions quickly.

What "good" looks like on Google

Getting your business to show up on Google isn't rocket science, but it does require a bit of attention. Here are the three things that matter most, ranked by impact and how quickly you can see results:

1. Your Google Business Profile (High Impact, Quick Wins)

This is your free listing on Google Maps and Search. It's often the first thing people see. A good profile is like your shop window online:

• Complete and Accurate Information: Make sure your business name, address, phone number, and opening hours are spot on. Incorrect hours are a huge frustration for customers.
• Services and Photos: List all the services you offer. Upload high-quality photos of your work, your team, and your premises. If you run a café, show off your best flat white! If you're a builder, show a finished project.
• Categories: Choose the most accurate categories for your business (e.g., "Plumber," "Hair Salon," "Accountant"). This helps Google understand what you do.

The more complete and accurate your profile, the more likely Google is to show it for relevant local searches.

2. Your Customer Reviews (High Impact, Ongoing Effort)

Those star ratings and comments are gold. People trust what other customers say more than what you say about yourself. A business with 30 five-star reviews for "electrician Sydney" will almost always get the call over one with just two. Reviews:

• Build Trust: They act as social proof.
• Influence Rankings: Google uses review quantity and quality as a ranking factor.
• Provide Feedback: They can even help you improve your service.

Don't be afraid to ask happy customers for a review. A simple text or email with a link to leave a review can make a world of difference.

3. Your Website (High Impact, Long-Term Foundation)

While your Google Business Profile gets you seen, your website is where customers go to truly check you out and decide if they want to work with you. A basic, well-built website does a few crucial things:

• Gives More Detail: It provides space for detailed service descriptions, a portfolio of your work, your qualifications, and frequently asked questions.
• Establishes Credibility: A professional website makes you look established and trustworthy. If a customer sees your competitors have a decent website and you don't, guess who they'll likely choose?
• Answers Key Questions: Customers expect to find your prices (or at least a clear way to get a quote), your service area, and contact forms.
• Reinforces Google: Google looks at your website to understand your business better, which helps your Google Business Profile rank higher. If your website clearly states you're a "physiotherapist in Glasgow," Google knows you're relevant for those searches.

A good website doesn't need to be fancy or expensive. It just needs to be clear, easy to use on a phone, and tell customers what they need to know.

"But I get enough business from word of mouth!" — Common objections answered

We hear this a lot. And it's true, word of mouth is fantastic! It's the best kind of marketing. But here's the thing: even when someone hears about you from a friend, what's the first thing they do? They Google you. They want to check your address, see your work, read reviews, and confirm you're legitimate before they pick up the phone.

"I'm not technical, I wouldn't even know where to start." You don't need to be a tech whiz. Many services today are designed for busy business owners. For example, we at BizPage can get a free website preview for you from your Google listing, no technical knowledge needed. It's about finding the right tools or people to help.

"It costs too much." Think about the cost of *not* having an online presence. How many potential customers are you missing out on every week? How much revenue are your competitors gaining because they're easier to find? A basic website and an optimised Google Business Profile are investments, not just expenses, and they often pay for themselves quickly in new business.

What to do now (this weekend!)

Don't feel overwhelmed. You can make a real difference to your Google visibility with just a few hours of focused effort:

1. Claim and Audit Your Google Business Profile: Go to business.google.com. Search for your business. If it's not claimed, claim it. Then, go through every single section: name, address, phone number, hours, services, photos. Make sure everything is 100% accurate and complete. Upload at least 5-10 good photos.
2. Ask for Reviews: Think of 2-3 happy customers you've worked with recently. Send them a quick text or email asking if they wouldn't mind leaving you a Google review. Make it easy for them by including the direct link.
3. Get a Website Preview: While you're at it, consider what a simple website could do for your business. It doesn't have to be a huge project. Services like BizPage can quickly show you what your website could look like, pulling information directly from your Google profile to get you started without any fuss.

Taking these steps will immediately boost your chances of showing up when customers are looking for businesses like yours. It's about making it easy for people to find you, trust you, and ultimately, choose you.