10 mistakes that stop your business showing up on Google
· 2 min read · The Isla IA team
Many businesses in the Canaries do great work but are invisible on Google. It's almost always down to one of these mistakes, and most can be fixed in an afternoon.
1. An unverified Google profile
Without verification, the profile barely shows up and anyone can suggest changes. It's the first thing to do. We explain it step by step in how to get on Google Maps.
2. A category that's too generic
"Shop" or "Company" says nothing. "Canarian produce shop" or "Motorbike repair shop" does.
3. Out-of-date opening hours
Few things annoy people more than turning up to find you closed. Update your summer hours, public holidays and closures. Google takes it into account too.
4. A website that doesn't work well on mobile
Most local searches are made on a phone. If your website is slow to load, has tiny text or buttons that are impossible to tap, Google knows and customers leave.
5. Your menu or prices as a PDF
Google reads PDFs badly and they're awkward on a phone. Put your menu or services on the website as text: people will find you for "fresh fish in Garachico" or "MOT check in Arona".
6. Spanish only
If you work with tourists, many of your customers search in English or German. Without those languages, for them you don't exist. We explain it in a multilingual website for holiday rentals, and it applies to any tourism business.
7. Few reviews (or unanswered ones)
Recent, answered reviews carry a lot of weight. Ask for them at the right moment and reply to all of them, the negative ones too.
8. Different details everywhere
An old phone number on Facebook, another name on TripAdvisor, an incomplete address on your website… Make your name, address and phone the same everywhere.
9. No photos, or photos from years ago
Upload real, current photos of your premises, your team and what you sell. In natural light and without over-the-top filters.
10. Not measuring anything
Your Google profile tells you how many people have seen you, how many have called and how many have asked for directions. Check it once a month: it will tell you what's working.
Want to know which of these mistakes your business is making? Write to us and we'll give you a quick, free check-up of your presence on Google.