You’ve set up your business, your services are top-notch, and your customers love your work—but when someone searches for plumbers near them, your company doesn’t show up in the Google Map Pack. What gives?
This is one of the most common questions we hear from small business owners—and for good reason. Visibility on Google Maps isn’t just nice to have—it’s critical. 42% of searchers click on Google Map Pack results for local queries (Backlinko, 2024). If you’re not there, you’re losing potential customers to competitors who are.
Why Showing Up on Google Maps Matters
Google Maps visibility isn’t just about digital bragging rights—it’s about being where your customers are. According to the SOCi Consumer Behavior Index (2024), 80% of U.S. consumers search online for local businesses on a weekly basis, and 32% search daily. If your plumbing business isn’t showing up when people are actively searching, you’re missing out on real opportunities.
It gets even more serious: 61% of consumers use business information sites (like Google, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Better Business Bureau) to learn about businesses they haven’t used before (Local Business Discovery and Trust Report, 2023). Translation? People trust Google—and they trust what they see in those top listings.
Common Reasons You’re Not Showing Up
- Your Google Business Profile Isn’t Claimed or Verified – If you haven’t claimed your listing, or it’s missing key information, Google won’t prioritize it in results.
- Inaccurate or Incomplete Business Information – Your name, address, and phone number (NAP) must be consistent across your website, listings, and directories.
- No Reviews or Poor Star Ratings – Google prioritizes businesses that are active and trustworthy. A handful of 5-star reviews can make a huge difference.
- Low Local SEO Authority – Even if your business is listed, your competition may be outranking you due to stronger SEO signals—like more local backlinks, optimized service pages, and regular content.
What You Can Do to Get Found
- Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile – Add photos, your services, business hours, and a keyword-rich description. Make it easy for potential customers to know who you are and what you do.
- Collect Reviews – Ask happy customers to leave a review after a job is done. The more positive reviews you have, the better your visibility and credibility.
- Ensure NAP Consistency – Double-check that your business information matches across all listings and your website.
- Publish Local Content – Blog posts, project updates, and service pages that include your city or neighborhood help build your local SEO authority.
- Use Location-Based Keywords – Sprinkle city, neighborhood, or regional keywords throughout your website and service pages.
Final Thought
If your business isn’t showing up on Google Maps, you’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. With the right optimizations and a little consistency, you can improve your visibility, attract more local clients, and stop losing jobs to competitors down the street.
Need help making it happen? We specialize in local SEO strategies that get businesses noticed—and booked. Contact us today.
