Getting found on Google · Updated October 2026
How to show up when people search for a business near them.
When someone searches “plumber near me” or “bakery in Longview”, Google shows a map with three businesses, then the regular results. Getting into both comes down to three things Google looks at: how relevant you are to the search, how close you are to the person searching, and how well known and trusted you are. You cannot move your building, but you can do a lot about the other two.
Start With Your Google Business Profile
It is the single biggest factor for the map results, and it is free.
Claim and verify it
Make sure the profile is owned by a Google account your business controls. Add your designer or agency as a manager, not an owner.
Choose categories carefully
Your primary category matters most. Pick the one that matches what you most want to be found for, then add secondary categories for other services.
Fill in everything
Hours (including holidays), services, service area, a description in plain words, and your website. Complete profiles are easier for Google to match to searches.
Add real photos
Your team, your work, your premises and vehicles. They help people choose you and show Google the business is active.
We set up and manage profiles for clients: see Google Business Profile management.
Reviews
The number, the recency and what reviews say all count, both to Google and to the people reading them.
Ask every happy customer
A short link or QR code makes it easy. Ask soon after the job, when the experience is fresh.
Reply to all of them
Thank people for good reviews and answer poor ones calmly and helpfully. Future customers read your replies.
Never buy or filter them
Fake reviews break Google’s rules, and asking only happy customers to review (review gating) does too.
Make Your Website Back It Up
Your profile links to your website, and Google checks that the two agree.
Consistent name, address and phone
Use exactly the same business name, address and phone number on your website, your profile and the main directories. Mismatches make Google less sure which details are right.
Pages for your services and areas
A clear page for each main service, and pages for the towns you serve when you have something real to say about working there. Avoid near-identical city pages with the name swapped, which Google tends to ignore.
Local business structured data
Code on the page that tells machines your business name, address, hours and service area. It does not show to visitors, but it removes guesswork for Google and for AI search tools.
Fast and easy on a phone
Most local searches happen on phones. Make the phone number tappable and directions one click away, and keep pages quick to load.
Local links and mentions
Chambers of commerce, local news, sponsorships and suppliers. Our guide to backlinks for local businesses covers where to find them.
Measure What Changes
Your Business Profile shows calls, direction requests and website clicks. Google Search Console shows which local searches find your website. Check both monthly, because local results move slowly and a single week tells you little. If you are in Longview or Cowlitz County and want it handled, see our local SEO services.
